Listen to Your Messages
Cindy Georgakas
It’s wise to use your mind and think,
pull out your map or compass when you’re lost
and avoid danger when you know it’s imminent.
But wiser to listen to your internal clock and messages |
that never steer you wrong.
Say YES, when it’s crystal clear,
No when it isn’t and you’re on the fence.
Walk away from things that don’t feel right and
towards yourself and cut your losses.
…
You may find the rest of the poem here.
Congratulations to Cindy on the upcoming release of her new book “Celebrating Poetry,” at the later part of November. You may learn more about it on her website, here.
Analysis
Listen to Your Messages is a straightforward poem that encourages readers to trust their intuition and take control of their own path. It focuses on personal growth, self-trust, and the pursuit of goals, urging readers to listen to their inner guidance as they face life’s challenges. Through a mix of practical advice and broader life reflections, the poem highlights the importance of following one’s instincts and learning from mistakes, while offering reassurance and encouragement.
The poem is written in free verse, with no fixed rhyme or meter. This free-flowing structure reflects the idea of personal freedom and self-expression, mirroring the message that we are not bound by external expectations or rigid rules. The lines feel natural and unforced, making the poem accessible and relatable, as if the speaker is offering advice to a friend.
A key theme of the poem is self-awareness and intuition. The speaker emphasizes trusting one’s “internal clock and messages”—gut feelings and instincts that guide us through life. While the poem begins with practical advice about using logic and external tools, like a map or compass, it quickly shifts to suggest that our instincts are often more reliable, especially in uncertain situations. This tension between logic and intuition is central to the poem, encouraging readers to trust their internal wisdom when making decisions.
The poem also addresses common fears, such as fear of failure, fear of success, and self-doubt, which often prevent personal growth. The speaker encourages readers to let go of these fears and embrace the process of making mistakes as part of their journey. The poem urges readers to trust their instincts when making choices, with lines like “Say YES when it’s crystal clear” and “No when it isn’t,” guiding them to make decisions that align with their true selves.
Mistakes are framed not as setbacks but as learning opportunities. The poem acknowledges that failure is inevitable, but stresses that mistakes are part of the growth process. “You will make mistakes which are often the same ones repeatedly, until you get it right” emphasizes that repeated failure is not a sign of defeat but a necessary step toward success. The speaker reassures readers that, even when success feels distant, persistence will lead to growth and eventual achievement.
The poem ends with an empowering call to action: “Go now, follow your dreams, and set fire to the wind beneath your sail.” This vivid imagery encourages readers to take bold, decisive action toward their goals, with passion and energy. The message is clear: trust your inner voice, let go of fear, and keep moving forward with determination.
In the end, Listen to Your Messages is a powerful reminder that personal growth and success come from trusting yourself, learning from mistakes, and following your dreams with confidence. The poem encourages self-empowerment and reassures readers that with persistence and self-trust, success is within reach.
Photo by Bambi Corro on Unsplash
