Great message, Melissa! I’m so inspired by how you’ve turned your tragedy into triumph using writing. I journal myself and it’s gotten me through some tough times. Sometimes feeling the pain and transmuting it through expression (ie- writing) is what will truly set us free and gives us the keys to our happiness again! thank you for sharing this vulnerable and redemptive piece with the community <3 Juvi”

My teenage years were such a confusing time, navigating boys, my relationship with my friends and parents, and anxieties about my future college/career! I wish I read this 10 years ago, it would’ve made me feel seen and understood. Thank you for sharing <3 Juvi

Ps- the line ” find your tribe of like-minded people who forces you to level up in all aspects of life” reminds me of the saying that you are the average of the five closest people in your life. Great advice to your younger self to befriend those who help lift him up / inspire him!

PS- I love these lines “Honor Thy father’s, invested thinking
Regard thy mother’s reflective mentions” I feel like as kids we always feel like we know better than our parents! Until we grow up and become parents ourselves lol

Great message, Paulino! Life will always have its ups and downs, but faith is the cure for such anxieties about the future because only God knows what’s in store and it’s always better than what we can imagine! <3 Juvi

Lovely poem Roberta! Everyone makes mistakes and experiences hardships, but I love that you encourage yourself to still smile big and keep going that extra mile. Thank you for sharing and I hope you continue to hold your head up high through life’s ups and downs <3 Juvi

Ashley, I can’t imagine what struggles you’ve had to overcome raising children as a young mother. I am inspired by your faith and determination to provide the best lives for your kids while also pursuing your passion for writing, career as an author, and love for Jeeping. Keep writing and believing. I hope you achieve all your goals and more!! <3 Juvi

The first five stanzas could be its own poem!
“Worry.
A tradition of the mind
that was not made for the soul.
A symptom of the lost
who forgot to come home.”

so impactful. I love the message that worry keeps us stuck in our minds and causes us anxiety but our soul knows that worry is futile because everything happens for a reason and it all works out in the end. Thank you for sharing your gift with the community <3 Juvi

When the world does not treat us the way we want, it is up to us to be kind to ourselves. I love how your poem reminds us that the quality of our life is ours to determine, so why not love it? Thank you for sharing with the community. <3 Juvi

It’s so painful to feel misunderstood as a child, but the important thing is that YOU see and love yourself now as an adult. Someday, the love you give will be returned to you in abundance. Thank you for sharing <3 Juvi

I love how you teach us that the only way to face fear is head-on rather than running away. To receive the world with an open requires so much bravery. Your poetry creates “ripple” effects! Thank you for sharing with the community <3 Juvi

This is the first haiku entry that I read here. Carefully considered and well done. <3 Juvi

If only we listened to our parents when we were young! So true that their wisdom is invaluable but so is the intuition inside you <3 Juvi

I can tell embracing your uniqueness is a value of yours and I’m sure that’s inspired many great adventures and stories. A colorful life that’s true to yourself… inspiring! <3 Juvi

I love these lines SO much!!

“worry is nothing but poorly allocated creative energy. It’s pouring fresh, fragrant imaginative juices down a non-functional well. Every worry is a story. You, my darling, are a masterful storyteller.”

I’ve never thought about anxiety as untapped creativity. If that’s the case, then I have a lot of creativity 😉 Thank you for an inspiring read! <3 Juvi

This poem takes me back to a very carefree time during my teenage years! Thank you for reminding us that although life will never feel as care-free as they were back then due to hardships and loss, at least we can treasure the memories and photos of those rose-colored times and the people we shared them with <3 Juvi

Beautiful illustration using cypsela. TBH I had to google what they were but when I realized they were those dandelion whisps, it stirred a beautiful childhood memory of blowing them into the air and watching them disperse. <3 Juvi

When we’re little, all we want is a sense of belonging and love. I’m glad you can wrap your little self with the empathy and compassion she deserves. In the end, there was never a need to fret because it all worked out! <3 Juvi

I agree rejection is tough, but your advice is powerful: Don’t let those negative experiences or thoughts stop you from moving forward. Keep going! <3 Juvi

Asya, thank you for sharing your story with the community. You’ve gone through numerous hardships and losses, but the love and determination you carry in your heart never dulled. Congratulations on breaking generational curses, graduating with your Bachelors, and owning ur own home!! You’re a true fighter and winner. <3 Juvi