Poems and Promises: Setting Intentions for 2024

When I first started this blog site, I had no blueprint, no central focus or direction I had in mind to follow, all I knew is that I wanted a space where I could have a collection of my works to share with whoever may care to read them. Since it’s launch, I’ve written a variety of pieces, from my strong suit—a journalistic, editorial style on an array of topics to stream of consciousness pieces, sharing my expansive thoughts in a conversational tone.

From the beginning, I’ve dabbled in creative writing, narratives, as well as sharing the poetry that I wrote as part of assignments when I was in high school. I’ve never considered poetry a strength of mine, until I started challenging myself to write more of it this past year.

This year, of the nine months that I shared a blog, six were poems. Before, I used to believe I could never write something as complex as poetry, but now, I absolutely love it. Give another read to any of my poetry or prose pieces here: https://faith-it-til-you-make-it.com/category/poetry-prose/

I always had the impression that you had to have an abundance of life experience in order to ever write poetry, but I’ve learned that’s not true whatsoever. Many of my poems aren’t based on my own personal life at all, rather just on a concept or ideal that I used the power of creativity to turn into a poem that perhaps someone reading could relate to.

In every one of my New Year’s blogs, I like to reflect on all I’ve accomplished as an ever-improving writer, as well as set intentions for the new year—promises to myself, so to speak. I feel that if we think of our goals as intentions, something we actively intend to pursue rather than mere wishful thinking, we will be more inclined to put the utmost effort into holding ourselves accountable until we accomplish them.

So, in 2024 I promise to keep writing more poetry. When before I would shy away from the things that intimidate me, I will not let self-limiting behaviors and fear of the unknown hold me back from accomplishing all that I could ever dream of. I will shoot for the stars and approach every day knowing that, whats meant for me, will happen in time.

I promise to give myself necessary breaks and not feel guilty about it, because even when I’m not creating, I will still always be a creator. I am a writer. I will not allow myself to fall into creative burnout and exhaust my passion just because I feel like I have to keep creating and keep producing works on a consistent basis.

post credit: @inspiredtowrite, Amy McNee, on Instagram

I promise to write for me, and nobody else. I will not let views and likes affect my motivation to keep working towards everything I’ve ever wanted.

I promise to open my eyes to and more meticulously observe every overlooked detail in the world around me, to drive my creativity and inspire my writings.

In the new year, I want to work towards bigger and better things, the things I know I can accomplish. I want to have my works in print someday, so to myself, I promise to hold myself to higher standards and put in the effort necessary for me to reach my full potential, no matter how long it may take me. I will go out of my comfort zone and rely less on this blog site as the sole vessel for my art.

post credit: @inspiredtowrite, Amy McNee, on Instagram

While I will never let recognition define the validity of my success, I will seek opportunities to share my works on a bigger scale—whatever that may look like for me. So if you see less of me on here, not to worry, that just means I’m fulfilling the promises I’ve made to myself and creating more than I ever have before.

While I’m still an avid advocate of manifestation, I’ve newly started to shift my mindset to treating the things we would like to see for ourselves, our intentions, as promises because if you were promised something, would you like for it to ever be broken? I’ve set no time table for myself, and choose to take on life with patience, one day at a time, because success has no deadline.

While 2023 brought on growth and newfound self-assurance, here’s to poems and promises in 2024!

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You can revisit all my creative writing pieces to date, including poems and narratives, here: https://faith-it-til-you-make-it.com/category/creative-writing/

Happy New Year!🥳

Mariposa  

©CHAINFOTO24/Shutterstock.com

Mariposa, drifting through the wind, 
couldn’t wait to grow wings so that your life could begin. 

Found it hard to come out of your shell, 
but that’s a secret you’d never tell.

Mariposa, with the colors of fiery embers, 
went searching for warmth this September. 

All grown-up, with so much to live up to, 
suffered silently, while nobody else knew. 

Mariposa, why do you cry?
withstood wounds, yet still you could fly. 

Though you held on for as long as you could, 
you endured more than anyone should. 

Mariposa, breathe deep and close your eyes. 
You gained a new kind of wings, so in the place you left is where your memory lies.

Once just an adolescent, 
now your spirit shines iridescent.

Mariposa, your metamorphosis was remarkable for all to witness, 
it’s a tragic tale, your story had to end in sickness.

~~~
Much like last month’s post, inspiration for this piece came not from a true personal experience, but simply by learning about the life of monarch butterflies. Did you know that final generation monarch butterflies (born in spring, migrate south in fall) typically have a much longer lifespan (months as opposed to weeks) than the first generation (born late summer/early fall, migrate north in spring)? However, any of the migratory monarchs are likely to face threats to their survival along their journey. Therefore, some of the final-generation monarchs may not live as long as they are expected to, hence the idea behind this piece. I used the Spanish translation of butterfly, “mariposa”, as a nod to Spanish Heritage Month (September 15th-October 15th). If you’ve made it to the end of this, thanks for reading!