A Poem about Letting Go.

I’m trying to get back into the habit of writing.

I will say, once again, that 2013 was a great year. But, when the new year rolled around and we looked back on all that was accomplished… I was frustrated at how little I had documented my thoughts along the way.

Now, don’t get me wrong.. I still tweet and text and post pictures. Yet, it has become harder and harder for me to sit down and actually put my reflections on paper. Or at least flesh them out in a format that allows for more than 140 characters.

Growing up in the digital age puts a strain on how well you can articulate your thoughts. And this way of connecting allows us to filter how genuine you are with those messages. Because these social networks are limited to primarily a one-way form of communication, we splice our thoughts and ideas into small digestible pieces. Then, we fill the airwaves with blurbs about our existence in the hopes that someone will catch it above the noise.

Instead of initiating real connections, we have little “sips” of online conversation.. hoping it will amount the illusion of meaningful connection. But, what scares me most about my “adjustment” to this form of communication is the way that it distracts me from staying in tune with how I truly feel.

Do something today that your future self with thank you for.

It’s easy enough to fill our day to day with these kinds of connections. The posts on your wall receive more attention then the things that are on your mind. Because, in reality, those things are simpler to handle. Many of our days our consumed with tasks that distract our mind from our personal perceptions. Our views become muddled with the thoughts of others, and this overwhelming exposure to their activity makes it easy to feel like you’re filling the void.

It’s certainly hard for me to really pay attention to the million thoughts that zip through my mind every moment. It’s hectic in there.  And I’ve noticed the strain this has put on my ability to articulate my thoughts, to express my ideas, and to communicate my theory behind  them. I plan on spending the rest of my life seeking out incredible individuals and organizations that see the good in the world and who are determined to find ingenious ways to create more. But, these are ideas that have yet to be discovered. In fact, I feel that some of them may be buried deep in my cerebral cortex at this very moment.  However, those ideas will never come to life if I’m not able to honestly share them with others.

That’s really why I’m here.

Because in the days when I feel like Instagram is the only social network in which I can find peace, I know there is a need to preserve my ability to USE MY WORDS.

So, in this new year, I’ve decided to commit to a thought I’ve been entertaining for a while. As you may know, I’m a fan of pretty words and beautiful sentiments… two things I believe are most perfectly expressed in poetry. I’ve always loved writing little poems. My parents will tell you they were the recipients of these silly poems quite often. I even sent my little sister to college with my words of advice captured in the rhyming fashion. Plus, the Bear and I have big plans to write many children’s books.… which I think are more fun to read when they rhyme!

So, once a month I will break my normal routine of tweets and pins and posts… to try something more long form. And more genuine.

I hope you enjoy this first attempt….

A Poem About Letting Go.

By: Me. 

By tomorrow, today will have ended.

And a different path will start.

There will be damage you could have mended.

If you start by falling apart.

LET GO of thoughts that don’t make you feel strong

For you can overcome the most difficult task.

Trust that you will find where you’re meant to belong.

This journey will answer questions you’d never thought to ask.

LET GO of regrets that distract your mind

Free your world of thoughts that are petty.

You will find that it is necessary to leave them behind,

Simply for the reason that they are heavy.

LET GO of worrying that wastes your time,

And the “what if’s” that you needlesly flaunt.

Because allowing yourself to continue that climb,

Uses your imagination to create something you don’t want.

LET GO of blame and the thoughts that ensue

Saying that to be happy you need someone’s help.

Because although you act like the world is against you,

it’s really just you against yourself.

LET GO of thinking your dreams aren’t important.

You must resist the urge to stand still.

Believe in the actions your goals certainly warrant.

Because doubt will kill more dreams than failure ever will.

LET GO of the thinking that this is not where you belong.

Because, regardless, it’s where you are today.

And know that it’s hard to tell right from wrong

When you aren’t ready to see them that way.

LET GO of your need to feel superior…

To the others that you may have fought.

You will learn that life becomes easier

When you can accept an apology you never really got.

LET GO of your impatience

And the need to ask for more.

Do the best you can until you know better.

Then when you know better. Do better than before.

LET GO of being a know it all.

Because there’s a lot you’ll never see.

And because what trips us up most of all

is how we picture things are should be.

LET GO of the doubt that can numb your heart

…banish negativity altogether.

Because sometimes things must fall apart

So even better things can fall together. 

LET GO of your urge to ask for more

A simple sentiment to see you through:

The secret to really having it all

is knowing you already do.

What will you be letting go of this year?

Or tell me what your focus is this month. 

Give me some inspiration for next month’s addition!!

xoxo,

the littlest bear.