What does progress mean to me?
Where does it begin?
Changing a point of view
From feeling the same way again?

How do I start to change
The thoughts in my brain?
Is there any way to stop
That same old refrain?

Memories can be painful
When I keep looking back.
I’ve been hurt deeply
By people in my past.

People I have trusted:
An old boss, friends, family, too.
The videos keep playing
Each one lined up in a queue.

I have been trying to get
A better clue on the impact
On my life. Trying to accept
The pain is indeed a fact.

I’m learning to let go enough
So I can move on beyond
The pain. To accept who I am
Is more than memories ‘ bond.

The pain may twinge now and then
Yet I can choose to be free
My future still is bright
I am more than my memories.

That’s what progress means to me
Small steps leading to change.
It happens by choice and hard work
By letting go. It sure feels strange.

I’ve learned to set myself free
From fear, regret, wishing things to be
Different or better or not real.
The past is now behind me.

My future is bright because I have a part in making it so.