Start Right Now This Instant

You have to approve yourself first
But that is not complete enough.
Forgiving yourself is the key.

I should have helped more neighbors.
I should have visited my mother more often.
I should have not wasted so many days at the TV set.

The second you wake up remember that you have power.
In your hand you are holding a red stop sign.
When you hear yourself saying “I should” hold it up
Yell “STOP!” as loudly as you can.

Start right now, this instant, being gentle and kind to you.
Bend over backwards and forwards to forgive yourself.
Give yourself applause for every teeny tiny thing you do.
Like you would do for a toddler or a dog who rolls over.
Most importantly

Remind yourself of all of the good things that you do.
It was great when I….
I felt fabulous when I…
I should….

STOP! 
Hold up that imaginary red stop sign.
Do not allow the “should ofs” to get into your life.
Because you need all the forgiveness and love you can give yourself.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace