Writing is therapeutic. Whether you write for self-discovery or recreation is totally a personal choice. Both are equally fulfilling. The process of putting pen to paper is an artistic expression. Everyone writes but not everyone thinks of themselves as a writer.
Another reason that you may find yourself writing is in a professional capacity. Composing emails, sending text messages. Also, for careers such as a journalist, author, and educational professions too.
Writing also serves as an outlet, a way of journaling. Whether it be in the handwritten style or typed, it is definitely a valuable tool.
Hanging onto ifs Robs you of exploration Stalls curiosity
Hanging onto ifs Builds rifts Stalls shifts in creativity Takes all the lifts out of the sails
Hanging onto ifs Can foster inner tiffs Let go of the ifs
It helps to sift Sift away fears and doubts Lift hope and confidence
Let go of the ifs
The poem, Hanging Onto Ifs is about how our mind plays on us. It can let doubt creep in and stop us from pursuing our dreams. We question ourselves and ask, “what if it doesn’t work?” Well, what if it does. Injecting hopeful thoughts and believing in ourselves is a positive alternative.
The mind is very powerful, and it is important that we guard our thoughts. Every action starts with a thought. If we question and overthink, it stalls growth.
April is National Poetry Month. The year 2026 makes 30 years of this celebration of art.
What does poetry mean to you? What is your favorite poetry form?
Is there a special way you like to commemorate the art form of poetry and writing? If so, share the most meaningful way you choose to celebrate.
Words are very powerful. They can inject joy and adversely, bring about feelings of hurt. The way we choose our words is very important. Words can be used to compose a song, convey an idea, express thoughts, and a plethora of many things. Both spoken and written words carry weight.
For National Poetry month, I have tried writing my first Trenta-Sei poem. Not an easy feat.
What is a Trenta-Sei poem?
-Created by John Ciardi, the Trenta-Sei poem is a poetic form that contains 6, six-line stanzas for a total of 36 lines. -A rhyme scheme of ababcc. -Lines 2-6 of the first stanza will be the first line of the stanzas to follow, in the same order. -The cascading repetition adds to the complexity of this style.
Sounds simple, right? I’m joking. It was challenging for me but nonetheless, it was fun writing.
30 Years Turns the Art of Poetry
Artistry comes in many forms Creating ways to move Motion in strokes not the norm Writing that transforms and grooves Rhymes skillfully arousing the senses Poetry and prose in many tenses
Creating ways to move Your mind drifts afar Riding words feeling the groove Inspiration shining like a star Don't stop, ideas abound, keep up the flow Intricate words flood the brain, page aglow
Motion in strokes not the norm Acrylic, watercolor or oil Brushstrokes haphazard forming a storm Circular and abstract like a coil Collage of fabric in Pink, Yellow, Green Blending media, asking what it means
Writing that transforms and grooves Taking you on a wild ride Explain the meaning a pen behooves Awing the reader, mouth open wide Scanning the page, delight and disbelief Vivid, exact, succinct and very brief
Rhymes skillfully arousing the senses Cadence so crisp and clear No more dis songs, time to mend fences Harmony is music to my ears An art form transcending generations Lyrics infused with deep revelations
Laughter cradles when sadness weighs A good belly roll brings oxygen to the brain endorphins stick around for days Laughter cradles when sadness weighs stimulating feel good pathways shifting mood to a higher plain Laughter cradles when sadness weighs A good belly roll brings oxygen to the brain
Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to read Sidelined Sadness.
Standing quietly, alone No one in sight, solo Commanding stance over seas Views of water for miles
Alone, until people drift by To and fro, ebbing with the tides Suddenly you are called upon Memory jarred that your light is shining
Light that draws them near, curious Wonderment in their eyes as they pause Pause, hesitant to ask How do you do it?
Ask, how do you continue to shine light All while being alone, present Day in and out, rain, fog and clouds Hovering over your crown of light
Difficult task that takes patience Being constant no matter what comes Knowing that light is a powerful force Drawing people into a place of safety
Sound the alarm only when danger lurks Silent, stationary even when water murks Pulsating light comes with many perks Structure standing tall and firm Navigating shores, signaling when to turn
Horizons of Light was written for the W3 weekly challenge. Unfortunately, I missed the submission deadline. The challenge was to be a lighthouse. You can choose to be a literal, metaphorical, delusional, illusory or false lighthouse.
The piece I wrote is from a metaphorical standpoint.
Standing quietly but not lonely. Drawing people in with your inner light. Just when you think that people do not see you or know you are there, it strikes you. Yes, they see me. It’s like the saying, ‘being seen and not heard’.
Only speaking and/or making noise when necessary. A lighthouse that is like a quiet force. Still standing even when the heavy tides of life roll in.
motherhood grows the heart and the mind birthing a love like no other do I deserve this bundle a blessing to behold small eyes so bright, pure her smile, her laugh so tender loving sweet
To Be Called Mom is written for the Tanka Tuesday challenge.
You are exactlywhere you need to be. When you land in a place that looks unfamiliar, why question it?
You think you should be somewhere else. But in reality, the place you are today was destined for you, only you.
