This post is for all my readers who might be facing fears or dealing with the concept of “good enough.” I offer five acrostic poems starting with the letters in “I AM ENOUGH.” Each focuses on an aspect of change and growth.
To create these acrostics, I combined all of my fall coursework into one creative experiment. The Art of Journal Coaching program inspired me to create transformational journal prompts for clients. The Precision Nutrition master coaching program helps me guide clients to better results than ever before. My exploration of AI taught me how to tap into the phenomenal potential of Chat GPT. Finally, by working with spiritual coach Tama Kieves I am learning that we are either reacting from a place of love or fear and how to shift to a growth mindset. May you tap into your inner wisdom with these poems and prompts.
I Am Enough: Embracing Growth
Change is never linear, as much as we might love for it to be. Sometimes progress involves taking three steps forward and two steps back. By remaining open to possibility and approaching our challenges from love rather than fear, we can approach our struggles with a growth mindset and see obstacles as opportunities. The first acrostic poem embraces growth.
In every challenge, there’s a lesson to unearth,
Amidst the trials, we discover our true worth,
Moments of doubt transformed into strength,
Every step forward, a victory at length,
Nurturing hope, in darkness and light,
Opening our hearts to new insight,
Understanding that growth involves flight,
Grasping change, holding on tight,
Harmony found on a journey of delight.
SUGGESTED JOURNAL PROMPTS:
Where did you see the most growth in 2023?
Are there areas in which you feel “I am enough” is already appropriate for you?
Where would you like to expand in 2024? Jot down a few notes about where you are right now.
Transformation Journey
On December 13, 2021, I experienced a health event that took me three days to overcome physically, but two years to heal from emotionally. I now know my wounds from the past simply need time to heal. And I need to reframe many of my old stories that are no longer serving me. The second poem involves a transformational journey.
- Inside us all, a seed of change does sleep,
- Awakening slowly, from the shadows deep,
- Moving through life, with courage and grace,
- Each obstacle faced in time and space,
- New paths unfold as old ones merge,
- Old beliefs are challenged; new truths emerge,
- Unveiling strength we never knew we had,
- Growing beyond, both happy and sad,
- Holding onto good will conquer bad.
SUGGESTED JOURNAL PROMPTS:
How are you transforming aspects of yourself?
What “season” do you most identify with and why?
Where is one area of your life you want to transform in 2024 to “I am enough”? What tools do you need to do so?
I Am Enough: A Journey of Self-Discovery
We all have enormous untapped potential within us. And self-doubting, fearful, negative thoughts are our biggest obstacles. What stands in your way? For some, earning enough money or getting the right education are big barriers. For others, it might be finding — or making — enough time. Everyone has 24 hours a day. Are you coasting, or are you trying to live your best life?
- In the mirror of time, our reflections grow,
- As we journey through life, embracing ebb and flow,
- Memories are woven into the fabric of our being,
- Every experience is a new way of seeing,
- Never stagnant, always in motion,
- Overcoming fears like waves in the ocean,
- Uplifting our spirits with each challenge met,
- Guided by hope and without regret,
- Heart and soul merge, like dancing with a pet.
SUGGESTED JOURNAL PROMPTS:
What did you discover about yourself in 2023? What are three things you’d love to explore in 2024?
Do you know anyone who truly believes “I am enough?” What qualities of theirs do you admire?
Is there a different lens you’d like to use to think about your future?
The Path of Resilience
As I review all of my physical accomplishments over the past two years, it surprises me how much I’ve overcome: a broken right wrist, heat exhaustion, unusual nerve issues in my left hip that David Grey’s PT program helped me with, a coronary artery spasm caused by an electrolyte imbalance and excessive stress, and a bout with COVID-19. If there’s one thing I can say with confidence, my physical body is impressively resilient. In 2024 I will be shifting my focus to exploring a path of spiritual and emotional healing.
- Inner strength emerges from struggles and strife,
- As we carve our paths into the tapestry of life,
- Molding our destiny with hands of hope,
- Evolving, adapting, learning to cope,
- Navigating through storms with resilience and might,
- Opportunities shining in the darkest night,
- Unbroken, unyielding in our quest to thrive,
- Gaining wisdom as we strive,
- Honoring the journey, strong and alive.
SUGGESTED JOURNAL PROMPTS:
Where do you feel you are most resilient?
What superpowers do you draw on when you face a challenge?
Where would you like to build more resilience in 2024?
Embracing Change
The only constant in life is change. Many friends, family members, and clients are facing big changes this week. Home remodels. Loss of loved ones. New business ventures. Conflicts with family. Holiday stress. Upcoming trips. Or perhaps I’m just hearing more about it because of the time of year.
What would happen if we could look at change, including mistakes and failures, through the lens of “What can I learn from this?” or “How might I see this differently?” Control is an illusion. Let it go.
Illuminating the path with each step we take,
Accepting the flux in every wake,
Mastering fears, setting our soul free,
Encountering life with a heart open to see,
Nurturing growth in every form,
Owning our story, through calm and storm,
Unveiling our potential in every act,
Gracious in our rise after each impact,
Home in our skin, embracing change.
SUGGESTED JOURNAL PROMPTS:
As you read through this blog post, what thoughts come to mind? What does it mean to you to “be enough”?
Where do you feel you are “enough” in your life? Where do you feel inadequate?
Generate your own “I AM ENOUGH” poem or journal entry.
I Am Enough: Takeaways
I am enough. You are enough. We have all the tools we need within us. Relax. Trust the process. In the words of Tama Kieves, “Stop efforting.”
My blog continues to be a place where I explore change and getting unstuck. This particular post has been a journey into all things I hold dear: poetry, journaling, learning, transforming, writing, photography, and physical challenge. I hope you found some part of it to be helpful or interesting.
And as always, if you have thoughts about the phrase “I am enough,” please share them in the comments. I love hearing from readers.
I wanted to share a lovely comment a reader posted who wanted to remain anonymous: “Just finished reading all of this and thinking about how I might be enough…. Your words are thoughtful. Thank you. I am going to work on my own poem in this time of busyness and feeling like I am not enough.” Comments like this keep me writing. Whether offered for all in the comments or privately, know that it means so much to me that you are reading and applying these words to your own life. Thank YOU for keeping me inspired to create and put my own struggles on paper. Like a ripple effect, if I can help one person with my words, it is well worth the effort and time.
Very good article. Well written. I love your poems & the photos. The tree photo is outstanding one.
Always love to read your post…a reminder to be gentle on yourself.
Great work but not effortless. 👍💞
Thanks so much for your comment and continued readership, Silvie-Marie! May it provoke thoughts of self-love and compassion for all. Happy holidays!