Girl, Stop Apologising

“Because the world needs your spark.”

When I discovered that my favourite YouTuber of a decade plus had Rachel Hollis’s “Girl” series on repeat for more than a handful of times, I had a feeling I could do with listening to it, too.

Rachel Hollis talks very candidly about life’s ups and downs and how we as living breathing humans need to take everything in our stride. Her book has helped strengthen my faith in there being light at the end of any tunnel that we may – and will – encounter. Further to that, she has allowed me to see that it is these trials which enable humans to become their more full, contented and destined selves.

I do not believe that there is ever a set time to receive a sign to do better, achieve more, speak sincerely and act genuinely. With that said, I am truly thankful to have come across Rachel’s books during a time where I was ready to embrace as many inspiring people’s nuggets of wisdom as possible, with open arms. I listened to her anecdotes eagerly, desperate to learn how to one day reach my potential. Top tip? It may not feel as life-changing as people market it to be, so if there’s one thing to take away from this book, it is to look for it in everything you do.

I recommend this book to whoever needs a boost of hope that they are not alone in their struggle and that they can take actionable steps to get out of any funk. Time, patience and effort is what is needed.

Rachel, thank you for reminding me that it is never too late to try, and that it is okay to try again.

Readers, always trust that gut instinct because am I devastated that my time listening to Rachel Hollis as I drove to and from work has come to an end … until the next time.

Sheeza

Bloom

“Never be sorry for who you are. Your personality should never be shrouded in what society expects of you.

Be shamelessly, unapologetically you. You will find the world rallies behind those who carve roads of their own.”

– B. T.

Beau Taplin’s Bloom is a collection of words that aim to

liberate

heal

remind

& advise

I first came across Beau Taplin online, where he’s made quite the wonderful name for himself as an Instagram poet; to have received one of his books as a gift was a surprise that I am yet to really get over (& I hope I never do!)

Bloom is no ordinary book of poetry, for it combines stunning typography with words that provide a steady shoulder to its reader.

There was no way of predicting what the next page turn would entail, as one side writing about pain would be followed by another describing the process of coming out of the other side a stronger being.

A thing of magic I had come to realise upon finishing this read is how seamlessly Taplin was able to mingle strengthening statements with pained affirmations. Choosing to structure his poetry in this way illustrates the way in which life is made up of both good & ‘bad’, easy & tricky; how blessings & tribulations are symbiotic, not disparate.

Taplin does well to remind readers of hurt that is inevitable & unavoidable. He does even better to encourage the belief that one does not have to remain crippled as a result of such affliction, but can rather escape with the thought alone that experiencing & overcoming is part & parcel of one’s involvement with the universe we are a part of.

I could go on.

In short, poetry has a way of making me feel that little bit more empowered, tall & inspired. I find myself reaching for it particularly during times where I’m in need of a little pick-me-up. It’s my little saving grace, because it finds words that, at times, I’m unable to come up with myself. I’m sure other fellow avid readers of poetry would attest to it being their guardian angel in a very similar way, also. A special shoutout to Beau Taplin for being a poet who never fails to bring out a few smiles, tears & laughter out of this reader, time & time again.

Sincerely,

Sheeza

✍︎