The last six weeks have been very hectic. I sold my house and moved hundreds of miles. I did this while recovering from the COVID fatigue and getting back into my lifting routine, and working everyday. I also used this time to have numerous dental appointments, because why not?! My adventure is another story for another day.
However, today, I am extremely proud to say that I have published my 4th book of poetry entitled Shining Hard.
This collection chronicles the experiences that I have had over the past year, through the trials and tribulations, the uncertainty, the anxiety, the fear. But the overwhelming feeling throughout is the hope that I have had, the strength, the peace of mind and my resolve.
Hard times reveal who we are. It is easy to be our best selves on the good days. It is the hardest days that shine the light on what we are really made of.
And I have discovered how brave, how patient, how resilient I am.
My new adventure has come at a huge cost. There has been struggle. But never for a moment has there been regret.
Shining Hard is about real life, real struggle, but it is also about being strong, hopeful and determined in the midst of it. Nobody gets to have an epic story for free. I am earning mine.
I am so proud of all my poetry books, so I don’t know that I can say I am most proud of this one. But I am proud of the reflection of myself in it, of my growth, and I am proud of how I know many people will be able to relate to these poems.
Anna Farley 