The Girl I Use to Be

As I look back and reflect upon my life and where I am now, I often wonder how I got here (a lot of bad choices and huge mistakes made). This definitely isn’t what I had envisioned myself of becoming when I graduated from high school early and had dreams of conquering the world. I was going to be somebody great, one you heard and read about . . . That didn’t happen! I can honestly say that I am truly happy with who I am and my role in life. I have so much to be grateful for and at the same time there is so much more I want! With long-term objectives in mind, I strive everyday to be happy in spite of adversity and discouragement, looking back all the pain, suffering, and distress were the times of my greatest growth, which in turn has made me stronger, wiser and happier! I am truly excited about life!

Here is one of my favorite poems ever!

The Girl I Use to Be

She came tonight as I sat alone
The girl I use to be.
And she gazed at me with her earnest eye
And questioned reproachfully:

Have you forgotten the many plans
And hopes I had for you?
The great career, the splendid fame,
All the wonderful things to do?

Where is the mansion of stately height
With all its gardens rare?
The silken robes that I dreamed for you
And the shining jewels in your hair?

And as she spoke, I was very sad,
For I wanted her pleased with me,
This slender girl from the shadowy past,
The girl I used to be.

So gently rising, I took her hand
And guided her up the stairs
Where peacefully sleeping, my babies lay,
Innocent, sweet, and fair.

I told her that these are my only gems,
And precious they are to me;
The silken robe is my motherhood
Of costly simplicity.

And my mansion of stately height is love,
And the only career I know
Is serving each day in these sheltered walls
For the dear ones who come and go.

And as I spoke to my shadowy guest,
She smiled through her tears at me.
And I saw the woman that I am now
Pleased the girl I used to be.
--Author unknown