YOU’RE STILL HERE

My jaw clenches My fingernails Yearn to scratch At layers of skin My joints ache Rigidity laced Stand like a statue Hold still, hold still Breathe in slow Hold… maybe Forever if you can Fix your stare On a calmer future Moments past this Tick tick tick Final loud tock Exhale Open your eyes Look…

HOPELESS

The curve winds around Like a snake that slithers Underneath my veins I can’t feel the motion Or understand why It’s wrapping itself Around my everyday But it’s dragging me From my focus And pulling me From my slumber Waiting inside my joints Trying to convince me It’s all hopeless

BECOMING GROUND

Steps were heavy Growing heavier Taking more effort Making her slower A shaking began More of a tremor With each footfall Was a tidal wave Of fluid motion Her years kept her Clung to her bones And held her tight She was caught Underneath gravity Sink ing deeper Into the ground Becoming The ground

#BeREALationships: GETTING REAL, EVEN IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY

Please welcome Annah Elizabeth to #BeREALationships. What do you think people see when they see your image? This answer will roll from my keyboard and onto the screen like melted butter down your chin. Smart…got it all together…successful business…leader…mentor…teacher…compassionate friend…justice seeker…student advocate…sweet…nurturing…devoted mother…Mama Bear… Perfect family… These are not my words, but a few descriptors…

BUT WHAT IF….

A friend asked me if I had ever tried to meditate. I told him I had tried but my mind sounds like a crazy drunken concert crowd. Always loud. Always rowdy. He sent me some links to try and I tried. I fell asleep with a quiet mind. It was strange. This morning I woke up…

MY SOMEHOW IMPORTANT SELF-DIALOG

I started writing a Facebook post this morning that turned into a long dialog with myself. I decided to leave it there and finish it here. Why? Because it feels important somehow. Maybe not important in a way that will change or shape lives. But it feels like I might want to visit these thoughts…

#BeReal – PETER M. OLSEN

My #BeReal guest today is Peter M. Olsen.   Masks We all wear masks. Some are subtle. Some are hidden. Mine couldn’t be more obvious. Long hair, 20 pounds overweight, scruffy beard. The mask I wear is made from self-hatred and depression and scars. My mask tells me that I am ugly…So very fucking ugly.…

#BeReal – SA SMITH

Today I am honored to welcome SA Smith to #BeReal. When I was asked to participate in the Be Real campaign I was honored. I thought of course, this is right up my alley. If you are familiar with my column, Byte of Life, at Feminine Collective you know I am all about being your…