Not What You Were

You are not what you were.

That inchoate yearning embryonic entity

who presented herself as full and finished?

Not that at all or ever again.

But this emergent hesitant pillar striving for the authentic in all ways.

 

You are not what you were—

younger than springtime and greener than grass—

but what you are now:

more compassionate,

more aware of others' misery,

more capable of holding life

            in your own two hands,

more aware,

more aware,

more here, more present.

 

Release who you were into the past where she belongs

and revel in the current you,

who is present

and is a present to reward your efforts.

 

 

 

Copyright © 2024 Ann Tudor
Musings blog: http://www.scenesfromthejourney.blogspot.com

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Choosing

It's a choice, she says.

It's a deliberate opting for this

and not that.

 

Let me be specific and name the choices:

joy, life, curiosity.

On the other side is the easier,

more familiar, option:

the complaining dullard oppressed

by anything new.

 

Choices, choices.

Which will serve best?

Someone wrote:

Life is an adventure, not a catastrophe

(actually, I think they said "predicament",

not catastrophe).

Can you try to remember that, please?

Tattoo it on your forehead, perhaps.

And remember also that change is the only constant.

Who you once were is not who you are.

You were formed by past experiences

(oh woe is me alas, alack)

but

you are not still that person.

Choose well.

Greet the day with the explosion of happiness

that it deserves.

 

 

Copyright © 2024 Ann Tudor
Musings blog: http://www.scenesfromthejourney.blogspot.com

ListenandLive: https://listenandlive.com/index.php?route=product/search&search=Ann%20Tudor

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Paradise

First find your Paradise

and then (phase 2) absorb it.

Incorporate it until it infuses your tissues and organs. This way you will have it with you for good and all.

 

Empty the blessings and graces of your Paradise

from time to time,

at odd moments of your long life.

Take stock of its beauty and gifts.

If possible, consider sharing

some little bits of your Paradise

with those who are lacking.

Don't hesitate or be a critic.

Act on your first impulse

and trust that all will be well.

Like the storytale's pot of porridge,

your shared Paradise

will be miraculously replenished.

And this will happen again and again.

 

 

 

Copyright © 2024 Ann Tudor
Musings blog: http://www.scenesfromthejourney.blogspot.com

ListenandLive: https://listenandlive.com/index.php?route=product/search&search=Ann%20Tudor

Audible.Ca: go to https://www.audible.ca and search for Ann Tudor

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