This Mother’s Day, Heed the Voice

I woke up this morning feeling uninspired. Sleeping-in for another hour didn’t remove the fatigue and the bright sunrise wasn’t penetrating the hazy cloud hanging over my head. Sitting in front of the computer, I went through my normal morning ritual: coffee, email, social media, articles, etc. No sparks. I just wasn’t feeling it.

So I hopped in the car and left. The first song to hit from the playlist shuffle was The Voice, by the The Moody Blues. Their distinct sound was unmistakable – I couldn’t help but smile as the music began to build.

Won’t you take me back to school
I need to learn the golden rule
Won’t you lay it on the line
I need to hear it just one more time

The song was released in July, 1981. Funny, I thought it was older. So often, we need to be reminded of the Golden Rule. Justifications and excuses easily obscure it. Sometimes treating others the way we want to be treated isn’t about what we did, but what we didn’t do. This morning, I wondered, what am I not doing?

Each and every heart it seems
Is bounded by a world of dreams
Each and every rising sun
Is greeted by a lonely one

We are bounded by our dreams. They are simultaneously limiting and liberating. Are we envisioning enough for our life? The rising sun greeted me in my lonely gloominess, scattering my own dreams within. Isn’t that how it always works? We always hold the clouds closely when we’re alone. Feeling uninspired is a distinctly solo experience.

‘Cause out on the ocean of life my love.
There are so many storms we must rise above.
Can you hear the spirit calling, as it’s carried across the waves?
You’re already falling it’s calling you back to face the music.

What’s that voice saying to you? The song reminds us to face our own music; we are called to deal with the situations we’ve created. The challenges will always be there. Whether they are lost dreams, nagging mistakes, or forgiveness we’re withholding, we’re called to rise above it all and become the best version of our self.

Make a promise take a vow
And trust your feelings it’s easy now
Understand the voice within
And feel the changes already beginning

We know what is right. We know what we need to do. The voice reminds us. When we accept it, embrace it, something shifts and we’re already walking toward our own answer. Can we trust ourselves enough to follow through?

With your arms around the future
And your back up against the past
You’re already falling it’s calling you
On to face the music

There is no moving forward without dealing with the past. Fear, doubt, and hesitation stem from the places we’ve fallen. See them for what they are: lessons, guideposts, reminders. Then move forward.

Uninspired no more. I headed home to face the music of this blank page. Sometimes we need to give the voice room to speak to us.

Happy Mother’s Day to all of our amazing moms! Today, we remember dear ones who cannot celebrate with us and recognize the tireless efforts of so many amazing moms. Share your voice with those you love and focus on the important things amidst the noise and distractions in this world.