ESCAPRIL!

April 8, 2019April 8, 2019michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

I can’t believe we’re already in April. Needless to say I came across a rather interesting challenge. And I decided it was time to dive into a new writing experience.

Youtuber and Writer/Author Savannah Brown started the trend- ESCAPRIL. “Escaping into poetry in April.” Which is basically writing and posting a poem everyday in April through some sort of social network site. I thought this was such a cool idea.

So I caught on, on April 2nd and knew it wasn’t too late to join in. Making up the day I lost and continuing the journey throughout this past week. I even got my sister in law to join me. So it’s cool to have a buddy to trade poems with. And to see how we both interpret the prompts given.

Here are the rules and the prompts provided to guide you…

escapril

escapril prompts You can find more details on their letsescapril instagram

I’ve been pretty consistent which makes me proud of myself. I realized if I can do BLOGMAS (posting every day in December), BLOGTOBER (posting every day in October), and most recently the NaNoWriMo challenge (writing 50,000 words in the month of November,) than I know I can do a poem a day!

I’m enjoying it, it’s a sense of community, as other people you don’t even know get to see your work on social sites. But I will say I don’t think my poem muscle has been used in a while, so my poems aren’t the best. But I’m working on it, and I know it’s not always about quality or quantity when it comes to writing. Sometimes it’s just about getting something down on the page, and creating an everyday writing habit.

I chose to use my blog instagram account to share my work. So please follow michelleleighwrites_blog (michelleleighwrites_blog) for my daily #ESCAPRIL posts. I will probably do an update on this at some point. So STAY TUNED!

Also I didn’t know that April is actually National Poetry Month, so hey…it all just works!

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Happy Reading!

And good luck all my fellow #ESCAPRIL participants!

*I do not take credit for any images/videos used.*

-<3-

Too Much? No honey, Just Enough.

February 28, 2019March 1, 2019michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

As I scroll through Instagram recently within the past few months, I’ve come across a few creative posts that really resonated with me. And the message behind them was so powerful, I thought I’d share.

The first one was posted on a writers instagram I follow- writers.are.day.dreamers but it was reposted from nightypoetry. This poem is so spot on, to how I feel at times. If I’m really excited about something, I get super animated in my storytelling. I talk fast, I ramble, I’m loud, I talk with my hands. If I’m really frustrated or upset, I will also be loud, and maybe my facial expressions may be very obvious. I’ve been told I’m “taking things too seriously,” I’m “too sensitive,” I’m “over-reacting.” If someone reacts negatively to you, maybe it’s YOU. That is a very possible situation. You can’t always blame the person who reacts, they are usually reacting to someone you did or said.

Don’t get me wrong, I understand everyone is human, and we aren’t perfect. Sometimes people can just be dealing with a lot, or just having a bad day and they can snap at you for no real reason, other than you happening to be in the line of fire at that time. But often it takes two to get in a tiff. So next time someone claps back at you, think about what you may have done to receive that reaction. You have to own when you’re wrong people. Don’t play the blame game. I know it’s hard, trust me, I hate it, I hate confrontation. I’ve had moments where I really screwed up and felt terrible and had to talk to the person and apologize because I knew it was my fault. It’s awkward and uncomfortable. But in order to keep healthy relationships in your life you need to know how to admit when you’re wrong. And just try better next time.

However, with this specific poem, I just feel it so much. Again, with that Too Much feeling. I’m a writer, I’m someone struggles with anxiety and constant over thinking and feeling is part of all of that. Feeling so deeply, that sometimes that weight gets incredibly difficult to bare.

We walk through life trying to be the best versions of ourselves, and no matter what we do, or how we try, sometimes it just feels like we are too much of everything. That we don’t belong. That people don’t get us. That we have to conform or change to fit other people’s standards. Can’t we just be ourselves? Those who really love us will love us no matter what. I love the last two lines- “Let me be too much. It’s too awesome.” It leaves you with hope and the idea to believe in yourself and everything you are.

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This next poem, was shared by 7th Heaven actress Beverly Mitchell on instagram. However, the author is Hollie Holden. The poem is a story about a woman’s relationship and conversation with her own physical body. It touches upon how we stress what we eat, what we do, if we do enough, if we need to improve ourselves. How we look, if our stomachs are flat enough. And it’s constant. She captures how sometimes we as women just do not feel right in our own skin. These feelings are common amongst many, but that doesn’t mean this way of thinking is healthy. In her last line in this poem about a woman asking her body what it needs- Holden writes- Can you just love me like this? And that in itself is an incredible realization. Why can’t we just love ourselves for what we look like, who we are, what we are. Why are we always pressured to change or adapt, or fit society’s standards of beauty. Listen to your body. Love your body. That is what she needs.

