I wrote this poem back in about 2015. It was a time, when I was going through major changes in my life and obviously doing a lot of internal thinking. I have used the line “The circle of Want” in subsequent writings and looking back I can see how that sentence has resonated in how I am today and the actions I often take.
1. Time is burning away the essence of desire.
As we age, we hopefully gain wisdom, I have realised I do not need to surround myself with so many things anymore. The importance has declined gradually.
2. AS WE RUN AROUND THE CIRCLE OF WANT, WE FIND OURSELVES BACK AT THE STARTING LINE.
For years, I ran around trying to build an empire, so I could provide for myself and my family. It was my main purpose. I have no regrets, it was a truly wonderful experience, one I would jump back on, and do all again in an instant. But the years turned and the circle of want bought me back to the starting line, where I realised, I had achieved all I had set out to do. It had been like winning a race. The starting line, was me defining A What Next moment. A place of finality, filled me full of panic and horror. My kids were all grown and had moved on. My business was sold to the highest bidder and I wondered if I had reached the status, ‘surplus to requirements.‘
3. The starting Line.
An apt title. It should definitely be known as that, Some call it retirement, some call it redirection. For me it was where I held on tightly to my dream. Still feeling dizzy in the circle of want I kept up my pace. Fighting of old age thinking and a bit of bad health. (Now remedied) I still wanted to make a difference, ‘I am still here’ I shout!. I bought property to reform, started a kids charity, moved countries, wrote a couple of books, started a health business and went travelling.
4. I AM TO HOLD MY DREAM IN MY OWN TWO HANDS AND AS I BLOW IT INTO THE BREEZE IT WILL ONLY BE THOSE WHO DARE TO FLY THAT WILL BE COATED IN ITS AROMA.
My dream is to stay creative. At the moment I am losing myself in writing. Some days I even paint the stuff I feel. Writing is a wonderful way to keep me in tune with the world and faraway places, It also helps me think and define my thoughts I can give something back. I am grateful for the amazing ride I have had in the Circle of Want and I have learnt much about life including losses and successes. I may not be the best writer, but I think I am getting better. For those that choose to read me, I want you to know it is my gift to you. Whoever you may be. I am not asking anyone to like what I do or who I have become but for those who dare to fly you may just see what I do, and get coated in the aroma of creativity. I say this because I realise not everyone will understand where my thoughts come from and where my passion for creativity comes from. People that cannot keep up with you will remain judgemental and there is nothing you can do about it, Just let go, move on, and be proud of YOU.
This time last year, I was about to go to India with an idea that the future was going to see a different type of consumerism. One where consumers would start to question what was important in our purchasing decisions. I started to get excited about building a business offering sustainable products. I wanted to write about the passion of Planet Pioneers willing to bypass quick and cheap, in favour of producing something that held a real purpose. But Covid surged to the front of Importance and all our focus has been smothered by a virus. Creativity has become a non essential word, as has travel, social interaction and our mental stability.
I delve back into the circle of want and see so many people hanging on to the sides. It has become overloaded and the circle is slowing down. For the first time, I am seeing people jump off into despair. Covid has a lot to answer for. It is changing the balance and the wheel is beginning to wobble. Will it collapse? if it does. what do you think will happen?
Following the pandemic of Spanish Flu 1918-21, we entered a period of time, nicknamed The Roaring 20’s. WW1 preceded the flu pandemic, This was an incredibly horrific time in history, YET it was not long before – people danced and sung in the streets, Industry started to boom, women cut their hair, threw off their pinnies and shortened their dresses. There was reaction then to government lockdowns as there is now. The human race has continuously fought for our freedoms and that will NEVER stop. Thankfully.
So as the Globe recovers from Covid, (Which it will). Will we rush towards a time of enlightenment or will we party our way out? Personally I am hoping for both. I can see a light at the end of the tunnel. A new US president hopefully, A cleaner planet, conscious consumerism, people discovering new places, another book written, new babies born, etc etc.
Life will go on and I think that is always worth a celebration.
