REFLECTION
Some of you might be aware that I was recently on a trip. I had not really planned on taking a trip this time of year, but circumstances forced me to pack hurriedly.
I knew from the start - through bitter experience - that this trip would be unpleasant; and I suspected that, again, no real good would come of it.
I'm talking about my recent "Guilt Trip."
I flied with none other than "Wish-I-Had" airlines and it was an extremely short flight.
I could not check in my baggage; I had to carry it myself all the way and it was heavy - weighted down with a thousand memories of what might have been.
No one greeted me as I entered the terminal of the Regret City International Airport. It is a truly international airport because people from all over the world come to this town.
As I checked into the Last Resort Hotel, I noticed that they would be hosting the year's most important event, the Annual Self-Pity Party.
I wasn't going to miss that great social occasion. Many leading authorities on Self-pity and Regrets would be there.
First, there would be Dr Done, Professor Should Have, His Excellency Would Have and Honourable Could Have.
Then the inimitable Mr. I Had. You probably know old Professor Wish and his apprentices. Of course, Dr. Opportunities PhD(Missed) (MSc)Lost BSc(Dishonour) would not miss such an occasion for anything in the world.
The biggest delegation would comprise the Mr, Mrs and Miss Yesterday's. There are far too many of them to count, but each one would have a very sad story to share. One can also always count on Miss Shattered Dreams, PhD to make an appearance.
And the convenor, Professor Emeritus It's Their Fault, would regale us with stories (excuses) about how things had failed in his life, and each story would be loudly applauded by Dr. Don't Blame Me and Dr. I Couldn't Help It.
Well, to make a long story short, I went to this depressing conference knowing that there would be no real benefit in doing so. And, as usual, depression was the reward I got for my efforts.
But as I thought about all of the stories and lectures of failures brought back from the past, it occurred to me that all of this trip and subsequent "self-pity conference" could have been cancelled by ME and ME alone and ironically here comes the name of the airline again: I wish I had!
I started to truly realize that I did not have to be there. I didn't have to be depressed.
And one thing kept going through my mind, I may not have the power to change yesterday, but I CAN make today a wonderful day.
I can be happy, joyous, fulfilled, encouraged, as well as encouraging. Knowing this, I left the self-pity conference and City of Regret immediately, leaving no forwarding address.
Am I sorry for mistakes I've made in the past?
YES!
But there is no physical way to undo them. So, if you're planning a trip back to the City of Regret, take it from me, cancel your reservation now.
Instead, take a trip to a place called, Starting Again. This is where I headed to after my eureka!
I like it so much that I have now taken up permanent residence here. My neighbours, the I Forgive Myselfs, the New Starts and the Think Positives are so very helpful. Truly, God-sent neighbours. Talk of good Samaritans – they ooze godliness!
By the way, you don't have to carry around heavy baggage, because the load is lifted from your shoulders upon arrival.
God bless you in your efforts to find this great town. I know and I have all faith in you that you can find it. It is in your own heart.
When you arrive, please look me up.
I am now living on I-CAN-DO-IT street.
Reflection:
“I can't change yesterday, but I do have the power to make today a wonderful day,” is an Anonymous quote that you will do well never, ever, to forget.
---
©2012 The Maravi Post. Reproduction authorised, with usual acknowledgment.
My change of plans and address
Written by THE WISE ONE
REFLECTIONSome of you might be aware that I was recently on a trip. I had not really planned on taking a trip this time of year, but circumstances forced me to pack hurriedly.
I knew from the start - through bitter experience - that this trip would be unpleasant; and I suspected that, again, no real good would come of it.
I'm talking about my recent "Guilt Trip."
I flied with none other than "Wish-I-Had" airlines and it was an extremely short flight.
I could not check in my baggage; I had to carry it myself all the way and it was heavy - weighted down with a thousand memories of what might have been.
No one greeted me as I entered the terminal of the Regret City International Airport. It is a truly international airport because people from all over the world come to this town.
As I checked into the Last Resort Hotel, I noticed that they would be hosting the year's most important event, the Annual Self-Pity Party.
I wasn't going to miss that great social occasion. Many leading authorities on Self-pity and Regrets would be there.
First, there would be Dr Done, Professor Should Have, His Excellency Would Have and Honourable Could Have.
Then the inimitable Mr. I Had. You probably know old Professor Wish and his apprentices. Of course, Dr. Opportunities PhD(Missed) (MSc)Lost BSc(Dishonour) would not miss such an occasion for anything in the world.
The biggest delegation would comprise the Mr, Mrs and Miss Yesterday's. There are far too many of them to count, but each one would have a very sad story to share. One can also always count on Miss Shattered Dreams, PhD to make an appearance.
And the convenor, Professor Emeritus It's Their Fault, would regale us with stories (excuses) about how things had failed in his life, and each story would be loudly applauded by Dr. Don't Blame Me and Dr. I Couldn't Help It.
Well, to make a long story short, I went to this depressing conference knowing that there would be no real benefit in doing so. And, as usual, depression was the reward I got for my efforts.
But as I thought about all of the stories and lectures of failures brought back from the past, it occurred to me that all of this trip and subsequent "self-pity conference" could have been cancelled by ME and ME alone and ironically here comes the name of the airline again: I wish I had!
I started to truly realize that I did not have to be there. I didn't have to be depressed.
And one thing kept going through my mind, I may not have the power to change yesterday, but I CAN make today a wonderful day.
I can be happy, joyous, fulfilled, encouraged, as well as encouraging. Knowing this, I left the self-pity conference and City of Regret immediately, leaving no forwarding address.
Am I sorry for mistakes I've made in the past?
YES!
But there is no physical way to undo them. So, if you're planning a trip back to the City of Regret, take it from me, cancel your reservation now.
Instead, take a trip to a place called, Starting Again. This is where I headed to after my eureka!
I like it so much that I have now taken up permanent residence here. My neighbours, the I Forgive Myselfs, the New Starts and the Think Positives are so very helpful. Truly, God-sent neighbours. Talk of good Samaritans – they ooze godliness!
By the way, you don't have to carry around heavy baggage, because the load is lifted from your shoulders upon arrival.
God bless you in your efforts to find this great town. I know and I have all faith in you that you can find it. It is in your own heart.
When you arrive, please look me up.
I am now living on I-CAN-DO-IT street.
Reflection:
“I can't change yesterday, but I do have the power to make today a wonderful day,” is an Anonymous quote that you will do well never, ever, to forget.
---
©2012 The Maravi Post. Reproduction authorised, with usual acknowledgment.
Tags: Reflection