If you see a friend and they are ahead of you in their career, don’t fret. Go at your own pace. Maybe you are going slower but your reward will be greater when you arrive.
We all have those years of progress, slow but steady. Bumpy roads that feel like a stop sign. The bumps are a test to see if we will keep going or quit.
You are exactly where you need to be. We can make all the plans in the world but, we are not in control; no, the Creator is.
You are exactly where you need to be
Thank you for reading Why Question It? 💖🙏🏽
The writing is in response to the prompt by Sadje.
Who- Najah Aqeel, a teenager who was not allowed to play in a volleyball match. Why? Because of her hijab. A hijab is a head covering worn by Muslim women as part of their religious beliefs. It holds the meaning of identity, faith, and modesty, among other things. She turned her disappointment into triumph.
What- At that time, a rule by the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association was in place. The rule stated prior approval was required by the National Federation of State High School Association. Prior approval to wear any type of head covering.
Can you imagine! Needing to get permission to practice your religious beliefs. Najah and her family, along with the American Muslim Advisory Council has changed the ruling.
Najah Aqeel has affected change, and now student athletes are free to participate and wear their religious head coverings.
Where- Valor Collegiate Prep, Nashville, Tennessee
Who-
Claudette (Austin) Colvin was an unsung civil rights activist. She helped to end segregation on public transportation, as one of the four plaintiffs in the federal case of Browder vs Gayle.
No stranger to the plights of Black people in an era when racism plagued the African American community. She was one of the first to protest for her rights. As did Rosa Parks, who also stood up for what she believed in.
What-
As a teenager during a time of segregation and oppression, she bravely refused to give up her seat on the bus.
Where-
Montgomery, Alabama
When-
March 1955
Claudette demonstrated her refusal of injustice by standing up for her rights. She lived until the age of 86. May she rest in love and peace. 🕊️
"I always tell young people to hold on to their dreams. And sometimes you have to stand up for what you think is right even if you have to stand alone-" Claudette Colvin
Learn dancing, greetings, table sets Talking skills null and void Lacking Words like hello, please, and thank you Take a back seat to sass Slick talk
Social education for kids Grace, respect, etiquette Manners Timeless skills to carry you through Being a lady, young Man too
A cotillion is an event for the youth, ages 11-13. It teaches manners, how to conduct yourself in public situations. Social skills that help them build confidence and conversation skills. Also, how to properly set the table, ballroom dance too. Young girls and boys learn etiquette that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Valuable skills to learn.
I am not sure if cotillions still exist, but it needs to come back. Sadly, too many of the youth of today are disrespectful and lack essential social skills.
The Cotillion is written in response to the prompt. Thank you for reading🙏🏽💕
Searching out the window Wonder catches me Where oh where is sunshine Cloud after cloud careening Patiently, I stand by Oh wait, what's this Feeling warmth and joy Reaching in my pocket Oh, there you are Sun in my pocket
Thank you for stopping by to read!
Imagine, finding the sun in your pocket! It would be a pleasant and welcome surprise on those cloudy days☀
Sun In My Pocket was written in response to the W3 weekly prompt. The guideline for this prompt is to write a poem of 10 lines or fewer that places someone—or something—in a delightfully improbable location. Think sharks in a bathtub, a dragon in a bar, or any unexpected presence where it clearly doesn’t belong.
In this video is an interview with me about the blog, Inspire By O’Nika. Why it was started and when. Connect the Dots host, Louis asks questions about the content of the blog and the motivation behind it. We talk about other ventures like the IBO Podcast and the You Tube channel, by the same name which I also started. The interview gives a little insight into the person behind the blog.
Connect the Dots interview with O’Nika-founder of Inspire By O’Nika
Inspiring and lifting other’s up is what I love. Check out a throwback post, Re-create; Dare to be You.
Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to watch🙏🏽 Thank you for the interview, Louis! Don’t forget to check out Connect the Dots podcast on You Tube.
November 2nd is the day I started IBO. It was in 2021 that I was moved to begin blogging. It was the middle of the pandemic and a very troubling time. Because of that I felt like people could use some words of inspiration and hope. Even if for only the time it takes to read a post.
My journey started out with quotes, and varied topics. A few articles were of heavy content. For the most part, the content of Inspire By O’Nika is light-hearted, motivational and uplifting.
Through the years I started to incorporate poetry. I have come to enjoy it and just have fun with it. I added some comedy to the blog too. Also, I have joined in various picture and word prompts.
I say all that to say; thank you. Thank you to all the people who stop by to read my blog. People who have been supportive over the years. I appreciate the comments; short, long, and even if you just leave an emoji. Thank you for the likes and shares.
4 years in the making, hoping to see another four. Continuing this writing journey with all of you is what keeps me going. I love all my readers who have been there from day one and new subscribers too. Thanks again for the love and support. 💕
The notebook goes with the pen in my hand Where thoughts come to life From my head on to paper they land The notebook goes with the pen in my hand Laughter, grief, triumphs all stand Emotions cut deep like a knife The notebook goes with the pen in my hand Where thoughts come to life
The original poem, The Notebook was written in response to the W3 prompt.
