There was advice always being given to me
Making independent decisions sound was not considered to be
Something I could do- I was naïve and inexperienced
Prone to impulsivity, idealism and emotions intense
I was told many times in a tone of mild condescension
That I should listen to those older and wiser, they had good intentions
They wanted to help me make choices right-
Mostly I ended up acquiescing, I did not put up a fight
Because much of the advice I received was geared
Towards following the safest path, it appeared
*
I am squarely middle-aged, and I still get unsolicited advice
From people in positions of power, who consider themselves more wise
While most advice I receive appears sensible at first glance
The aim seems to discourage me from trying to advance
In my career, on the same rung of the ladder stay
Despite knowing better, I often follow such advice anyway..
*
Often sensible advice does not align
With the instincts of my heart and mind
My intuition tells me that I should take
More risks, but I hold back because I don’t want to make
My “advisors” angry or say “I told you so”
If things according to my plan fail to go
*
Who am I afraid of and why
It is about time that I begin to rely
On my gut instinct and what it tells me to do
No one else I have to be answerable to
If I keep listening to “sensible” advice
Through stagnation I would be paying the price..
Passion...unbridled 