Instructions for Beginning Anything

Before you start,
take a moment
to do whatever it is
you need to do-
sweep the floor,
wipe the table,
take out the trash-
to clear the house
that is your mind.
Let go of nagging doubts,
shush the mean voice
of the inner critic.

Now,
open the window.
Look up at the sky,
blue or grey,
at the silhouette of trees
reaching.
Stretch up like that,
breathe in
possibility,
clarity.

In a word,
empty out darkness,
fill up with light,
and make a fresh start,
heart all in.

You’ve got this.
You can do it.
Go on now,
the day is before you.

By Maria Brady-Smith
Photo by Mike Smith