Four years ago, I embarked on a journey that I never imagined would be so transformative. Writing poetry daily has not only honed my skills as a poet but also profoundly impacted my mental health and overall perspective on life. Here’s what I learned from this experience and the resources that helped me along the way.

1. Consistency is Key

The most important lesson I learned is the power of consistency. Writing poetry every day, even when I didn’t feel inspired, helped me develop a habit. This habit not only improved my writing skills but also made me more disciplined in other areas of my life. Submitting your poems to WPC is a great way to stay consistent and receive helpful feedback!

2. Embrace Vulnerability

Poetry demands vulnerability. To write authentically, I had to delve deep into my emotions, memories, and experiences. This process was often challenging but incredibly rewarding. It allowed me to connect with my readers on a deeper level and helped me process my own feelings. Here is something that helps me a lot!

3. Read, Read, Read

Reading poetry and books on poetry craft was crucial to my development as a poet. Here are some of the books that I found particularly helpful:

• “The Poet’s Companion: A Guide to the Pleasures of Writing Poetry” by Kim Addonizio and Dorianne Laux This book is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to improve their poetry writing skills. It offers practical advice, exercises, and insights from experienced poets. Check it out on Amazon.
• “Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within” by Natalie Goldberg Although not exclusively about poetry, this book helped me understand the importance of letting go and writing freely. Goldberg’s approach to writing is liberating and encourages writers to embrace their unique voice. Check it out on Amazon.
• “Poetry as Survival” by Gregory Orr This book explores the therapeutic power of poetry. Orr’s insights into how poetry can help us navigate trauma and find meaning in our experiences were transformative for my mental health. Check it out on Amazon.

4. Poetry Writing for Mental Health

Writing poetry became a form of therapy for me. It allowed me to express emotions that I couldn’t articulate otherwise. The act of writing and reflecting on my poems helped me gain clarity and understanding about my inner world. For anyone looking to use poetry as a tool for mental health, I highly recommend:

• “The Healing Power of Poetry: A Comprehensive Guide to Writing Poetry and Finding Your Voice” by John Fox This book provides exercises and techniques to use poetry as a means of healing and self-discovery. Check it out on Amazon.
• “Poetry Therapy: Theory and Practice” edited by Nicholas Mazza This comprehensive guide explores the field of poetry therapy and offers practical applications for using poetry in therapeutic settings. Check it out on Amazon.

5. Community Matters During Daily Poetry

Engaging with other poets and writers was instrumental in my growth. Joining poetry groups, attending workshops, and participating in open mic nights provided valuable feedback and inspiration. The sense of community also helped me stay motivated and connected to the world of poetry.

6. Patience and Persistence with Daily Poetry

There were many days when I felt stuck or uninspired, but I learned that persistence is crucial. Not every poem will be a masterpiece, and that’s okay. The process of writing daily helped me develop patience and understand that progress takes time.

Conclusion

My four-year journey of writing poetry daily has been a transformative experience. It taught me the value of consistency, the importance of vulnerability, and the therapeutic power of poetry. The books and resources I used along the way played a significant role in my development as a poet and in my personal growth.

If you’re considering embarking on a similar journey, I encourage you to start today. Pick up one of the books I’ve mentioned, join a poetry group, and begin writing. You never know where this journey might take you.

Happy writing!