Next Time

Next Time
(c) Melina Magdalena (2007)

Next time, I will have the courage to say "Thanks, but no thanks".

Next time, I will have the self-awareness to say "I really like you, but our life journeys are not travelling in the same direction. The most we can be for one another, is friends."

Next time, I will have the courtesy to know when it's time to take action before the hurt on both sides becomes too entrenched.

Next time, I will have the self-respect to know that it's OK for me to say "No".

Next time, I will know my boundaries better, and I will be able to act upon them sooner.

Next time, I will not allow myself to be carried away, borne aloft or disregarded because of the possibility I will be induced to change my priorities. I am stronger than that, and I will show more integrity.

When two people meet, new possibilities arise from their meeting. It would be soul-destroying to deny oneself the opportunity to explore those possibilities. In the face of new possibilities, people's outlooks do change. That does not make one flimsy, insubstantial, wishy washy or dishonest. It can take time to sift and sort, to consider and try out to see whether these possiblities might fit. If they don't, some learning has been had. If they do, the possiblities can still be embraced, or set aside with thanks.

Regret emerges not so much from the things one has done, as from those one never dared to try.

There is no shame in having loved enough to know when it is time to let go.