You can't move forward if you stand in your own way!

We all go through things that were meant to break us.

A crack here, a crack there with each and every shake.

I often ask myself and wonder. Why some succeed and flourish, while others fail and wither?

While some grow with the might of lions, living truthful and honest. As they fight with those who slither, in the darkness, spewing their venomous lies.

We all have life experiences that can be explained through the images in the words above.

An ex, an old friend who did us wrong, a boss who threw us under the bus. Then steals our ideas, and claims them as their own.

A life of struggles, hurt, and pain. Days filled with gloom, hate, or blame.

We need to look past those experiences that torment us. Our traumas, our histories, our failures, and wrong choices.

We need to let go of those horrible pains. For us to move forward with life's rewards and positive gains.

Life is never easy believe me I know. To sit here and be reminded of our moments when we are low.

To be beat down and judged by others in a world who do not know.

The stories of others, and the things they've endured meant to help them grow.

Or maybe we hold onto the wonderful memories of days from our past.

Wishing they'd last for ever and not move quite as fast.

To want time to stand still of our days in our prime. Knowing that nothing is guaranteed, not even our climb.

We work hard, we learn, and continue to grow. With hopes that our loved ones will learn from what we know.

Then why do we hold on to those things that have already taken place?

I often look back and reminisce at the days. When I was once young, and had fun, and could play.

But as I grew up and reality set in. The pressure and responsibility slowly had stolen my grin.

To take on the sadness and troubles of this world were never only meant to be felt by one girl.

So I take a moment to rest from this life wishing for better days.

But the truth is we can't move forward with thoughts of our past.

Whether good or bad they tend to do the same. Hold us back from our futures and dreams.

Whether fears of failure, or contentment of familiarity. Both can stiffle ones creativity.

To stop us in our tracks from other possibilities.

Most days I am reminded of my past. How I had no choice, but to raise my kids alone.

Trying to repair their wounded hearts as I maintained our home.

Knowing what damage was done by growing up without a dad.

To push myself above and beyond while going to school, and working hard.

But what others see as great accomplishments I tend not to agree.

Is it wrong that we all do not have that same mentality?

The American dream, of owning your own home, and getting a few degrees.

I have attained in earlier years, to sit back, while never feeling free. The things I did were only out of necessity.

Now my kids have grown, and it hurts me to see the time spent on stability stole their time with me.

I often get upset of all the daily struggles. I often get upset of the all the things that weren't possible.

The things that I couldn't provide for them while they were younger.

I look forward not knowing what could be, but that's because I'm stuck in a past that wasn't meant for me.

I find my world turned upside down. As I try to rediscover what was once found.

A life filled with hobbies, possibilities, and days filled with joy. The way that I once felt.

A time, before I thought I needed to listen to the world tell me who I should be.

Had I stuck to my true self! Had I known what I do now!

Could I have been a better mother to my children?

It's true what they say, kids do see it all. No matter how hard we try to hide things from their eyes.

The cycles of violence, alcoholism, or addiction can make some feel like they'll never be free.

But one must learn you can't move forward, if you stand in your own way!