Scribble it Down

It’s about that time again people- almost a new year! And for those of you who have read this blog before, you are well aware by now of what I do each year around this time. Of course, I write down my hopes and dreams for the coming year in another “If I Had My Life to Live Over” poem.

But as in previous years, this is not just for me to express my thoughts about the coming year.  I am hoping that it inspires some of you to write your own. I am always so excited when people send me their own versions of this as a response to my creation.  I am hoping this will happen again this year!  I would love to hear from all of you.

It’s simple.

1) Start with the “If I had my life to live over” line, and write whatever comes to mind.

2)  Whenever you see fit, or whenever you think you’ve run out of things to say, write the ‘If I had my life t live over’ line again, and magically, it will jog our memory for new ideas.

3) After you have written that first draft, go back and clump the ideas that seem to be under the same sort of topic or idea together.  Or add a line or description to the areas that you think might need a little more.

4) Then go back another time to see if you can add a few poetic devices in like similes, rhyme, alliteration, or metaphors.

Or… make your own rules or just keep it exactly the way it was when you started, because this is not a poetry test. It’s a place to allow you the freedom to express your wishes and dreams for the new year.

Remember what I’ve said in the past- new years resolutions are great, but this poem is more about new year’s dreams- “To Become What You Might Have Been.”

Happy New Year’s everyone! Here’s to an amazing 2014!

(If you’d like to know where this poem idea came from, including the original poem and author- Nadine Stair, click here )

If I Had My Life to Live Over

If I had my life to live over

I would express with depth and creativity,

But in way fewer words.

I would write fiction- novels that you couldn’t put down

And I would sneak a smile whenever I’d see them around town.

I would make my own greeting cards and journal books,

And have a little shop where I could sell them.

The excitement in each person’s face,

when they received their one of a kind place,

to scribble their world down on the page,

would motivate me to keep making more.

I’d have my own company brand name at every store.

If I had my life to live over,

I would drink lots of water every day,

And eat less chocolate.

I would run, swim, skate and dance like a pro

And I’d be lean and well toned.

If I had my life to live over I would sing more freely-

alone and in front of large audiences,

And I’d be the fun one up there! Haha!

If I had my life to live over, I would write songs daily

(okay, let’s start with monthly)

And I would practise on my keyboard without hesitation,

Yes, I’D be the queen of music improvisation.

If I had my life to live over,

I’d play a mean guitar,

And pull it out wherever I ….uhmmm… are….

Actually, I’d be able to pick up most instruments

And strum or beat with the best of the best.

If I had my life to live over,

I’d be an advertising agent,

With a big office and a beautiful view,

Or maybe I’d be an architect too (haha!)

And design fabulous artist havens,

That would produce ‘ahhhs and ooohs’.

If I had my life to live over, I’d go to see my places of heritage

-India and East Africa.

I’d be a philanthropist, helping people around the world

with their educational dreams and personal goals.

If I had my life to live over,

I’d be able to converse in any language that makes you comfortable,

In all corners of the globe.

I’d teach in many countries, but always be proud of my own.

If I had my life to live over, I’d have a dance floor to go to whenever I pleased.

I’d use it every day, and never forget to play-

To create whatever I may,

If I had my life to live over,

No matter what challenges were thrown my way,

with my true heart’s passions, I’d always stay.