poetry: not a quitter

I wrote this poem in June of 2023.

me on June 26 outside the courthouse after I filed for divorce-proud I was able to follow this process through

my fingers tingle and almost grew numb
as I gripped the wire
and the tightrope shook
I wanted to give up
it would have been so easy
but something in me didn’t allow me to
terrified I took the slowest step forward
radically accepting in that moment
I will never be a quitter

poetry: small town

I wrote this poem in June of 2023.

me with my emotionally supportive squad who helped me fill out my divorce paperwork- Shoutout to Meg, who took tacos for payment as she filled out most of it and gave me advice…

you’re my small town I’ve outgrown but am afraid to leave
no one seems to understand this
they’re concerned you’re holding me back
they’re concerned staying with you stiffens my dreams
and while I know they want what’s best for me
and I agree with most of what they say
How do I explain to them, it’s more complicated
than I’ve made it out to be
while you are hard to live with
life without you feels almost empty
and while it’s the right thing to do to end our marriage
so we can move forward as a family
it’s still hard to imagine a beginning without you

poetry:dizzy

I wrote this poem in June of 2020.

most of the time, it was like that

He reached the depths of her soul
With his hands and his lips
She couldn’t get enough
of this new feeling
of this newfound intimacy

Then
He threw her to the depths
of misery and devastation
when he disposed of her
at his convenience

She never wanted
this hell of darkness
within her that seemed
Neverending

He was the best-
and
He was the worst –
At loving her
He inspired love
He inspired hate
and no matter what
She couldn’t get away
from him

poetry: she wolf

aqui esta versión en Español:

poesía: loba

I’m a lone brunette wolf in a world full of blonde sheep
my exes always preferred blondes over me
I never knew exactly why
perhaps blondes really do have more fun
perhaps blondes are easier to manipulate
this used to bother me greatly,
even robbed me of my sanity and sleep
but eventually I had a great epiphany
the one meant for me will not just love how sweet I can be
He’ll also love and encourage the savage in me
he’ll know how to ride the turbulent waves of my mood swings
I’m not sure if I’ll meet him soon or if he even exists
but after this grand epiphany
I no longer care about my exes and their blonde sheep
In fact, I wish them all the best fairytale ending

poetry: best birthday gift

I wrote this poem in March of 2022.

best birthday gift ever

He came into my life on a cold february night-
He decided to make a dramatic entrance
on my 24th birthday
He didn’t mean to steal my thunder as he tried
to make his entrance-a month beforehand
But fortunately the doctors stopped
his almost too sudden arrival
But that cold February night-
was the right time for him
I wanted to go the natural route
but he had other plans with the horrible pain he caused
EPIDURAL PLEASE-LIKE RIGHT NOW
OR I DON’T KNOW HOW I’M GETTING
THIS CHILD OUT
Within minutes he was out and once again
I was in love but this time with the life I created

poetry: two miguels

I wrote this poem in February of 2021.

my grandfather and son got that Miguel rizz

One was born in the beginning of the 20th century
the other was born in the beginning of the 21st century
one was born out of unplanned wedlock
one was a planned product of his parent’s love
one was taught hatred for blacks and cholos
the other was taught blacks lives matter and equality for everyone
one had misogynistic tendencies thanks to his machismo culture
the other other is that gender roles and conventions are a joke
One went through the Spanish flu times
the other is going through Covid times
both shares similar genes generations apart
both share the same Spanish name
one could not been possible without the other

poetry: february

i wrote this poem in February of 2023.

feeling hopeful about february

life is smiling on me once again after a rough start to the new year-
I find myself almost open to new love
and everything’s inspiring me
and my King Joe is back on the screen
and now I got more money on the horizon
I’m feeling this state of euphoria by celebrating each blessing
and looking forward to new and exciting things
new creative endeavors, another trip to my homeland
and maybe even a new muse
It’s February and I feel myself glowing and growing

Harness the Power of Adversity for Personal Transformation

Harness the Power of Adversity for Personal Transformation by Julia Mitchell

Imagine a life where every challenge paves the way for personal growth. In the journey of life, facing adversity isn’t just inevitable; it’s a crucial ingredient for personal development. Here, Life on the BPD reveals how encountering and overcoming obstacles can remarkably transform you.

