If We Looked In First
A poem
What would the world be like if we spent more time
and energy focusing on self-reflection and inner growth,
and what we pour into the world, rather than telling others
what to do or believe or think or act?
Would the world be kinder?
Would the world be warmer?
Would the world be a place that caught us when we tripped
and messed up, instead of delighting in our fall?
What would the world be like if we spent more time
and energy focusing on self-reflection and inner growth,
and what we pour into the world, rather than telling others
what to do or believe or think or act?
Would we listen to one another more?
Would we laugh with one another more?
Would connection extend beyond the surface and into the
hearts and souls of one another?
Would we be softer around the edges,
and lighter in our hearts,
and more likely to look inward?
Perhaps we would see one another without a filter,
and hear one another without excess chatter, and
love one another without pretense or hesitation.
If we looked in first, how would that shape the world?
If we looked in first, how would that shape our lives?
If we looked in first, how would that shape ourselves?