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Lastly, this next post is from Lena Dunham. Dunham has always been this trail blazer of sorts. She is well known for creating, directing and starring in her hit HBO series- GIRLS. The show premiered in 2012 and ran for 6 seasons. The story followed four girls in their twenties, trying to navigate life in New York City. Sounds very familiar, yes it’s been done before #SexInTheCity, but Dunham’s version always pushed the boundaries even more.

She recently posted a photo of herself on instagram with a caption [Below]. And I really loved what she had to say. It resembles that same idea of feeling “Too much.” How she comes to this realization that she isn’t for everyone, and she doesn’t have to be. And that everyone is not for her. For the right people, too much is just enough. Her too much can meet other people’s sense of too much and all can be right with the world. She further goes on to say that she weighs the heaviest she ever has, but that she is the happiest she’s ever been. Showing that the feeling of beauty does not only have one physical look/one mentality. Instead of thinking we are too much, let’s say we are just enough.

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DISCLAIMER: I do not take credit for the written words used in the screenshots/ Instagram posts. All thoughts belong to their rightful owners. And I do not take credit for the Lena Dunham photo.

I hope that this post can resonate with you. I know all these things I shared really hit home for me. I know what it’s like to question yourself constantly, and worry how you look or how you come off to others. And I’m just getting so tired of it. I am who I am. I’m a kind person, but I’m not perfect. I have moments where my enthusiasm or my reactions may be TOO MUCH for you. If you don’t like it, that’s ok. We don’t have to be best friends. Life is full of people you are going to have to deal with, that you may not like or may not see eye to eye with. You may not get along with everyone. Just be yourself and love the skin you’re in. It’s not easy. I know. Society has taught us that by engraining standards into our brains. But ~~fuck~~ them, there is only one you. Own it, because no one else, ever can. 😉

Do you ever feel like you are too much?

Honey, you are just enough.

-<3-

A Love Poem from the Faceless Woman to the Faceless Man

February 12, 2019michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

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I often wonder if you’re ever thinking about me.

Do you wonder what color my eyes are?

If I’m close to my family?

How I take my coffee?

If I drink coffee at all?

I wonder if you spend your days looking, searching, waiting, praying for us to meet.

For me to trust you with all my dreams.

To have someone always on your side to battle your doubts.

To cuddle on the couch with a glass of beer or wine.

Do you get glimpses of our future?

How many kids we have?

If we live in a big house?

City or country?

Writing our love story in your mind.

Proposal story and our wedding day.

Sometimes it’s so much to bare, isn’t it?

This unknown person you promise to spend your life with.

“I love you and I haven’t even met you yet.”

Have you ever thought that?

So much love to give.

We worry.

Time lines ahead of us.

Clocks ticking.

Loudly at times.

Birthdays coming in like a Warning Sign.

Friends?

Married.

Kids.

And you feel like your failing.

Sometimes that “happy ending” feels so far away.

Like it’ll never happen.

And in that moment, I hope you feel me right there next to you.

Even if I’m miles and miles away,

or not far at all.

Either way, two souls.

Time will come.

And we’ll one day call each other home.

See you soon, love.

From the Faceless Woman, to the Faceless Man.

*I do not take credit for the image used.*

Fun Fact: Just as I finished writing this poem, Justin Timberlake’s song “Soulmate” came on my “Magic” titled Spotify playlist. Hmmm? Universe, I see you. 😉

-<3-

A little thing called fear

February 7, 2019February 7, 2019michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

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Fear;

a mind playing game,

to conquer my days,

in it’s selfish ways.

When clouds loom,

threatening to rain down on me.

I look above to the one who holds the key.

The one who shelters me from the storm inside my mind.

Who never lets me go.

The god that my heart calls home.

Thank you for forgiving my wandering soul.

*I do not take credit for the image/quote used in the image.*

-<3-

#BLOGTOBER Day 21- On Halloween Night- A Poem

October 21, 2018michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

Ok, I will admit, I ran out of inspiration for today’s post. So I found some fun prompts to use for the time being. Hey sometimes you have to do it, because I wasn’t about to miss a day of Blogtober!

Prompt: Write a Halloween poem using the following words: bat, pumpkin, candy, spooky, night, orange, black, witch, scary, wind.

