Chapter 1: The Spark of Inspiration

In the midst of life’s chaos, there lies a glimmer of hope—much like the sparkle found in my teacup.

The certainty of that glitter serves as a reminder of the dualities we navigate: work versus personal life, and the political versus the personal. Each aspect of life reveals a deeper conflict within. As I drift through these complexities, I find myself gliding between various identities. Years have slipped away in pursuit of elusive dreams, perpetually out of reach.

I often feel caught between the societal expectations of "ladies who lunch" and "mothers who bake." I’m not quite the villain, yet I carry a hint of mischief. This struggle persists whether I’m in sterile hallways or bustling boardrooms, constantly tethered to my phone with its relentless notifications.

In a world that seems to spin on a chaotic cycle, I rise above the confines of my own mind, taking a deep breath of fresh air. It’s in these moments that I truly see—the sunlight casts endless circles around a singular grain of sand. At last, I embrace the certainty that comes from within, the brilliance of that glitter in my teacup.

Chapter 2: The 30/30 Challenge Unveiled

In February 2024, I embarked on a transformative journey, committing to write and share a poem each day through Tupelo Press, a nonprofit publisher based in the U.S. The intriguing twist was that every piece had to be an unrefined first draft.

This approach peeled back the layers surrounding poetry creation, emphasizing its inherently iterative nature. By showcasing drafts that were merely sketches of potential final works, I encouraged both readers and writers to embrace the creative process more openly.

Once I overcame my initial fears of inadequacy and perfectionism, I felt liberated. The constant comparison to others faded, making it easier to tackle the daily struggle of confronting a blank page. Breaking my writing sessions into manageable Pomodoro intervals facilitated the process, allowing me to swiftly submit my work before the daily deadline.

Establishing a dedicated routine enabled me to step away from the habit of comparing myself to others. Instead, I focused on nurturing my relationship with my own words and the evolving nature of my creative practice.

By the end of February, I had successfully broken free from the cycle of endless scrolling through emails and social media, fostering a renewed commitment to my writing and creativity. The sense of mental clarity I gained was nothing short of exhilarating.

During this journey, a friend remarked on the charm of my poems, despite their minor errors. He shared that he felt poetry was once out of his reach, but now recognized it as an attainable endeavor.

Reflecting on my experience from a few months ago, I completed the 30/30 challenge and revitalized my daily writing habits.

Chapter 3: The Road Ahead

I am grateful for your support in bringing my work to life through your engagement with my words. Should you wish to continue following my journey, I invite you to join me. May your day or night be filled with laughter, introspection, and profound joy.

With love,

Naomi x