Allow Yourself by Catherine Pulsifer, © 2009

Allow yourself to dream,

And when you do dream big

Allow yourself to learn

And when you do learn all you can

Allow yourself to laugh

And when you do share your laughter

Allow yourself to set goals

And when you do reward yourself as you move forward

Allow yourself to be determined

And when you do you will find you will succeed

Allow yourself to believe in yourself

And when you do you will find self confidence

Allow yourself to lend a helping hand

And when you do a hand will help you

Allow yourself relaxation

And when you do you will find new ideas

Allow yourself love

And when you do you will find love in return

Allow yourself to be happy

And when you do you will influence others around you

Allow yourself to be positive

And when you do life will get easier.

After reading this poem, I was reminded to take a step back and briefly let go of all the stress that clutters my mind on a daily basis. I think we all go through these lull periods, especially as we get older, where we’re constantly in the work cycle and worrying about what’s next on our plates. But, as this poem suggests, if we allow ourselves to do the simplest of tasks, we’ll most likely head for a more leisurely journey.

This poem suggests that finding a better path for ourselves starts with us looking inward. Positive change won’t be brought to us, not until we actively go out and seek it.

It’s a new year with new possibilities. Let us begin this new year allowing ourselves to be everything we are and everything we can be.