Midwest Mary

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By

Mary K. Doyle

·

Poem–Nothing Changes if We Don’t Make Changes

Nothing Changes if We Don’t Make Changes

New year, new opportunities.
An incentive for a fresh beginning.
It is time to recalculate,
as Madam GPS says in our cars.

Frequently note where work’s needed.
This takes a heavy dose of honesty
and courage for what must be done.
Nothing changes if we don’t make changes.

Like the navigation system,
determine where we are on our journey
and the distance we need to go.
Then, take these three steps to our destination.

First, confidently voice a dream.
Next, define a plan to achieve that goal.
Third, complete one step at a time.
Then, relax and enjoy our achievements.

Yes, we must strategize, work, and
persevere to attain our great desires,
but amazing things can happen,
when time and energy are invested.            

©2025, Mary K. Doyle

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Responses to “Poem–Nothing Changes if We Don’t Make Changes”

  1. Looking for the Light

    The words sing true.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Melinda. Sending you a giant hug, my friend.

      Reply
  2. luisa zambrotta

    I found your poem really beautiful.

    The analogy between the need to readjust our lives to the path we are on and the navigation system in our cars is so brilliant❣️❣️❣️

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Luisa. I appreciate that feedback. I hope your year is starting well.

      Reply
      1. luisa zambrotta

        Thanks a lot, dear Mary
        I hope your year is starting off well too.💖

        Reply
  3. satyam rastogi

    Really beautiful poem🌅🌅

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Satyam. Much happiness to you.

      Reply
  4. Adarsh G

    Such beautiful descriptions of new changes around the world , I love it Mary 💓

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Adarsh. I hope all is well with you.

      Reply
      1. Adarsh G

        Everything is fine Mary, hopefully you’ll be going great too Mary 💓

        Reply
  5. vermavkv

    Beautiful and inspiring poem.
    I.love this.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you. That is very kind, Vermavkv.

      Reply
  6. Maranda

    Very true.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Maranda. I hope this year blesses you with happiness and dreams-come-true.

      Reply
  7. Indira

    I am reminded of this quote of Rumi- “Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself. “

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I love that one! It is one of my favorites of the very wise Rumi. Thank you for reminding us, Indira, and a Happy New Year to you.

      Reply
  8. meraki_scribbler

    Damn! well written ✌🏻💜

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you and all the best to you in 2025. It is wonderful to see you here.

      Reply
      1. meraki_scribbler

        ❤❤ Loads of love to you ❤❤

        Reply
  9. Nancy Homlitas

    Your motivational poem reminded me of my dear friend, who died several years ago. She had a brilliant mind, but only enough common sense to fit on the end of a pinhead. She’d call me on occasion and ask me to help her “strategize,” e.g., figure out how to do the simplest things. The difficulty she had was over complicating a plan or an activity. She would include a slew of unnecessary steps between the basic steps included in your poem. I hope you enjoyed the holidays (and your cookies), Mary. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Happy New Year, Nancy. I hope your holidays were wonderful. I think very intelligent people are not typically balanced. You are so right about over-complicating things. I love the way children simply jump in and do things. We become so fearful with age. It is so good to “see” you again, my friend.

      Reply
      1. Nancy Homlitas

        It’s good “seeing” you again, Mary! 🙂

        Reply
  10. Monkey’s Tale

    Great advice Mary

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Maggie, and all the best to you this year. Where will you be venturing?

      Reply
      1. Monkey’s Tale

        We’re still deciding but probably somewhere in Europe again.

        Reply
  11. SaaniaSparkle 🧚🏻‍♀️

    Nicee

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, and Happy New Year!

      Reply
  12. Neal Saye

    I love this poetic truth, Mary. Thank you. I needed it!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for commenting, Neal. I’m sorry I didn’t see your note.

      Reply
  13. hubertprevy

    Yes, I can relate. Since my childhood, the life has taught me, that when my situation changes, one simply cannot go on living their old way…

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      So very true, Hubert. I apologize for not seeing your comment until now.

      Reply
      1. hubertprevy

        It’s OK, Mary 🙂

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          Hugs, Hubert.

          Reply
  14. kagould17

    We have often used the words recalculating when we are confounded in our plans. If 2024 has taught us anything it is resilience and adaptability. We don’t have to like everything that we are faced with, but we do have to adapt. Happy Monday Mary. Allan

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You are very wise, Allan. I am sorry for not seeing your comment until now. Have the best day.

      Reply
  15. Dorothy’s New Vintage Kitchen

    Recalculating!
    Love hearing you read your words, so beautiful.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Dorothy. I missed so many comments here! I’m sorry.

      Reply
      1. Dorothy’s New Vintage Kitchen

        No need to apologize!!

        Reply
  16. lifewithlane14

    This is absolutely correct 😁

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for taking the time to comment. I missed seeing this, and I apologize.

      Reply
  17. Rosaliene Bacchus

    You say it all in your beautiful poem, Mary. Change requires courage, determination, perseverance, among other things.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Rosaliene. And so, we move onward!

