When Ms. Worrywart comes Calling: a Poem for Women who always Second-Guess Themselves

Katie Wells 

Changing of the Guard 

I am a person who
For the most part’s done okay,
Trusting head and instincts
When planning my own way

Yet just when I am doing great
Plans are working out…
Ms. Anxious Gene sneaks upon me
Hits me with self-doubt

From confident and fearless
to panicked and afraid,
Suddenly second-guessing plans
Previously thought well-made

What if I am wrong?
What if no one understands?
And by chance I fail?
Will I be shamed from this land?

When confronted with this detour
I’m distracted and distressed
And find that those exact fears
Begin to manifest

I used to think it helpful
But have since come to see
That listening to Ms. Negative
Just derails successful me

Now I know the pattern
So when Ms. Worrywart does call,
I politely say, “not listening!”
You’re just here to make me fall

I’ve had to shed these guards,
Ms. Gene, Ms. Neg, Ms. Wart
And welcome in the new ones
Ms. I-can and Ms. Support

And when I’m feeling shaky
Unsure I can achieve
I’ll remember that inaction
Is a certain guarantee

Choosing to give up
Just assures the status quo
So now I will step up
Just see where I can go!