Free

 ....and then one day she woke up and realized that that sinking feeling had depleted,

that the sadness and longing she felt no longer existed,

that the things that once triggered her didn't,

as each memory slowly faded,

she realized that the thing she once thought she needed, she didn't...

self love had become her new focus and entertaining mediocrity was something she would no longer settle for,

she woke up and the lights came back on and shone through her eyes,

her vibrancy ignited as her soul came alive,

free from the need to be understood, she never needed your validation,

free to be herself, authentically and unapologetically. 

She was FREE.

Euphoria

 Not sure if it was the way you held my hand in yours,

or the way you cradled my heart like it was your own,

or the way you looked me in the eyes, reassuring me that it would always be alright.

Or maybe it was the way you hugged me like I was your home,

kissing my forehead, allowing me to exhale, keeping me grounded all at once,

or maybe it was your thoughtfulness,

the way you would always bring me my favourite chocolate or hot beverage,

the way you treasured the little things, like taking walks on a cool evening,

or simply sitting with me on the edge of a cliff, taking in beautiful scenery...

your smile captivated me, your unconditional love lifted me,

never have I had a love take me so high,

piercing and reaching my soul at the deepest level,

your love was simply euphoric.

She

 She changed her mind,

No longer would she pour into cups that didn't replenish her excellency,

No longer would she run on empty,

No longer would she accept the bare minimum,

No longer would she give more than was returned.

Like the change in seasons,

So was her heart transforming,

Spring had come and she remembered who she was,

She evolved.

Hey guys! I just wanted to come and share a poem with you all. I hope this inspires someone; may you always know that you deserve the same love and energy you put out into the world, and may you never settle for anything less. Take care of yourselves💛

Blind

 They say love is blind,

And I must agree,

For oftentimes it can be.

We allow that feeling so complete,

Sometimes to cloud our judgement from reality.

So never allow love,

Sometimes so overwhelming,

To prevent you from seeing clearly.

Hey guys, this is an excerpt from my poetry book "Reflections: Poems To Feed The Soul" available on Amazon. Grab a copy and exhale💛 Link below:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FW12DJR

Fall

 I've always loved fall,

the mosaic of colours,

the trees shedding their leaves in grand unison...

the airy feeling as winter was around the corner,

the chill in the air jolting you to grab your favourite sweater,

sitting on the porch with my favourite cup of ginger tea.

But this autumn was different....

It was November 9th and little did I know I would meet the love of my life,

a love that was like the perfect love letter,

like the beauty in the changing colours of leaves,

the brown, the orange, falling from the sky in perfect harmony.

It was warm and bubbly like the hot cup of ginger tea,

and soft and comforting like the sweater that hugged me gently.

But like the transition to winter, so did this season of love change...

but every fall, I see this love in every falling leaf, every colour, every sweater and every cup of ginger.

Fall was always my favourite season.

True Love

 True love is distinctive...there are just no words you can find to explain it... it's when you can be in a room full of people but the only person you see is them... when they drive you up a million walls, but you can't help but love them...when you would do anything for them...it's when you're not with them, you feel completely lost...when you close your eyes at night, and their face is all you see...when you're stuck in a daze because they're always in your thoughts...when you are so angry at them, but you can never be for too long...but even more importantly, love is commitment...being committed to that one person, through the good and the bad, the ups and the downs....that's what love is about. 

Love is honesty, telling that person the truth always and at all times, even if you know it may hurt them, because lies always hurt way more. Love is loyalty, sticking it out even though times may be bad....love is patience, sometimes the person you love may need space, give it to them.....love is forgiveness, people make mistakes...when the person you love hurts you, at first you may not be able to see beyond the pain, but it's the only way we can move forward and start fresh again. Love is generosity...when you love someone sharing should never be an issue....love is compassion...never miss an opportunity to show affection....and finally love is pure...so when you are truly in love, you love from the very depths of your soul...with everything that is within you, because you can never truly love someone if you are not vulnerable...if you don't love them with your whole heart. 