      Reply
  18. Victoria

    What a boost your poem is…starting with the title. Truth! Thank you, Mary! 🥰

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Victoria. I debated about that very long title – LOL. But then I thought that if that is all anyone read, it was important to remember. Happy New Year!

      Reply
      1. Victoria

        Love every bit! 🥰

        Reply
  19. Pooja G

    So well said, we have to consciously work towards changing ourselves and our lives if that’s what we want. Changes will never just magically occur. Fantastic poem.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Pooja. You are correct. Rarely are things handed to us. I wish you many blessings, my friend.

      Reply
      1. Pooja G

        You as well, hope your year started out great.

        Reply
  20. spotlightchoices.com-C. Wilson

    Your poem covers it all to make changes for something new!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, and welcome to 2025 Midwest Mary. Good to see you again. All the best to you.

      Reply
      1. spotlightchoices.com-C. Wilson

        Thank you – the best to you too!

        Reply
  21. Edward Ortiz

    Wonderful poem, Mary, and I loved your three steps to our destination. Happy New Year, my friend!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Edward. It’s basic but the way things work. Happiest of new years to you.

      Reply
      1. Edward Ortiz

        Staying with the basics works every time.

        Reply
  22. Dawna

    Beautifully written Mary. You are so right. As we all embark on this new year, we need to have a plan in place. Dreams we want to make a reality and a sense of direction.

    I love this.

    Happy New Year to you.

    Hugs and love

    Dawna

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Hello there, dear Dawna. Thank you for this comment. I hope you are feeling well and strong today.

      Reply
      1. Dawna

        Hi Mary,
        All is well today. I hope you are doing well too. Hugs to you my amazing friend.

        Reply
  23. The Introverted Bookworm

    A beautiful, inspiring poem, Mary! I agree, perseverance is important, as is a positive mindset. What a lovely way to start the new year! Thanks for sharing😊🌸📚

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Ada. Happy New Year to you!

      Reply
  24. johnlmalone

    great practical advice; thanks Mary —

    Reply
  25. Michele Lee

    Thank you for the motivating message, gently presented with your calming voice. One to return to again and again as we embark on changes and achieving our goals. 🙏🏻

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You are welcome and thank you for your constant support and friendship, Michele.

      Reply
      1. Michele Lee

        🙏🏻😊🌻

        Reply
  26. Garden Bliss

    Very inspiring Mary, and so nice to listen to your voice reading those lovely words.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Flavia. I hope you are enjoying your warm weather and all the beauty that surrounds you.

      Reply
  27. Laura

    Beautiful poem, Mary 😊 so glad to see you ❤️ and I hope this new year is peaceful and happy for you, and that you have everything in life you ever hoped for 😊 sending so much love your way! ❤️ 🙏

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Ah, thank you, sweet Laura. Love to you and best wishes always.

      Reply
  28. mistermaxxx08

    You speaking the hardcore facts 💯, very much needed and feeling this, we need that energy

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Mister Maxxx. I always appreciate your feedback and kind words, my friend.

      Reply
      1. mistermaxxx08

        We deep like that

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          Yep!

          Reply
  29. Drops of Ink

    Beautiful and inspirational, Mary. I hope that this new year has started off well for you, my dear friend. ❤️

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Phoebe. You know I wish the same for you.

      Reply
  30. Ann Esquivel

    Thankyou for writing this very true and motivational

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Ann. Welcome to Midwest Mary. It is a pleasure to see you here.

      Reply
  31. Kym Gordon Moore

    AMEN…no change, no change! Love this collection of thoughts my friend. Beautiful! 😊🙌🏼😍 Cheers to change! 🥂 Big hugs and smooches my dear! 🥰💖😘

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      And on we go, dear Kym. Love to you.

      Reply
      1. Kym Gordon Moore

        AMEN Mary! Sending much love to you too my dear. Cheers! 😘💐🌞💖😍

        Reply
  32. Willie Torres Jr.

    Such a beautiful reminder, Mary.

    With God’s guidance, we can take those steps of faith toward our goals. May He give us the strength and courage to make the changes needed and trust in His plan for us.

    Amen 🙏🤗

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for adding your insight to these comments, Willie. God bless.

      Reply
      1. Willie Torres Jr.

        God Bless You, today and always.

        Reply
  33. Eternity

    Thanks for your like of my post on pre kingdom jews part 2. you are very kind

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      My pleasure.

      Reply
      1. Eternity

        Thank you, very kindly

        Reply
  34. AdjunctWizard

    No change if you don’t change – indeed.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Simple truth. Thank you for commenting.

      Reply
  35. Serens Bear Blog

    Love this

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you!

      Reply
  36. Hazel

    It is very true. I must align my behaviour to achieve my goal. I must invest my time in things that lead to amazing things in the future. I love this piece of writing, Mary. So true.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Hazel. I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment. Have a wonderful day.

      Reply
      1. Hazel

        You’re always welcome, Mary. Stay blessed. Thank you, too.

        Reply
  37. gc1963

    True.

