by Mary Oliver
One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice–
though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
“Mend my life!”
each voice cried.
But you didn’t stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried
with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations,
though their melancholy
was terrible.
It was already late
enough, and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do–
determined to save
the only life you could save.

Dear Friends,
Tonight I simply want to remind you that every journey starts with a single step.
Love,
Dena
You have “got it” now, don’t give up, revise the plan and move forward. I have noted in your posts in the last couple of months that you seemed to be trying to come to a decision and now that I know you are going to be going back to school to become a teacher, it is obvious that you are happier.
Life is all about not giving up on our hopes and dreams, but, it is also about the constantly changing nature of those dreams. What we dream about doing or becoming when we’re a kid is completely different from our adult dreams. Doesn’t make either of them good, bad or better…just different.
As we move through different phases of our lives, we must constantly adjust our life plans so that they make sense and make us happy. The only thing that we should strive to remain constant in our lives is living the Golden Rule and trying to do a little good wherever we can every day.
Thank you so very much, Lou! Indeed, it is wise & loving advice like this that makes you one of the “close friends” that I referenced in this video post. Thank you always for your continued support and sage wisdom. You are wonderful. 🙂
Thank you so very much, Lou! Indeed, it is wise & loving advice like this that makes you one of the “close friends” that I referenced in this video post. Thank you always for your continued support and sage wisdom. You are wonderful. 🙂
You talk in such a touching way. Sweet and soft. I also want to move forward. I am learning how to live again. I got scared of being me – and eating without control. Nowadays i dare more, then get scared, then dare again.
Thank you, Susu! You are so sweet. Your kind words mean so much to me. I am always a little hesitant when I post videos. It feels like I am exposing such an intimate piece of myself. But I know that it allows for a closer connection.
I love what you’ve said– “i dare more, then get scared, then dare again.” That is so beautiful!
You’re beautiful.
aw! you are the sweetest! <3
Hi Dena, This is Michelle just stating that your posts always give me hope and revive my spirit. As you know, I have been going through a tough time lately. This past year for me has been tough, and I have been wanting to throw in the towel at times, but I am continuing to push through and move forward.
thank you, michelle! i am so proud of you for pushing through the tough. i hope that there is a rainbow waiting on the other side for you. hugs & kisses! <3
Okay so check out this great video about not giving up…it will make you cry…but the good kind of cry:)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbqiOG1tpoM