Related image

On Halloween Night- A Poem

Candy Candy

is all you see

Children singing Trick-or-Treat

The Black cat climbs

my what sharp teeth!

beady yellow eyes

Midnight moon, high in the sky

Winds howling

breezes floating by rustling leaves

Bats flying

Catch them, you can only try

Green witches casting spells

Cackling over a boiling cauldron

Orange pumpkins

creepy carved smiles

Spirits whisper “sit down, stay for a while.”

Creaking doors opening

Cold hands reach

“Run,” the ghost whispers, “there is someone behind you.”

Flickering lights

Screams of terror

Scary noises haunt

Spooky creatures taunt

Hurry home

before Halloween night swallows you whole

Happy Almost Halloween!

😉

*I do not take credit for any images used.*

-<3-

Magic.

May 23, 2018michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

Magic is something we understand as children.

A world of possibilities,

unlike any other.

Colorful.

Full of big dreams and twinkling stars, all within our reach.

All right at our fingertips.

A bolt like lightning in the sky.

So bright.

Fearless.

Free.

Freedom.

When the only thing that mattered was being a kid and having fun.

Playing outside.

“Making pretend.”

It’s a shame we let life dim our lights as adults.

Leave a little glitter everywhere you go.

A little glistening never hurt anyone’s soul.

Sparkle- it doesn’t come with any age restrictions.

Be the unicorn this world needs.

Side note: So often we hear, “aren’t you a little too old for that?” We have these constraints put on ages- at [this age] you should be doing this, wearing this, saying this…who decided these things? As we approach adulthood, we silence our inner child at times. When really we should be embracing our childish moments. We should continue to dream without worry or fear of not being successful. and just continue to work hard at our goals and dreams. We should be mesmerized by the stars above, by the simple things like when you hear your old favorite song, or smell a scent that takes you back.

Nostalgia can be a tricky thing. We can get caught up in it, and forget to notice to present and the new journeys ahead. We idealize our pasts and believe our best days have been put behind us. I loved my childhood, I have many fond memories of growing up in the 90’s/00’s. But it wasn’t perfect, nothing ever is. Just like now isn’t perfect. But I’m approaching 30 [hey now, your only 27 girl, hush now! ;)] and they say that’s your prime. So cheers to that.

Believe in the magic, embrace your inner sparkle. Shine it for the world to see. Just because we are growing up and gaining more life responsibilities, does not mean we have to forget to laugh loud at silly jokes, play games, rock creative colorful outfits, or dance around to songs from decades past.

Magic comes in all shapes and forms, open your mind to it. Dream Big. And never stop.

-<3-

I know it’s Spring when…

March 22, 2018March 20, 2018michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

the breeze is lighter

the sun shines brighter

the flowers bloom

colors a flow

the trees renew

and grass is filled with dew

smiles on faces

hopes to travel many new places

lighter layers

chocolate bunnies

hearts are finally thawing

-<3-

Love is…

February 12, 2018February 12, 2018michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

CLICK HERE for an I LOVE YOU Playlist. ❤

two souls combining

weathering all storms of fear and uncertainty

Love is

having patience and understanding

Love is

opening doors and buying flowers just because

Love is

a look, a whisper, a touch

Love is fire

Love is rain

Love is friendship

Love is pain

Love is passion

Love is comfortable silence

Love is an embrace like no other

Happy Valentine’s Day!

*I do not take credit for the image used.*

-<3-

BLOGMAS RECAP!

December 31, 2017December 31, 2017michelleleighwrites 2 Comments

Before we roll into the new year I just wanted to do a little reflection/recap on #BLOGMAS.

I actually did it!!!! 25 days, 25 posts- a post a day, everyday!

There were many times I doubted if I would stick to it. If you’ve followed this blog for a while, you know there are many times I let life sidetrack me from my blogging goals.

However, this was something I set out to do, to see if I could actually meet the challenge.

In the beginning, I felt it was pretty easy to post, because I had a few posts already scheduled and ready to go. It was just a matter of checking in on things and then posting to social media. So it was a breeze- then it got harder as I had to post in real time. Every day, I had to set aside time to make sure I could write, edit, and post all in one day. And this is when I realized just how difficult it could be.

With all the holiday things going on- the shopping, the planning, and other things in life like friendships, family, and work, it was difficult to stay on track. Towards the end, I was uploading minutes before midnight! But I made it!