Cultivate Resilience

When adversity knocks, resilience is your shield. It’s about bouncing back from setbacks with a stronger resolve. Every struggle you face teaches you to adapt and overcome. Through these experiences, you gain a robust mental and emotional fortitude that prepares you for future challenges, turning you into a resilient warrior in life’s battles.

Increase Self-Awareness

Adversity acts as a mirror, reflecting your deepest values and motivations. In these moments of self-reflection, you discover the essence of who you are and what truly matters to you. This heightened self-awareness often leads to significant life changes, aligning your actions more closely with your personal values and aspirations.

Sharpen Problem-Solving Skills

Challenges are the gymnasium for your problem-solving muscles. They force you to think critically and creatively, pushing you to find innovative solutions. This honing of problem-solving abilities is invaluable, equipping you with the skills to tackle future challenges more effectively and with greater confidence.

Nurture Empathy

Experiencing hardship often deepens your understanding and sensitivity towards others. This newfound empathy allows you to connect more profoundly with people, understanding their struggles and offering compassion. This connection fosters stronger, more meaningful relationships, both personally and professionally.

Rethink Life Goals

Adversity often serves as a wake-up call, prompting you to reevaluate your life’s direction. It encourages you to pursue paths that are more aligned with your values and passions, leading to a life that is not just successful but also fulfilling and meaningful. This reassessment can lead to significant changes, whether it’s a new career, a renewed focus on personal relationships, or a dedication to a long-neglected passion. It’s an opportunity to realign your life’s trajectory with your true self, ensuring that your future endeavors are not only prosperous but also deeply rewarding.

Transition Careers Smoothly

In the face of job loss or career stagnation, adversity becomes a motivator for change. Crafting a standout resume becomes your tool for transformation. Online templates and resources can guide you in showcasing your skills and experiences, aligning your professional profile with your career aspirations, and opening doors to new opportunities.

Ignite the Entrepreneurial Spirit

Adversity often serves as a catalyst for entrepreneurial ambition. In the wake of challenges, the idea of starting your own business becomes not just appealing but a viable path to reshape your future. To start a business, you should begin with these key steps: develop a business idea, create a business plan, secure financing, and develop a marketing plan. Forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or LLC offers numerous benefits, including limited liability protection, potential tax advantages, less paperwork compared to other business structures, and operational flexibility. Turn to Zenbusiness to form your LLC for a cost-effective and straightforward way to launch your business. 

Embrace adversity as a transformative force in your life. Whether it’s in the realm of business, personal development, or relationships, challenges are not just obstacles but opportunities for profound growth and transformation. Remember, in every adversity lies the seed of an equivalent advantage. Use it to your benefit and watch as you emerge stronger, wiser, and more fulfilled.

Image via Pexels

day nine of patty: june 2014 me

I wrote this in september of 2023.

2014 me is proud of who we are now

The ME from June of 2014 sends me a message and asking, where are you?
I tell her, life didn’t go as planned-you’re divorced and looking for a place for your ex
but your kids are thriving-your oldest son has his driver’s license and is on his last semester
Of accounting at Athens Tech-
Your middle son will graduate from high school this year-
and your baby is now taller than you and becoming his own person
You’re working 2 jobs and you’re a citizen now and you’ve been to therapy
to learn healthier coping mechanisms-
you even drive now-you’re independent as fuck and live life on your own terms
you’ve even been to Peru twice-
You’re learning to follow your intuition and how use discernment in your choices
in how you live your life-
you’ve discovered your values underneath everything society brainwashed into you
and at the end of the day all you want be is a good mom and a good person
that’s the extent of your life’s purpose-
now that we know who we are
our next step is to plan the future we want-
we’ll keep on thriving girl-you were the go getter and determined woman in me
Even among one of my greatest depressions
You still got up and followed your passions-
And you laid the foundation-we’ll be okay-I promise
I’ll make you proud of me-
Love patty

Prevent Anxiety and Enjoy Life to the Fullest

Image via Pexels

Prevent Anxiety and Enjoy Life to the Fullest

by Julia Mitchell

Anxiety can affect your long-term health. It can limit your ability to exert control, paralyze you, and make you feel helpless. In fact, according to a study by the Global Burden of Disease, depression is the sixth-leading cause of disability. Fortunately, there are things you can do to prevent anxiety attacks. Here are just a few, presented below by Life on the BPD.

