Life as Poetry

 Happy Tuesday Everyone!

As all of you loyal readers know, I love quotes, sayings, inspirational moments, and little tidbits that remind us that we're okay...that we're making it...that though the struggle is real, we're strong enough to survive what life throws our way!  

The following poem is called, "Autobiography in Five Short Chapters," by Portia Nelson.  It is a poem that was given to me in college, and I have held on to this piece of paper since then (23 years, wow!).  Some years it hangs on the wall in my office, and some years it stays tucked away only to be retrieved when I (or someone else) needs a reminder that life is full of potholes sometimes. 

Take a moment to read this poem again...

Essentially it's saying that everywhere we walk in life we will encounter challenges.   Sometimes the challenges will be big ones...ones that seem insurmountable and often times these challenges are not of our own making.  But Nelson reminds us that though it may take time, and work, and sometimes, even heartache, we can recognize those challenges, and make a plan for how to move past them without falling.  We can make a plan to succeed and walk down a new path with challenges to explore.  

At its core, this poem is about growth, and learning, and discovering things about oneself.  I want to take this opportunity to say, loud and clear, that life will never be without challenge, nor should it be!!  Those who don't experience challenges will never learn to appreciate the moments of peace and beauty.  Those who don't experience challenges will never learn to be grateful for all the gifts they receive, and those who don't experience challenges in their growing up years will struggle with adulthood - which will sling all kinds of mud at you!  

This is not to say that you should have to experience trauma.  If you are experiencing trauma - homelessness, hunger, abuse, neglect, or victimization, you should reach out and demand and expect help from caring adults in your circle at home or at school.  But getting a bad grade is not trauma...seek support in creating better study habits.  Not getting enough allowance is not trauma...be grateful for what you do have.  Experiencing a break-up of a friendship or relationship (even though it's really hard) is not a trauma...recognize that you are getting a chance to learn about your needs and how those needs intersect with the needs and wants of others. 

You can browse through YouTube and the internet and find thousands upon thousands of stories of struggle and triumph!   From those that have been born without limbs to those that have lost their sight.  From those who have experienced poverty to those who have lost people they loved.  The common theme in each of these struggles is the will of the individual who experienced them.  Individuals who rise above adversity, like in Nelson's poem, chose to use their struggle as a springboard for success rather than a reason to give up.  So keep your chin up Cougars and when you find yourself in that hole, remember that there is always a way out!  

For today's Black History Month, I wanted to spotlight two poets that have encountered challenges in their lives but who, despite those challenges, have used their voices to inspire those around them anyway!   

Maya Angelou was, among many things, an acclaimed poet, whose most famous work is titled, "Still I Rise."  The poem is about hope, resilience, strength, and belief in oneself.  Angelou was also an activist, working with both presidents and civil rights leaders.  She received the Presidental Medal of Freedom, which is the highest award that can be given to a civilian.  She was asked to read her poetry for presidents, participating in Bill Clinton's Inauguration, and was quoted by them too!  Nelson Mandela, former South African Leader, read from Still I Rise on his inauguration day.  

Angelou lit the torch and passed it along to a new generation before her death, and recently we saw Amanda Gorman burst onto the stage at President Joe Biden's Inauguration.  You can listen to her poem now...

For those of you who didn't watch the inauguration, you might have seen Gorman perform before the Superbowl last Sunday.  

Again, we see a poet talking about people just like herself, surviving challenges and rising above the struggle.  I hope you let these individuals continue to inspire you as we continue to fight our current battles.  

As always, reach out if you need support (or inspiration!)  

Be Well,

Mrs. Hempey