Opportunities

                After you've realized that your chance has gone by, you should return home and contemplate what you can do better. You know deep inside that you've earned every opportunity that has come your way. Even so, you too often question your qualifications for such prospects. Now you will sit on your bed and wallow on the could-have-beens and the will-never-bes that seem to have overflowed from your cup. You will regret yesterday and the day before, and even the many years that have passed. After that you must make plans for tomorrow and the day after and the years ahead. Now realize that self-doubt is what makes you human. You have to learn to appreciate your downfalls and know that there will be moments where you rise from the ashes. Just as the phoenix is born you must die, but rest easy knowing that you will rise again. Get up and pave a new path tomorrow morning, even if you take the same mode of transportation make it a new adventure. Don't sit and stare at the other passengers on the bus as if they are just another object in passing. Throw yourself into the path of a new breed of opportunity. Don't you dare wait for it to come knocking on your door, create your own door and thrust it open greeting every chance with open arms. Say hello to the man sitting next to you, ask him about his morning. Introduce yourself and make friendly conversation. Throw away the fear of small talk and treat him as if it's the last day on earth and he's the only human left to communicate with. Go to work and invest yourself in your duties. Don't tell yourself how awful everything is, or complain about life and it's intricacies with your coworkers. Instead worship the sun that you woke up to this morning, praise the brilliant functionality of the bus you took, and ruminate on the interesting story of the man sitting next to you. Leave work with a smile, you are tired but you are also full of accomplishment today. Tell yourself that you worked hard, and that you have achieved something today, even if it was only a small feat. Remember that small steps are the key to big leaps and ultimately reaching your destination. On the ride home, close your eyes if you must but remain aware of your surroundings. Let yourself be soothed by the sounds of the wheels beneath your feet and the persistent cough of the woman a couple seats away. Think of your family, and the effect they've had on your life and the views you have of the world. Remember the places you've been and the things that you've seen and realize that it is all unique to you. Take chances in order to add to the tome of your knowledge. Get off the bus a bit early if you dare and let yourself be sucked into the opportunities of the moment.