I even blogged ON Christmas Eve AND Christmas Day. I had planned to schedule those ahead of time, but it just got so stressful and so busy, with baking and last minute shopping for the little things. This Christmas was absolutely insane, a lot of traveling around, and it just felt like I was going and going non-stop. I have a new little niece so we had a lot of new special traditions this year.

So in between all that, I was typing up posts on the go, on my crappy cell phone. Making myself slightly car sick! Lol. Hey, at least you can’t say that’s not dedication! Right?

Needless to say not only was my cell phone giving me trouble, my laptop decided to die on me too! So in the face of this challenge I had given myself, it felt like there were a lot of obstacles against me. But I pushed past every one. I borrowed my mom’s computer, my aunt’s computer, to continue the journey, I typed notes into my cellphone, I excused myself on Christmas Eve and Day to upload on my brother’s computer, all on minimal hours of sleep and holiday stress. Just so I could prove to myself that I could do this. And I did. Wherever I went I had BLOGMAS on the brain.

I know it may not be a big deal to some of you reading this, but to me, it’s a huge deal. I often let this blog slide, when I have a lot going on in my life, because it’s my blog, I can pick up whenever or wherever I want. But giving myself a challenge, made me feel like I was being held accountable for something. Don’t get me wrong I felt rude at times sneaking away to write or sneaking off to work on a post/use someone else’s computer to post. (NOT THAT I USED WITHOUT ASKING PERMISSION, lol, because that would just be rude.) I just mean that I did feel bad doing something for myself in the middle of the holidays where your supposed to be sharing it with others. But it was important to me, and I think they all (or at least I hope they all) understood. I didn’t let it stop me from enjoying time with my family. I did what I had to do for BLOGMAS and shut the computer down and resumed my family time.

Another thing I had to come to terms with when posting daily, (because I didn’t always have time to plan and pre-write) was that I couldn’t over-analyze my ideas for my posts. I got an idea, if it was feasible in a day, I ran with it. It usually will take me hours to write, edit and post. Especially if it’s a short story. But with BLOGMAS I was in a bit of a constant time crunch. So I had to leave my perfectionism behind. At times it was hard, because I felt like it wasn’t my best work, but BLOGMAS was a learning experience. You don’t have to love what you write, everyday, but writing everyday is great for a writer to do.

My posts were all Christmas related, which was not my initial intension. But it kind of just happened that way, I guess I was inspired by the season.

Another thing that was new to me, was posting regularly to my social media websites for this blog during BLOGMAS. In case you didn’t know michelleleighwrites is on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram! Come follow along! I’d love to chat with you! 😉 And as someone who personally doesn’t post to social media everyday, it took some getting used to. But it was a cool experience.

I know I also mentioned this to you guys at some point, how my WordPress account needs updating and I haven’t been able to do that yet, so my photo memory is extremely limited, and so it was a challenge to post without images. I always like to have an image accompany my writing, I feel like it adds a visual aspect. I had to go in and delete images to make room for the few new ones I needed, or work with images I already had. There were many weird obstacles during BLOGMAS, and usually when things like that have happened in the past in life, I would just be like “Oh well, it’s not working, I can’t do it.” But not this time. I set a goal and I met it! I think there was only one day where I posted to social media a few minutes late, but it was posted on the blog, on time, so I was in the clear! Lol.

It was a long BLOGMAS journey, but it kind of flew by and the more the time passed, the days grew and the numbers on the calendar kept climbing, and I kept posting and it just started to become part of my routine and it started to feel really good. There were times I thought to myself, “I’ve got this,” and there were times where I was like, “Oh no, I’m going to miss my deadline!” But I did it, I posted every day from December 1-25 and I am super proud I was able to commit to it and complete the task I set out to do. For myself, but also for all of you.

Thank you for reading… (and if you missed any days of the MLW #BLOGMAS series, I will link them all down below for you to browse.)

BLOGMAS -Day 1- Christmas Bucket List

BLOGMAS -Day 2- Christmas Playlist

BLOGMAS -Day 3- Christmas Movie List

BLOGMAS -Day 4- A Broken Heart For Christmas Short Story

BLOGMAS -Day 5- My VLOGMAS Favs

BLOGMAS -Day 6- (Mini) VLOGMAS 2016 Update

BLOGMAS -Day 7- Single in Season

BLOGMAS -Day 8- A Christmas Story

BLOGMAS -Day 9- A Christmas Morning Memory

BLOGMAS -Day 10- Winter Wonderland

BLOGMAS -Day 11- The pressure the Holidays put on us