Whenever feelings overwhelm my breath,
I seek the strength of flannel’s stalwart plush
to drink up overflow that runs unchecked
down cheeks afire with life’s enduring flush,
reviving smoky tiparillo tang
as giant, blue-roped hands skim chestnut hair
to baritonal mumblings that hang
like sanctuary sigils in the air.

His everlasting warmth embraces me
with patience and a gentle iron will
as echos swirling on an astral breeze
until my inner turbulence is still–
for thirty years I’ve felt Dad’s quiet peace
upon this verdant cemetery hill.

In the warm embrace of my mother and hers before her…
I am swaddled in a sense of tranquility as I reflect on the embrace of my mother; the ancestors who nurtured me in the womb and guided me into this world. Their trust in my potential; the gift of life fills me with gratitude.

The sweet embrace of my children…
my little loves, they bring me profound peace. When I hold them close, one nestled under each arm, their tiny arms encircling my waist, the world seems to stand still. In those moments, the love that we share becomes the focal point of my existence, offering me comfort and peace.

In his sweet embrace…
Finding solace in the warm, loving embrace of my partner, I can be my true self. Curled up in his arms, my face pressed against his chest, I find a sense of peace that takes me elsewhere. Amidst the chaos of negative voices in my mind, he remains a calm and steady presence, offering unwavering support and love. His confidence in my strength and the reminder of how far I have come bring me a deep sense of peace and comfort.

I find peace… here, within me.
Becoming at peace within myself is a journey I am beginning to embrace. As I wrap my arms around my shoulders and lean into my embrace, I take a moment to release the burdens of guilt, shame, and resentment that have held me back. Though I acknowledge that I am still a work in progress, I celebrate the strides I have made. While I may be petite in stature, I have grown in resilience and strength. With a gentle squeeze, I offer myself a gesture of self-compassion and allow a smile to grace my lips. I will continue to commit to nurturing myself, always exploring new paths for personal growth, knowing that I am worthy of my care and attention.

“I love you, I tell all of my past selves”

As I continue on this journey, I see myself becoming a source of peace and comfort for my children, a mother they can turn to, in times of need and find solace with, just as I have found within myself.

You wish to be small
Slight and petite
Not round like a ball
Atop two chubby feet

You want to fit in
With those in your school
To be popular, thin
Not solely uncool

Why can’t you be skinny
Like others your grade
Dress in skirts mini-
Not big and homemade

But hold it, I say
To big little you
Soon comes the day
Adolescence is through

At age twenty-nine
With determination and grit
I promise you’re fine
Keep at it, don’t quit

Realizing long last
Being strong is what’s best
Leaving diets in the past
You pass the qualifying test

Now, a personal trainer
Group fitness leader
Sometimes entertainer
Always positivity feeder

The joy you’ll discover
In this health career choice
Will help your recover
And find your own voice

So, please don’t you fear
Dear big, little you
Your future is near
Your dream will come true

Dear Younger Me,
Why did we worry so much? We were always told not to worry about things we can’t control and yet, we did. Is it because worrying gives a sense of control? Maybe it helps us feel better if we try and figure out why we are worrying about something? Does worrying calm our mind like stimming does for someone on the autism spectrum? Mamaw always told us “you’ll get wrinkles in your forehead if you keep worrying!” and although we have a baby face, she was right. There is no use in worrying over things we can’t control. So, take a deep breath, sit back, listen to some music and just let go.

Dear Little ole me, younger me

First, I want to start by saying how much I love you. And also, how important it is to love yourself. Even if you don’t feel it from others around you as much as you should, you will later on understand why. But before I speak to you about the future, I want you to be grateful for where you are right now. Understand that you are blessed, and should always just love who you are no matter what others may have to say about you.

With that being said, I want to encourage you to not worry about things of the future. Focous on the now. But, I will say this, that your future is a bright one. I dont want you to worry, because there is nothing to worry about, dispite how things may seem right now. Beleive it or not, you have a calling on your life from the most high above. The things that you are experiencing right now, the things that hurt you now, not only will you learn how to heal from them, but you will also have an important job to share your story with others so it may help those whom face the same traumas and experiences as you do. So, yes, that means that the things that you are facing now, you are not alone. Others are going through it too, some have it worse than you do. Which is why its so important to still be very grateful for the things and people that you do have, because there are people that may be less fortunate then you.

Looking forward to the future is nice, but dwelling on it, and worrying about it when you are not there yet, is not so good. Right now, your job is to be a kid and just have fun. Yes, as you get older, you will make some mstakes. But that’s okay, thats actually the only way you will learn, is through your own experience. Experience is the best teacher. Don’t worry about not fitting in with others, because as I said, your path is different, your experiences will be different, and your life is meant to be lived differently. I know you dont understand much right now, But I promise you, that one day you will understand everything perfectly. You are so beautiful and smart, and as you grow older, the more wiser and more beautiful you will become.
One day you will meet your prince charming, get married, maybe have kids, maybe not, but you will experience real unconditional love one day. And when you do, don’t be afraid of it, love back and love back as hard as you can. One day, you will have a little sister and it will be your responsiblity to help her as much as you can so that she too can understand the importance of first loving herself and next loving and caring for others.

Understand that, right now you are just a catoipillar. Just getting here, just now seeing and experiencing things. But one day, you will grow. And grow. And grow. Until you gain wings, that’s when you gain understanding. The hows, the whys and the what ifs about your life. Lastly, you will learn how to use those wings to fly. That’s the healing and sharing your story to help others process. You will learn how to fly. And when you do, fly. Fly high. No limitations, no fear of the unknown. Just fly.

I find my peace in pieces
A little here and there
Chaos never ceases
Peace is often rare

But,
I feel it in raindrops
Dry, falling leaves
Carefree belly flops
A humorous sneeze

In,
Pine needle covered trails
A brilliant sunrise
Stylish manicured nails
Crisp sweet potato fries

At,
Book clubs with friends
Pride parades in June
Multicolored pens
Naps in the afternoon

I find my peace in pieces
Wherever there is spare
Gather then release it
Peace is meant to share

Look at the obstacles you’ve surpassed
not once thinking this is where you’d be.
Despite all of the overcast
now kicking your feet with glee.
Getting past it all
anything tossed your way.
Funny that you were thinking you would fall
now the pressure is no longer a weigh.
I know that you see it
you opened that door.
Never giving in to quit
leaving your heart to wanting more.
We still have so much to learn
you can rest since it is no longer your turn.

Dear Unsealers,

This is my answer to the question in the challenge…

When and where do I feel most at peace?

As the sun rises over the Canyon of Heroes
It’s the start of the work week

But before I arrive at the office
There’s something that I need to do
The Monday morning ritual

As I take my seat in the cafe at 4 Liberty Street
I see the heart in my Matcha Latte

At the first sip, the world stands still
Only the daylight can be seen

None of the world’s troubles matter
With each extra sip, I feel warmed bliss

When the bottom of the cup is reached
I can take on the slings and arrows of the day