Life doesn’t arrive in a box with a bow,
With neat little labels explaining the show.
It tumbles in sideways with whistles and squeaks,
With glorious mornings and plumbing that leaks.
Each dawn, tell your slippers, “A fresh day! Let’s start!
I’ll listen more closely to what’s in my heart.
Whatever comes knocking, whatever rolls through,
I’ll see what it offers, then choose what to do.”
When plans turn to pudding, when tempers run hot,
You needn’t climb into the Fussalot Pot.
A breath may do wonders. A chuckle might, too.
Why give every bother a bedroom in you?
And if you love giving, try something quite queer:
Let somebody help you. Let kindness come near.
Don’t wave off a compliment, casserole, or chair;
Receiving gives somebody a joy they can share.
At dusk, when your mind starts its nightly review,
And lists seventeen things you ought now to rue,
Say, “Yes, I was learning. I’ll learn something more.
But guilt needn’t camp outside my front door.”
Make peace where you can; make amends where you may.
Then loosen your grip at the end of the day.
Keep hold of the lesson; let go of the sting.
You don’t need each blunder attached with a string.
Let sleep draw its curtains. Let tired muscles rest.
No midnight tribunal need sit on your chest.
If dreams feature penguins who dance wearing ties,
You needn’t explain them before you arise.
Thank Earth for the feather, the blossom, the tree.
Give water, give tending, give thanks quietly.
No gift needs a price tag, a trumpet, a show;
Small acts of kindness help goodness to grow.
Be choosy with voices that shout, “Should, you should!”
Ask, “Does this ring true? Will it lead somewhere good?”
Stand firm in your center yet leave room to bend.
There’s no final test looming at your day’s end.
Each morn brings a lesson; you’re free to begin.
Let yesterday go as today wanders in.
Your Thoughts:
How do you start your days? Do you love helping others? Do you allow to be helped yourself? Do you end your days in peace and hope?
