A note to self

There are times when I need to pause
Take a breather and wonder
Am I too hard on myself, I ask
Who knows, as I begin to introspect.

Occasionally, I find my thoughts running to the past.
Why did this happen or why didn't that happen.
Maybe I should have done this differently.
Had I done something a certain way,
Maybe things would have been different today.
Am I holding regrets, I ask
Who knows, as I begin to introspect.

Quickly my mind fast forwards to today.
A little clouded and cluttered as I would call it
Based on the quality of my stream of thoughts.
But then, I hear a voice talking to me,
You did your best with what you knew at that time
The perspective you have today is all because of
The experiences of those past times
Remember it's all a part of growing up.

Do not be short-sighted.
There may be some unanswered questions
But trust that they will reveal themselves
Just be patient and wait for the destined time.
Take a leap of faith and move forward with confidence
Life follows the law of averages; things will even out eventually.
Anytime you find a challenge, know that it is temporary
Do not miss the opportunity hidden in that challenge
Because while the challenge is temporary for sure
The opportunities are not here to stay.
The opportunity to learn the life lessons that happier times may not reveal
So, honor your struggle and take a step forward with courage.
Acknowledge the things that you want to improve
But please do not be too critical and have no regrets.

-- Dippy