Advice to Self

Dear Self, my advice to you is …

Listen to your inner voice. 

Follow that quiet whisper whose timidity makes her easy to ignore;
she knows truth. Even though her voice is quiet,
sometimes a mumble,
tentative,
it’s because she knows it’s not always what you want to hear.

Give her credence;
believe her;
mind her suggestions.
I don’t know how she knows, but she does.

She’s wise in ways you’re not;
she need not be pushed aside simply because her opinion is not the popular one.
Contrarily, hers is the idea you need at that moment to – at least – consider,
to contemplate,
to mull,
before you launch yourself head first,
heart first,
both feet first,
hell, whole body first 
as you so often do
(you know how you are!)
into some initiative, some direction,
before exploring multiple perspectives.

She’s not a killjoy;
by no means does she intend to quell your lust or passion.
She loves when your juices flow.
But sometimes,
-- most times -- 
it would behoove you
-- greatly -- 
to lend an ear; 
heed.

Pay attention
to your better angel who is, unfortunately, not as loud as your demons.