Leaving the City of Regret by Larry Harp

I had not really planned on taking a trip this time of year, and yet I found myself packing rather hurriedly.  This trip was going to be unpleasant and I knew in advance that no real good would come of it.  I'm talking about my annual "Guilt Trip."

I got tickets to fly there on Wish I Had airlines.  It was an extremely short flight.  I got my baggage, which I could not check.  I chose to carry it myself all the way.  It was weighted down with a thousand memories of what might have been.   No one greeted me as I entered the terminal to the Regret City International Airport.  I say international because people from all over the world come to this dismal town.

As I checked into the Last Resort Hotel, I noticed that they would be hosting the year's most important event, the Annual Pity Party.  I was not going to miss that great social occasion.  Many of the towns leading citizens would be there.

First, there would be the Done family, you know, Should Have, Would Have and Could Have.  Then comes the I Had family.  You probably know ol' Wish and his clan.  Of course, the Opportunities would be present, Missed and Lost.   The biggest family would be the Yesterday's.  There are far too many of them to count, but each one would have a very sad story to share.

Then Shattered Dreams would surely make an appearance.  And 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 Don't Blame Me and I Couldn't Help It.

Well, to make a long story short, I went to this depressing party knowing that there would be no real benefit in doing so.  And, as usual, I became very depressed.  But as I thought about all of the stories of failures brought back from the past, it occurred to me that all of this trip and subsequent "pity party" could be cancelled by ME!  I started to truly realize that I did not have to be there.  I didn't have to be depressed.  One thing kept going through my mind.  I CAN'T CHANGE YESTERDAY, BUT I DO HAVE THE POWER TO MAKE TODAY A WONDERFUL DAY.  I can be happy, joyous, fulfilled, encouraged, as well as encouraging.  Knowing this, I left the City of Regret immediately and left 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 are planing a trip back to the City of Regret, please cancel all your reservations now.  Instead, take a trip to a place called Starting Again.  I liked it so much that I have now taken up permanent residence there.  My neighbors, the I Forgive Myselfs and the New Starts are so very helpful.  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 finding this great town.  If you can find it--it's in your own heart--please look me up.  I live on I Can Do It Street.

I AM... Enough

Are you enough? This is a question I frequently asked myself consciously and probably unconsciously. The answer to that question on one level or another was often "i" am not enough. This belief either drove me to the point of physical or emotional exhaustion or often stopped me dead in my tracks. I discovered to truly remember who and what I AM determines if I AM... Enough!


There is an aspect, a small "i" that will always want to prove to myself and others that I am enough. This aspect, no matter how hard it tries, no matter what it does or doesn't do, very rarely feels it is enough. I also know that "i" can't control this aspect. (Living in a culture that values productivity above all else feeds it.)  I've learned to accept it. I no longer run from this part of myself but surrender it to a greater part of me that lies within and without. I allow this fearful aspect that shouts.. "Not enough, not enough, not enough," to be embraced by my own compassionate nature and by a power that is larger than me. There is no greater freedom.

In my daily prayer/meditation I state clearly that I surrender all aspects of myself to the "I" that is greater than me. I lift those frightened places within me to Light and Love. I state that I align "my" will with "My" will and ask for Divine assistance for my day. This is something I just have to do on a daily basis! If "i" do not, the proverbial... "Not enough, not enough, not enough," raises its ugly head.

I often journal the messages that come through from the "I" when the smaller "i" quiets itself to hear. The following is what was received after a particular plea for help for feeling I was not enough...

"Know that you’re more than enough just as you are. There is nothing you have to prove to yourself or anyone else to claim your worthiness. You were created in the image of God-I AM with your own individual expression and unique gifts.  Your own personal gifts are enough! It does not matter what gifts others have. Focus on yours! You have everything you need within you to create a purposeful and rich life.

What undue pressures you put upon yourself! Do your best each day and know it is enough. Some days your best may seem better than others. Knowing you are enough does not have to be based on how much is accomplished on a daily basis. Each day you are enough. When you remind yourself of this, you will feel confident and self-assured. You will feel lighter and more joyous! Those around you will sense your joy and will feel more joyous themselves."   *

Are you enough?  The truth is, you are! Everyday and every moment, if you have to, surrender the aspect of yourself that says differently to that greater part within and without, to the power of Love, the Creator of all, I AM.  You are enough.  I AM... Enough!

Copyright 2012, Denna J. Shelton

*TwentyGems, Journey to the Self, (Gem #15) soon to be released.

My favorite "MiniGems" on Worthiness...

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