How do you deal with stress? I like to meditate and practices mindfulness, but it doesn’t always help. Going for a walk, lifting weights, or getting on my stationary bike is another option for me. I know a lot of people who like to journal, and I do that mostly in the mornings before I start my day. One way I’ve found to be helpful is writing poetry. It all started when I read the book Writing Poetry to Save Your Life by Marie Mazziotti Gillan.

I write fiction, but I’ve never really tried poetry, so it was definitely a stretch for me, but I found it freeing. In the book, you will learn techniques for writing poetry but also for getting all of that stuff out that weighs you down. You can share (or maybe even publish) your work, or you can simply do it to de-stress and let go of things that are holding you back. Get the book and try it!

Here is a poem I wrote called…. You guessed it, Be A Light!

Be a Light by Linda M. Williams

If you allow yourself to hate

It will seal your fate

Don’t worry about being right

Just give up the fight

To be part of God’s plan

Offer a gentle, helping hand

So peace and joy can grow

Set aside a selfish ego

Change in this world begins with heart

A humble spirit will set you apart

To live the life He designed

You must choose to be kind

Electing to be of service

Will give your life true purpose

Life is not worth living

If there is no giving

Hold firm to your integrity

The reward will be prosperity

Flee from the darkness of hate

To be welcomed inside the gate

In order to rise above

We must all put on love

Remember…

the sight of your light

Will make someone else alright

Copyright Linda M. Williams 2024