Life is about taking risks, and giving our hearts to someone is one of them, but it's a risk we have to take because yes there is a possibility that it may never work out, but if we don't take that risk, we run the chance on losing out on one of life's greatest gifts, a gift that if we're lucky, usually only happens once....and that my friend is LOVE.

Hey guys, this poem is very dear to me and so I wanted to share it with you all. My hope is that it inspires you to love, and to love purely; I hope you enjoy💛

Denial

 They will tell you they love you in secret, then make the world believe you are enemies.

They hide behind their insecurities, for fear of acceptance from a world that is constantly trying to destroy their authenticity. It's sad really.

Afraid to invest in a love that they know is real, a connection so undeniable it can't be compared. So they pick and they prod at every flaw, they highlight everything that could go wrong, forgetting that by just taking that leap, that flight, there is a possibility that something may just go right.

So they argue, they fight, they push you away because it's easier that way. It's easier not to face those insecurities....until one day they realize that you're all they ever wanted, and the mess they created, can't be deleted...until one day they realize that you were genuine, and the love they destroyed, can't be be reinvented..... it will leave a void so deep, they will hardly be able to breathe, the grief that consumes them, will shatter them, for to lose a love so pure, a love so true, will break their heart in a way that only death can compare to....so they will yearn, they will long, but that love ...that once in a lifetime love, will be long gone.

Hey guys, just wanted to come and share a poem that acts as a gentle reminder that it is okay to be scared and love anyway. Hope you enjoy💛

Weddings

 I choose you, even on the days that it’s hardest to love you,

On the days I feel like calling it quits,

On the days when I can’t stand you, I still choose you.

 

I choose you, on the days when I feel like walking away,

When things don’t feel the same, I still choose you.

 

I choose you, on the days when all we do is argue and fight,

And just can’t seem to get it right, I still choose you.

 

I choose you, because even when everything in life goes wrong,

When I look at you, I know I got something right.

 

I will always choose you.

Hope you guys enjoyed this poem! If you are getting married soon and need some inspiration for your wedding vows, feel free to check out my wedding book, link below💛

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QT7SW6X

Black Children's Books

 Hey guys!

I just wanted to share two books that are dear to me in a series that I created that I am very passionate about, as I am passionate about the empowerment and positive growth of children and young people. 

I wrote "Dear Black Boy: Letters to our Young Kings" and "Dear Black Girl: Letters to our Young Queens" with the aim of uplifting and inspiring black boys and and girls in a world that can often be harsh towards them based on simply the colour of their skin. My hope is that these books will change lives and propel our young Kings and Queens into purpose. 

These books are available for purchase on Amazon, see links below!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08L3NW8LP

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MSKDDX6

She Exhaled.....

 And then one day she realised that her breathing was steady, her nerves were calm, her pace had slowed, that there was clarity.... she breathed in and basked in the only thing she ever truly needed....peace.

Love without Conditions

 Hey guys! 

I know it's been a while and I do hope you guys are well and staying safe! I just wanted to come and share some thoughts on a topic that has been on mind, so here goes.

We often hear the term unconditional love or love without conditions, but what does it really mean? So for me, love without conditions means just that, I love you just because. There are no requirements for you to receive my love, if I love you, I love you. From my experiences, most people love you based on conditions, for example, I love you but if you do this, I love you but only if you do all the things I like, if you make a mistake, their love is automatically stripped away, if you guys hit a rough patch, their love is no more, and that my friend is not love. Please understand though, and let me make this clear, that loving someone without conditions does not equate to accepting or entertaining bad treatment, NO. What I am saying is, if you love someone, love them purely and genuinely, no one is perfect, and bearing in mind that you can love people from a distance, especially if their actions and treatment of you do not match up to your self worth. People to this day use the term "love hurts" and the truth is, love doesn't hurt, people do, and once you learn to make that distinction, you will be more open to all the beauty that love truly offers.

With that being said, if you are going to love someone, stop placing restrictions on it, love wholeheartedly. If you have to place boundaries or love them from a distance, if their treatment does not align with your value, do so, but don't place conditions upon it. To love and be loved purely and genuinely is absolutely beautiful. So yea guys, love without conditions, that's the true meaning of love.

