In Retrospect

IN RETROSPECT I remember, two years ago, today I wrote my first poem “Reflect” in my first self-published book “Love and Celebrate You”. In the silence of the night before, I was pondering and asking what could I do that would better something or somebody for I had already done my part of raising my four children. I thought it was my call to raise my children on my own and all I wanted to do after I retired the year before was what I wanted to be when I was a young girl, a dancer, as well as travel, and so I was in several ball room dancing and zoomba classes. In retrospect that night, I thought about my blessings, what I had accomplished, what I had achieved, what I had as well as what my children had. The overwhelming gratefulness I felt made me contemplate what I can do in exchange of the blessings and the things I received. I heard this still voice to write inspirational poems to uplift, motivate and encourage others to rise above circumstances for no matter how hard we fall, we can get back up with unfaltering spirit, will and determination. I heard this still voice again and again and I could not stop feeling so thankful how I overcame all my struggles, hardships, conflicts, personal and financial losses and discrimination in several positions I had. I could not stop saying “thank you” and fell asleep with a smile on my face. The feeling of joy resonated in the morning, that beautiful morning, when I wrote Reflect for others to take a moment to think and reflect on the things we had and start appreciating and thanking what we had received. I continued writing other inspirational poems to focus and work on ourselves, inside and out to find our strengths and weaknesses and clear our mind and heart from worry, pride, unbelief and open our heart to expectation, humility and belief. Put a meaning in our mind and heart for things are all right with our well-being and good living. Give our all in everything we do, we have, we touch. Give our all wholeheartedly to bring out the best in us. Give back for our blessings by doing acts of kindness. Be kind, begin to empathize and listen, compliment. Speak well-meaning words for they can influence others and make them perceived these words, as words of wisdom to carry and pass on to others. Positive words can shape our attitude to be optimistic. Stop and think of the people who inspired us and take a moment to reach out and thank them. Be attentive to our relationships and friendships. They take time, understanding and patience to build. Be passionate for passion keeps us engaged, excited. Read, learn, absorb, engage, imagine, explore, write. Be active, body and mind and do the things we enjoy. Celebrate ourselves by enjoying, liking and loving being us. Take a moment first thing in the morning to receive our grace and another at the end of the day to be thankful. 12/12/20 Your Soul in 2020 Poetry Chantelle Anne Cooke