My philosophy

I stopped chasing people long ago
and those who wanted to stay, still remain

I’ve learned that we can’t hold on
to those who need a new view

We can’t stifle the ones
who we thought would stay forever

Every person has one life to live

If we don’t allow others to grow and change
and make their own decisions
then they won’t be able to live
the way they choose

I would never want to hold someone back
from following their dreams and ambitions

In fact, I’d much rather be completely alone
for the rest of my life
than to cause anyone heartache

Fortunately, I’m surrounded every day
by people who have chosen to be near me
and I cherish every single person
who has stood by me through thick and thin

I believe I have the best life
anyone could possibly have
because I’ve let go of those
who weren’t meant for me

© 2026 Michelle Cook


 

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Different and new (like the year) ;)

“Everyone sees me differently now,
and that’s ok; I am different.” ~M

We grow
We change
We seek to rearrange

We become
We resolve
We at last evolve

We hope
We fear
We manage every year

Until
there are
no more

© 2025 Michelle Cook

*Happy New Year to my wonderful WordPress family!
May you all grow and change into who you strive to be
and live out your passions each and every day.
Love, ~M xoxo


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Well, it’s New Year’s Eve…

Well, it’s New Year’s Eve, so hard to believe.
This year passed by in the blink of an eye.
The world feels the same; I’ve only myself to blame.
I should’ve done more for those I adore.
Thus, regrets sit like a pit as my stomach throws a fit.
It feels like it’s time to get it right as my body puts up a fight.
So many things set me back, yet determination is not what I lack.
The key is finding the right combination, but the lock is my frustration.
Will I ever get things correct or will I always be a reject?
There are some who think I’m great, but my own brain can’t relate.
This self of mine has a skewed perception; I’ve always carried this misconception.
There is nothing much I can do; nobody can change your thoughts but you.
And now, a new year is just about here, time to get my booty in gear.
No excuses anymore; there is always a path with an open door.

© 2024 Michelle Cook


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The boy

The boy lived
With the hopes of wine
Something soothing
Something sublime

The boy hoped
For the love of her
Something different
Something sure

The boy loved
All the ease she brought
Something beautiful
Something sought

The boy eased
Into the life she rendered
Something exquisite
Something surrendered

The boy lived
Without the doubt he’d held
Something changed
Something expelled

The boy doubted
All the world would see
Something splendid
Something free

The boy whirled
With the joy he’d acquired
Something unexpected
Something required

© 2023 Michelle Cook


Photo credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/nature-people-autumn-boy-couple-2941085/

Just reflecting

Do you ever wonder why things
can’t be as they were
Time always changes things
and causes such a stir

People eventually change
and that’s because everyone grows
still I miss the old ways
and change I do oppose

I miss when my kids were little
the times of simple bliss
now the world has gotten so hectic
everything’s amiss.

I struggle with the here and now
and the moments way back then
still knowing I’d never want to do
all those years again

As great as they really were
life was hard then too
I guess I need to remember that
whenever I’m feeling blue

One never really thinks
about the day their children will leave
and it’s sad when they forget you
It’s something you forever grieve

I know my very own parents
probably feel the exact same way
but the distance makes it harder
and so we drift away.

And friends are difficult to follow
everyone’s here and there
but there’s only one of me
though I’d love to be everywhere

And now that I am older
I find myself learning to be still
sinking into the background
not looking for a thrill

Still I am very happy
and maybe more content than most
but very humbly I say that
for I’d never want to boast

I do enjoy my life though
and yet some days are still so sad
but they’re few and far between
and for that I’m really glad

And today I’m just reflecting
missing those who’ve gone afar
and I think I’ve come to accept
I have to leave them where they are

© 2023 Michelle Cook


Photo credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/young-woman-meadow-lie-relax-girl-2194038/