Please feel free to tell me your thoughts below and check out this topic on my podcast below! Until my next post, love you and take care of you. 

https://anchor.fm/souldeeppodcast/episodes/Love-without-Conditions-e10mksk 

Much love!💙

Intoxicated

 Intoxicated....

Suffocated.....

Silently drowning ...

Mind constantly clouded....bombarded with thoughts of you....

yearning for relief......to breathe

.......desperately silently screaming

......can I breathe?

Hey guys just sharing a short poem with you guys!  Feel free to share and leave a comment.

Hope you enjoy💙

Exhale

 Hey guys!! I just wanted to share a short poem with you guys; I hope you enjoy!💙

Exhale...

Drowning,

Falling,

Consumed by my emotions...

Swimming in a sea of thoughts....

Gasping for air...

Stop-

Take a moment....

Breathe in.....breathe out.....

Exhale.

5 Lessons I learned in 2020

 Hey guys!! I just wanted to share with you guys a few things that I have learned over the past year and hopefully it helps or inspires you in some way!

1) Some of the most difficult or unexpected situations in life actually help propel us into our purpose. Although 2020 and the global pandemic has been a difficult one, it was almost like a pause button and was a great opportunity for me to accomplish goals and pursuits that I would have otherwise put off. 

2) Adversity builds resilience. If it's anything this past year has taught me, is how truly strong I am, and I am sure this is true for many of you. 2020 has stretched us all beyond limits that we never knew even existed, and shaped and built our characters. I feel now that no matter how difficult life gets, I am capable of getting through every test.

3) Life is short as is often said, but 2020 has taught me it's shorter. It has taught me that I need to do everything I want to do now, to stop putting off any ambitions or aspirations, because all we have is really NOW! So go after your dreams guys, stop procrastinating, do it while you still can and live with no regrets.

4) It has taught me to be present and live in the present moment. To stop getting so caught up with social media and things that don't add any true value to life. It has taught me to appreciate life, so be present guys, go out and enjoy your own company and that of your loved ones. BE PRESENT.

5) It has taught me the importance of really falling in love with yourself and the pertinence of self care. It all begins with you. Learn to put your needs first, learn to love yourself, take care of yourself and everything else will fall in line. You are indeed your GREATEST asset, always remember this!

Ok guys, so those were my 5 lessons for 2020! Let me also take this time to wish you peace, joy, strength, protection, success, and all the best for 2021 and may you always know how amazing you are! I look forward to providing you with great content in the new year and I anticipate your continued support! If you enjoyed this, please feel free to follow and leave a comment below. Until my next post, stay safe and be blessed! 💙

The Relationship between the current Global Pandemic (COVID-19) and Depression

 Hey guys! This is not of travel or poetry nature, but I wrote this recently and in light of the times we are facing, I just thought it would be great to share. Feel free to leave any comments below, and I hope you enjoy! 💙

Depression is classified as a mental disorder, and more specifically falls under the classification of Disorders of Emotion. Common symptoms include sadness, feelings of helplessness and lacking the desire to do regular activities. With the emergence of the current global pandemic, depression has arisen and negatively impacted the lives of many people across the globe, who are trying to come to terms with "the new normal." Due to the seriousness of this deadly disease, many rules and protocols have been put in place to keep persons safe amidst these unprecedented times and circumstances. Persons have been mandated to social distance, are unable to attend social events and gatherings, or see family and friends in many instances. The important and crucial aspects of life such as social interaction and physical touch  have been abruptly stripped away, forcing people to have to grapple with a very sad new reality. For those, for example, extroverts who thrive on elements such as social interaction, this has been extremely difficult. This new reality has plunged many people across the world into depression and depressive states, many being unable to grasp and cope with these changes. Many countries having had to mandate lockdowns or shutdowns to slow the spread of this disease, and this has left people stuck at home for periods of time that they have never experienced. For some in abusive or just unpleasant home situations, this has led to the rise of this mental disorder. Not being able to go out and do things for fun, meet up with friends for example, has taken a heavy negative impact mentally on many persons. The strain has also been seen on parents, who now have to get used to having their children for extended periods that they are not use to, homeschooling them, which are added pressures. This has also created a stressful environment for children themselves, who are unable to be as active and interact, play or hang out with friends. It has also tested romantic relationships, as well as relationships amongst family members, who have had to be around each other way more often than they usually do. All these factors have lent to the rise in depression in many persons, and is evident as this tragic event rages on. My recommendation would be in the midst of this negative situation and these trying times, that persons experiencing depression try to turn it into a positive. Use this downtime to find something that brings you peace, if you lost your job, use this as an opportunity to hone in on a skill that you may have an create an income for yourself. Try to discover what you truly love, surround yourself with positive things and interact with positive and uplifting people; you may not be able to physically meet but text, call, skype, stay in touch with those who bring you joy. Don't let depression be the end of your story. Know that things will get better and that you can overcome. Most importantly, do not be afraid to ask for or seek help if you need it; find your happy place, whatever that may be for you and know that this too shall pass.

