Unleashing the Power Within is a short, heartfelt collection of inspirational poems that moves through self-worth, recovery, faith, gratitude, nature, and personal renewal. Did you write these pieces as you were going through those moments, or after gaining distance from them?

For Unleashing the Power Within, I began writing these pieces in 2023, after my first book, Inspiring Book of Poems, Dreams and Stories, was published. While many of the experiences come from a past shaped by a toxic upbringing, the writing itself was very much alive in the present moment.

I was reflecting on current emotions, ongoing growth, and the lessons I had carried forward. In that sense, the poems were written from both a place of healing and awareness—looking back, while still living and feeling deeply in the now.

More than anything, this book became a way for me to continue my story, not just for myself, but to empower others who may be walking a similar path.

Faith plays a central role in the later emotional arc of the book. How did your spiritual perspective shape the way you approached recovery?

I have always trusted in God, even in the middle of chaos. Growing up without knowing my father and experiencing abuse from my stepfather led me to realize that the only father I could truly rely on was God.

That understanding became the foundation of my healing. Believing that God had a plan for my life gave me hope, even in the hardest moments. It reminded me that my story wasn’t over and that I wasn’t alone in what I was facing.

My faith shaped the way I approached recovery by helping me hold on, trust the process, and believe that freedom, healing, and purpose were still possible for me.

Your nature imagery—cedar trees, ocean, birds—brings a quieter energy to the collection. What draws you to those images?

Nature has always been a place where I feel deeply connected—both to my surroundings and to myself. When I’m outside, whether I’m hiking or simply sitting still, I take in what I see, feel, and hear, and that often becomes part of my writing.

I love the smell of fresh cedar, the sound of wind chimes, and watching birds, especially the golden finches that visit my yard. I have a bird feeder and bird bath, and those quiet moments—like seeing them in the rain—stay with me. They inspire both reflection and peace.

My poem about the Gulf of Mexico came from a very personal experience. It was my first time standing on the sand in Florida, looking out at the ocean and taking in something so vast and beautiful. That moment stayed with me in a powerful way.

Growing up in a more sheltered environment gave me a deeper appreciation for the world around me. Even as a child, I loved being outside whenever I could. Now, I notice everything more intentionally. Nature gives me space to reflect, to feel, and to breathe—and that quieter energy naturally finds its way into my poetry.

This book often feels like it’s speaking directly to someone who is struggling. Who did you imagine you were writing for?

I was writing to myself, and to anyone who has gone through or is still going through what I’ve experienced. Many of these poems came from moments where I needed comfort, encouragement, and a reminder that I could keep going.

At the same time, I was thinking about others who might be struggling in similar ways—people who feel unseen, overwhelmed, or unsure of their worth. I wanted the words to feel personal, like they were speaking directly to them.

If someone reads my work and feels even a little less alone, a little more understood, or finds the strength to keep moving forward, then I’ve written it for them too.

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