    Reply
  38. Anonymous

    thank you

    Reply
  39. Cindy Georgakas

    Wonderful poem to launch us into the New Year, Mary!
    One step in front of the other, let’s do this! ❤️🎉

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Well, you certainly have been putting in your steps, my friend. Will 2025 be as busy for you as the last year?

      Reply
      1. Cindy Georgakas

        That’s for sure, Mary! I want to say it will be more mindful and slower but it’s me we’re talking about .. lol i do hope to preserve my energy and work smarter.. xo 😘

        Reply
  40. Awakening Wonders

    A thoughtful poem full of inspiration as we start out 2025! Cheers to you!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Cheers to you, my friend. It is wonderful seeing you back on HP, Mary.

      Reply
  41. elijahvane

    Love this.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Welcome! And thank you for commenting.

      Reply
  42. Eternity

    Thanks for your like of my post,  “Christ And Pre-Kingdom Jews – Pt 3;” you are very kind.

    Reply
  43. Halima Isa

    Exactly! Just because the year has changed doesn’t mean we’ll transform with it. Without putting in the effort, you’re bound to repeat the same cycle, ending up the same way: waiting for the next year, clinging to the absurd hope that the changing calendar will summon some magical winds of renewal to reshape you. Really beautiful poem

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Absolutely. Welcome to Midwest Mary, and thank you for adding your insight. It’s great to see you.

      Reply
  44. Stephanie

    This so fits my year so far, like a heavenly validation. Excellent, Mary.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Good to hear, Stephanie. I know you have home changes coming up.

      Reply
  45. poetessadeilibri

    Every day is a new hope⋆.˚🦋༘⋆

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      We hang on to that hope.

      Reply
  46. Poem–Nothing Changes if We Don’t Make Changes – Anand Pasi

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  47. ellerooberry

    Such a soothing voice. 🌬️

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Ah, thank you. Welcome to Midwest Mary.

      Reply
  48. noga noga

    Good and happy morning, my dear Mary K. Doyle I wish you good luck, happiness and success, my love 💞🙋🏼‍♀️🙏🏻🙏🏻

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Nougat. Blessings to you.

      Reply
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  50. ✨Avinight✨

    Thank you for sharing this with us.

    I hope your year has started well.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      So far, so good. How about yours?

      Reply
      1. ✨Avinight✨

        It has been great!

        Reply
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  53. Javier Rhoden

    Very beautiful. ❤️

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Javier.

      Reply
  54. Lamittan Felix

    Amazing things can happen when time and energy are invested. Mmm… what a memorable way to end a poem! I love the truths espoused in this outstanding piece. ❤️

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you! And welcome to Midwest Mary. It is wonderful to see you here.

      Reply
      1. Lamittan Felix

        Thank you so much in return, Mary. Glad to connect 😊

        Reply
  55. handwclo

    Very nice. Really breaks down the simplicity of creating and achieving goals (not to say it’s easy).

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      No, not easy but doable if we stay the course. I appreciate your time in reading and commenting.

      Reply
  56. LoveLifeHappiness&More💙💙

    Well said, Mary! ❤️

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, T’.

      Reply
      1. LoveLifeHappiness&More💙💙

        You’re most welcome.

        Reply
  57. Bruce Wu

    Yes courage and support I certainly need those. Have a good day to you:)

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You too, Bruce. I appreciate you reading and commenting on this post.

      Reply
  58. Rose

    Love love love! Making changes sounds easy but it takes much courage to act on your goals. This poem is a great motivational nudge.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, so much, Rose. You’re right. We need to courage to go for it and the perseverance to keep going. All doable, but not necessarily easy.

      Reply
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  60. Callie

    This is really wonderful, Mary. I found the analogy between readjusting our lives and the navigation system in our cars really amazing. 💐

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Callie. I appreciate that. And welcome to Midwest Mary.

      Reply
  61. Ritish Sharma

    Loved this inspiring poem! You’re absolutely right, change starts with us taking that first step. Breaking down big goals into smaller, manageable steps makes it feel less overwhelming too.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      That’s true. Thank you, Ritish. Good to see you.

      Reply
  62. oholygrace

    Beautiful!

    Reply
  63. City Odyssey

    This is the poem!! I read it when I got it in my email and I had to come back to read it again. Thank you for sharing this wonderful poem. It has inspired me. Happy New Year to you and your family 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      That is good to hear! Thank you.

      Reply
  64. Happy New Year! – City Odyssey

    […] you’re paying for a service to motivate you to make the most of it. Recently, I came across a poem by Midwest Mary about the importance of making changes, and it really struck a chord with me. It inspired me to […]

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    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for commenting and referring your followers to my blog. I appreciate you!

      Reply
  65. Poem–Nothing Changes if We Don’t Make Changes – Tellezsoycandle'$

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  66. jeanvivace

    So true, I like your audios!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Jean. I’m still only recording on the laptop. All the best to you.

      Reply
      1. jeanvivace

        You get very good results with your laptop. There are nowadays a lot of softwares if you want the better results. You have so large production that I think it is good that you record your poems at home. In that way you have more time to create new poems. I wish you a beautiful spring and thank you very much for your responses. God bless.

        Reply

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