Spend Time Outdoors

Spending more time outdoors can reduce anxiety and stress. Your brain receives more oxygen when you breathe in the fresh air, resulting in increased levels of serotonin — the neurotransmitter that alters your mood. Simply walking to the store for milk can lower your levels of cortisol, a stress-causing chemical in your body.  

You’re more likely to feel tired at night if you spend more time outdoors during the day. The better sleep you get at night, the less anxiety you’ll experience the following day. 

Find a More Rewarding Job

Many people find themselves in jobs that they do not enjoy which causes anxiety. If you are one of these people, it may be time to start looking for a more rewarding job. When searching for a new job, think about what you are looking for in a job and consider your interests and skills. 

Once you have a good idea of what you want, begin your search by looking at job postings online. Take the time to update your resume with your latest skills and experience. This free resume may help you get started. You can use this – or similar – templates, which you can modify by adding your own fonts, colors, and images. It will give you a great start to refreshing your current resume.

You may find that, instead of a new job, you’re more interested in a new career with new possibilities. In that case, consider going back to school. There are plenty of reputable, accredited schools with online degree and certification programs, so you can complete coursework on your own time. This page deserves a look if you are interested in technology-related certifications, like CompTIA A+, Cloud+, or Operations Specialist.

Keep an Anxiety Journal

Recording your daily stress and anxiety levels through an anxiety journal is a simple and guided process. Writing them down helps you identify triggers and negative situations that cause your anxiety. So where do you start?

  • Write down your concerns. Write down any immediate concerns you have. Describe them in detail while remembering that with anxiety, it’s not always about what’s happening in the here and now but what’s on the horizon.
  • Review what you’ve written. Ask yourself questions along the lines of: what are the odds of this happening? How do you know? Are you certain? How could you change a negative into a positive if your worries materialize?
  • Rewrite the script. Write down one or more ways to approach a thought or fear differently. Next to your fears, write down different possibilities, and create new endings.

These are just a few ideas to get you started on your anxiety journal. VeryWell Mind explains that writing in your journal daily helps you better understand your anxiety and hopefully prevents future anxiety attacks. 

Create a Happy and Clutter-Free Environment

Your anxiety levels may increase if your family constantly argues, complains, and is overly critical. You can relieve tension in your home by creating a welcoming and vibrant space. Open your windows to let in the fresh air, declutter, and do a deep clean to bring positivity.  

It helps if you optimize your workspace to avoid work-related stress. Rather than sitting in a traditional office chair for long periods, try an ergonomic one. They help keep your body safe and upright to reduce stress on the spine and neck. Insufficient office lighting can reduce energy, dampen mood, and cause eyestrain. Position your desk so that your back is facing the window. You’ll benefit from the light and avoid distractions. In the absence of natural light in your workspace, you can create the illusion of natural window lighting using light colors, such as white and cream, on the walls. 

Start Living Again

Having anxiety can prevent you from leading a normal life. You can get so worked up about an upcoming event that when it arrives, you’re a nervous wreck. Or the simple idea of doing things becomes overwhelming. Anxiety can be debilitating, but there are strategies you can use to calm yourself and lower your anxiety levels. Start by spending some time outside every day (if possible) and use an anxiety journal to help process your feelings. And if your job – or career – isn’t working for you, build a new resume and find a new opportunity. This is your life. Don’t let your anxious mind control it for you.

Life can be challenging, but it’s better to experience it together. Life on the BPD is my attempt to share my challenges to make others feel less alone – and to process my own experiences. Visit my website today to join our community.