As I am out enjoying my third week of early retirement right now, I thought instead of writing a full post today I would share something that I found inspirational over the years, especially when I was looking for motivation or facing seemingly impossible odds.
It is a poem from Edgar Albert Guest, an amazingly prolific writer who penned over 11K poems in his career. Known as the “People’s Poet”, Guest was published in the Detroit Free Press, his poems were widely syndicated, and he hosted his own radio show.
I heard this poem, “It Couldn’t Be Done” read by Garrison Keillor on National Public Radio almost 20 years ago. I was so moved by it at the time that I spent hours in the downtown library (no internet then!) looking for it – and kept a copy in my office until the day I retired early. I’m hoping in it you will also find a little extra bit of grit, confidence, and determination to make your dreams happen.
Image Credit: Pixabay
Poem Reprinted From: PoemSearcher.com
MrFireStation 
Muy lindo e inspirador.
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Gracias!
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Awesome poem; very inspiring. Throughout my teenage years, I kept a quote by Henry David Thoreau in a frame beside my bed: “I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor.” It’s really awesome that you held on to that all those years in your desk. While I don’t have a desk of my own at work, this may have to find its way to my work locker or even in a frame at home. Thanks for sharing 🙂
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That’s a great Thoreau quote – really captures the same spirit as in the poem!
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Inspiring! Thanks for sharing.
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Which reminds me of a tactic I’ve used before and need to restart: keep an ear on what the naysayers are saying, not because they’re right, but because they might have spotted something I hadn’t considered or hadn’t yet noticed. Many of their voicings are not so much about obstacles as about landscape.
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The more we observe, the more we learn. It is too easy in the divisive cable news culture we live in to only listen to opinions that agree with ourselves.
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Perfect! Thanks for sharing that!
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It is one of my favorites…
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It’s amazing how much our mind plays tricks with us. Quotes are a powerful vehicle to keep focused and also provide a healthy dose of perspective. New blogger here and just found your site and glad I did. Recently posted on “Cognitive Distortions” which kinda relates to being cognizant of distractions and distortions that can get in the way of the journey toward our goals
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Welcome, Mr. Pie – glad you found your way to the Fire Station. I’ll take a look at your post. Thanks for the comment.
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