Introduction Being human is a complex affair. Today’s society is full of mixed messages and the pressures we face can be confusing and crushing like a daily battle ground. As a young adult I went through some difficult times and suffered with depression and mental health issues. Being able to express myself was an important part of my recovery and I used art and poetry to help me understand what was happening. Now I’m happy to share my experiences and encourage others to observe what they are feeling and accept that it is a temporary state that will change like everything else. Even our darkest moments make us who we are, and can be transformed into inspiration. I have found that being creative offers a place of sanctuary and an opportunity to process and channel different emotions. My following work shows exactly that, in pictures and 26 poetical steps.
I Today I feel Like a temple of flowers But some have wilted And lost their powers
II Today I feel Like I’m all alone And I get no pleasure From the things that I own
III Today I feel Like there’s something missing The sound of my laugh Affection and kissing
IV Today I feel Like I can’t stay awake And too much stress Will see me break
V Today I feel Like if I fell I wouldn’t stop falling Until I reached hell
VI Today I feel Like I’m really ill And drained of life With no more will
VII Today I feel like If I were to cry I wouldn’t stop Until I’d die
VIII Today I feel Completely numb My senses gone Lifeless and dumb
IX Today I feel Like a bird underground I went the wrong way And can’t turn around
X Today I feel Like I’m lost in the snow And chilled to the bone With feeling so low
XI Today I feel Frozen by fear And long for the day My thoughts will be clear
XII Today I feel Like a child in a storm I find it exciting But need to be warm
XIII Today I feel In need of a friend Somebody on whom I could always depend
XIV Today I feel Like there’s too much to do With living my life And loving it too
XV Today I feel Like I need to decide How to find my own way And by my own rules abide
XVI Today I feel Consumed by rage But I’m one step away From turning the page
XVII Today I can feel The pull of the moon Promising changes Bringing them soon
XVIII Today I feel Like I’m plagued by the past Tomorrow I’ll know How to forget it at last
XIX Today is the day I’ll stop feeling abused And give up the excuses I often used
XX Today is the day I can feel my own power And will turn things sweet That were once sour
XXI Today is the day I know I can heal Because I listen To the way that I feel
XXII Today I feel Like a rainbow of hope And a colourful smile Knows I can cope
XXIII Today I feel Myself awoken Relieved to see My sorrow broken
XXIV Today I feel Like a girl in control I know myself well Mind, heart and soul
XXV Today I can feel My heart expanding With compassion, love And understanding
XXVI Today is the day I am grateful to live Just being me With so much to give
Epilogue I am very grateful to have lived to tell this tale. I know now that although I felt helpless at the time, I found the strength to overcome many obstacles. Facing vulnerability is scary, but can be a pivotal lesson in humility, and awareness is invaluable. We have lots of choices in life and if I ever feel unwell I can reassure myself that there are good times and kind people close by. Most importantly I have learned to be kind to myself. You can imagine my relief when I discovered that the world wasn’t as hostile as I’d thought and that it’s ok to be imperfect. Learning to accept myself and explore my feelings has been a fascinating journey so far, and I hope to continue the adventure of expressing myself through art, whilst searching for my truth, and being open to all that life has to offer. Thank you for joining me along the way by reading this book.
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