In celebration of National Poetry Month, I am sharing one of my favorite poems, this one by Mary Oliver.
The Journey
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.
As I am about to begin a year long study in Positive Psychology. This poem expresses my own journey. I am taking this course for my own personal growth, knowing that I will change this year and I am certain that what I learn will impact my entire life, both personal and professional. I am excited, curious and ready to take a next step in my own growth. I will be back to share more as the course unfolds.What poem guides your life? Poetry is the song of our hearts.
