“Oh the places you’ll go” …. in 2020!

Congratulations! Today is your day.
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!

You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself any direction you choose”…….

I love this great book (and other fabulous words of wisdom) by Dr. Seuss. My children have a copy of the book which we read together from time to time. My best friend read an extract from it at my daughter’s naming ceremony 13 years ago. James (husband) and I felt it was very appropriate.

And it seems appropriate again at the start of a New Year.

For those unfamiliar with “Oh, The Places You’ll Go!”, it’s all about believing in yourself as you go out into the world (so in this time of year’s case, the New Year). It may be a children’s book but it’s inspiring for people who are opening a chapter in their life, or even those who may have just closed one. This book is about taking charge of your own life, facing difficulties in your life such as loneliness, fear, and confusion, and taking on life ahead of you.

“I’m afraid that some times,
You’ll play lonely games too.
Games you can’t win,
‘cause you’ll play against you.”

This verse is powerful for me because it is saying that there will be times where you can’t succeed, because you do not believe in yourself, you end up losing the ‘game’.

I also really relate to:

“Wherever you fly, you’ll be best of the best.
Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.
Except when you don’t.
Because, sometimes, you won’t.”

How true:

“And when you’re in a Slump,
you’re not in for much fun.
Un-slumping yourself
is not easily done.”

And this is true too:

“Whether you like it or not,
Alone will be something
you’ll be quite a lot.”

But there are so many more positive messages too within this book.

“Oh the places you’ll go! There is fun to be done! There are points to be scored. There are games to be won. And the magical things you can do with that ball will make you the winning-est winner of all.”

“And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.) KID, YOU’LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!”

Another favourite part is when we get to the Waiting Place – a place I’ve been to quite a few times actually. You’ll have to read that bit yourself! It is talking about how the most destructive thing people do is spend their lives waiting. Even the most driven people get distracted by the inertia of ordinary events.

So, in conclusion, this simple yet profound and beautifully written message applies both to adults and children. Let’s read the final lines together:

“You’re off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting,
So… get on your way!”

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