Break Free Poem

 Isn't that what we all desire,  

To be able to break away from the bondage we're in,  
To be able to lift our heads high once again,  
And smile because we want to, and not out of obligation? 
 
When will the sun move from behind the clouds, 
And the rain stop falling? 
When will my rainbow come out to tell me it'll be okay? 
When will I learn to love...to be loved. To trust? 
When will I be able to look pass my past and into the future? 
When will I be able to see you for who you are,  
and not who I want you to be? 
When will I be able to see myself and love me for me 
and not be trapped in a web of make belief? 
 
When will I break free from friends and loved ones 
and live life for me and not them? 
I've followed for so many years and now I've had enough. 
Will I ever be able to lead and not follow? 
Will I ever be able to define myself? 
 
I want my morning to turn into dancing instead of mourning, 
And my days to be filled with joy and not sadness. 
All I want is to break free. 
Break free from the oppression and the depression, 
The anger and the hatred, 

The pain and the hurt. 
How bad do I want it? 
I want it so bad that I'm determined to try and not give up. 
And one day I'll be able to say that, 
I broke away and I am free. 

Hey guys! I decided to share another one of my poems for this post. If you enjoy it, please consider using the link below and purchasing a copy of my poetry book. Please feel free to leave a comment below and to share my blog! Until my next post, stay safe everyone! 💙

https://www.ko-fi.com/s/6708cacfa2

How to find true happiness

 Someone once told me to be hurt is something that is inexorable,

and I must agree, although it took me a while to truly see.

For we can never truly live if we have not experienced pain,

we can never appreciate joy without rain.

What a boring world it would be if we never experienced trials,

and our days showered only by sunshine.

Pain teaches us to open ourselves to risks, 

to the possibility that we may end up so broken,

we may never be the same again....

It teaches us to feel....to truly feel....deeply.

It teaches that life is meant to be experienced, not to be run from,

but above all, it teaches us to truly love,

to love beyond the hurt, love beyond the fears,

it teaches us the meaning of true happiness.

Sharing another one of my poetry pieces with you guys. If you enjoy, please consider purchasing my poetry book which is now available on Amazon. You can use the link below or purchase directly from my page. Enjoy and stay tuned for my next blog post! :)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FMXFWC8

Hiding behind Bravados Poem

 

I live in a world where people live behind bravados,

they all pretend to be something they're not.

We have friends, 

but the word is used so loosely.

These friends laugh and talk with you,

share your secrets,

and when you are not there,

share them with others.

We call people hypocrites,

but aren't we ourselves not the biggest hypocrites of all?

We tell people we love them,

but the love has certain limitations.

Trust and faith in others is something we no longer have,

we've been hurt too many times,

so to avoid it we hide,

believing that if we love less and trust less,

Man can't hurt us.

But doesn't hurt and pain always find a way into our lives?

To believe in love and to trust people,

is a step not many can take,

but for those who do find that the secret to life,

isn't about what is expected,

but about learning to face the rain,

and realising that the sun always comes out again.

Written by & dedicated to Melanie. Continue to shine down on me 💓