Poetry and prose by Co-Author, #1 Amazon Best Selling Poetry Anthology, Wounds I Healed: The Poetry of Strong Women, Spillwords Press Author of the Month, Jan/Feb 2022, and Monthly Contributor to MasticadoresIndia and MasticadoresUSA, 2022.
the distinction between the stream residing, inside
and the one that trickles
within the mist and dew-ladened petals
trimmed
with honey, and the scent of jasmine herein
it runs back and forth filling my life with equal parts your love
and the love that dwells within my hope-filled heart
I am thrilled to announce that on Monday, August 1at 6 am PT the title and cover of my debut poetry book will be revealed! A big thank you to Ingrid Wilson, ofExperiments in Fiction, and to all of you for supporting me each day, every day. My love and blessings to you all.
our connection to all of our heart’s deepest secrets bared only for you and me
hidden for a time
back with fervor and a gusto all their own
we know
the show is only for those that truly grow
into
other iterations of being while transfixed by the matrix of collective memories and
shadows of past circumstance
we resolve
and move toward tomorrow with a sense of urgency and yes sometimes sorrow
yet finally
we behold
the afterglow of the gift bestowed
I wrote this poem the other night, and I as I reflected upon the WDYS #87 prompt from Keep it Alive, by Sadje, it occurred to me that this poem was perfect for the prompt. I love it when that happens.
Utmost Feelings – Coming Soon!
If you’ve not yet checked outAstha’s Anthology,Utmost Feelings, please check it out when you have a chance, and share as you are able. Thank you.
Additionally, the coauthors of Astha’s Anthology, Utmost Feelings, are creating a space for people to send their sentiments to Astha’s family.
If you are interested, please add your sentiments tothis form, thank you, and stay blessed.
I’ve written about vulnerability several times, and am actually right now writing another post about how being vulnerable is actually transformational.
The insight you ask?
Alright, let’s go.
Insight
What you may not know is that in written language, the actual definition of vulnerability is associated with possible harm. Really. Take a look.
vulnerability
NOUN (vulnerabilities)
“The quality or state of being exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally.‘conservation authorities have realized the vulnerability of the local population’” Oxford Languages
It was in the writing of the post on vulnerability and transformation that I learned this fact. Interesting. Though I understand why the definition of vulnerability is written as it is, I will offer you another definition of vulnerability to consider in a moment.
Here is the insight.
I believe that vulnerability is also associated with grit, persistence, and resilience. It must be. Why?
Because anyone who is open to being vulnerable regularly, has to also possess grit, persistence, and resilience. Why? Because being vulnerable is hard work. Simple.
I’ve written before that vulnerability is where the jewels of life are found. When we are open and willing to be vulnerable, we immediately get so much more out of life. Right away.
My invitation to you? Be vulnerable. Though it is sometimes hard, you will find more awaiting you in spaces of vulnerability than any other.
I find everything in life inspiring. Really. Take a look around. Wonder is everywhere. And, I find people that venture into the unknown that much more inspiring. Why?
Because, yes, it is hard work; and, it is such a wonderful experience. A paradox. Really. Inspirational.
The department I work in, which includes over 200 people, is one such inspiration. Every one of them.
I’ve written about this team many times. I am so inspired by their vulnerability, courage, grit, persistence, and resilience.
In the face of unprecedented challenges, they continue to create new ways to access community education and training, which is needed now more than ever.
A wonderful group of people. I am very lucky.
Quote
Alright, here is a different way to think about vulnerability.
“Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome. Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s our greatest measure of courage.” – BRENÉ BROWN