Midwest Mary

Sometimes, a little voice in our heads is on our side, looking out for us, and preventing us from failure. Other times, that voice is trying to sabotage our path to success. The trick is in deciphering when to follow that voice’s guidance.

The popular belief is that we can do anything we want, and be anything we aspire to be. The truth is we all have gifts and limitations.

Not everyone can sing like an angel, paint like Rembrandt, or compose like Beethoven. Yes, if someone wants to be a professional baseball player or entertainer, they can work towards that, but I also believe we need to be realistic.

Money can also present obstacles. My father had the intelligence and desire to be a doctor but not the finances. He needed to work to support himself and his family rather than spend years in expensive schooling.

On the other hand, we have gifts and special talents and can achieve extraordinary levels with hard work and perseverance. If we choose to concentrate our time and efforts on a particular area, there are things we can achieve.

So, then who do we listen to? How do we know when to take that leap and when to look in another direction? Only we can make that decision.

*

Stepping Back

My spirit says
“Fly, girl.
Soar above the clouds.”

My mind says,
“Stop, fool.
You can’t do that.”

My body says,
“You don’t have what it takes.
You don’t have wings.”

My total being says,
“Step back from the ledge.
Maybe another day.”

**Poem and Photo (Telluride, CO, 2011) by Mary K. Doyle

Have you seen my book, Tranquility. Transformation. Transcendence? The book features 72 poems and 72 photos from public parks. It makes a great gift for a hostess, a friend in the hospital, or yourself. Grab a beverage, curl up on the sofa, and relax with this beautiful book.

©2024, Mary K. Doyle