Moving On…
After much soul searching this book has come to fruition. It is raw – personal – honest. For some it may be confronting. For me it is a culmination of ten years work on many levels. I believe that by speaking our truth we allow others to do the same. Life is not always ‘a bed of roses’, as is evident in this book of poetry, but we can ‘move on’ if we don’t bury the past and close the door on healing.
I believe ‘writing as therapy’ can be such a positive tool for growth and renewal. This is well supported by research and literature. I ask people in my workshops to dig deep and reach a place of truth. I will not ask of others what I have not asked of myself.
Below is an excerpt of a testimonial from one of my workshop attendees – I will leave the last word to Heather…
“Lee’s workshops are ostensibly about writing and the fact that everyone has their own unique story to tell, but they also subtly encompass psychology, philosophy and some very valuable life lessons.
The direction her teaching takes is shaped by the students, as I have observed by attending these in different communities. It takes a lot of skill and understanding to be so adaptable, and to make each student feel that they have something worthwhile to offer and say.
My writing quality and self-understanding have been moved forward exponentially by what I have learned from Lee, as have the other workshop attendees that I have maintained contact with.
I would not hesitate to recommend Lee’s workshops to any potential employer – they will get more than they bargained for in a very positive and healing way.”
Above is a collage of photos from the ‘Moving On…’ book launches and below is one of my poems from the book. Enjoy…
TRUE WORDS…
When I was a girl of nine or ten
my Father used to say
“If you don’t love yourself no one else will”.
I’d laugh and run away.
As I navigated teenage years,
self-esteem dropped through the floor.
“If you don’t love yourself no one else will”.
He’d repeat it more and more.
As I blossomed into adulthood
I appeared so self-assured.
To the outside world I was doing fine
yet internal demons roared.
The words Dad said seemed somehow vain
“love yourself” – a strange concept.
Sometimes I’d see the shining light,
then the flame of self doubt leapt.
A man can love you true and deep.
A childs love swell your heart.
Friends and Family love, support
but what happens when you part?
You can be in a room of a thousand friends
yet somehow feel alone.
To understand, embrace, accept,
love internal must be grown.
It’s taken years to live these words,
before I could truly say,
‘I love myself’ and in doing so
can love others more each day.
The seed of love when grown within
will envelop, flourish, thrive.
Enriching those around you.
Keeping love and hope alive…
Lee Taylor-Friend
