It seems no matter what choices you make, whether they are about your kids, your marriage, your job, something you are doing for you, there’s always, always, always someone out there who tells you should be doing something different.
That it’s not the choice they would make and they list their reasons. That you should try something else, that you’re wrong, you’re foolish.
Even when you don’t ask for their opinion, it seems to come anyway.
But there’s no way to please everyone. So it’s important to stick to what you believe, to aim for your goals, to take care of your family and yourself in the way that you feel is right.
Today, when I’m headed off with my family to squeeze as much fun into the last few days of summer as I possibly can, and then we’ll be back to try to accomplish our goals(you know, those ones others might say are foolish), I could hear an echo of a poem I remember reading to fifth graders, way back in my college days.
Listen to the MUSTN’Ts, child,
Listen to the DON’Ts
Listen to the SHOULDN’Ts
The IMPOSSIBLES, the WON’Ts
Listen to the NEVER HAVES
Then listen close to me—
Anything can happen, child,
ANYTHING can be.
~Shel Silverstein
And you know what? Anything can be.
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I love that poem and Shel Silverstein I remember it from grade school. Have a great trip!
So true! Have a wonderful vacation my friend!
AH…. LOVE LOVE LOVE!! Just perfect- for us ALL.
Enjoy and embrace your family time Shell!!
I love Shel Silverstein and that poem is awesome. It really brings to mind how complicated we can make life when we don’t need to. I needed a good reminder that ANYTHING can happen, so thank you for that!! And what the heck??? How is summer over?
YOU! You are an inspiration and a piece of my heart forever. Thank you for reminding me today about all the things that I can do, that we CAN all do. XO
(have fun!!!!)
This is my favorite Shel poem! I used to have it written along the wall borders in my third grade classroom! LOVE it. And yes, anything can be. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!
I fully believe that anything can be. Thank you for sharing this poem to remind us all.
Yes, there will always be haters and people who “know better”, but no one knows your family like yourself so you do have to do what you know to be right. Love Shel Silverstein
You’re absolutely right, Shell!
Such a good reminder that I absolutely needed to hear today! Enjoy your vacation!
That poem is beautiful! Enjoy your last few moments of summer!
That poem is brilliant. And you’re right. NO WAY to please everyone, except hopefully ourselves. 😉 xo
I have missed Your Your Heart Out … and you! So excited to be getting back to your blog. You’re always so inspirational. Thanks!
So very true, Shell. Thanks for the reminder. And have fun!