Tag: self-love

Love & Life ©️Dawn Minott

On By Dawn MinottIn Quotes17 Comments

Beforeword: Love and life can be the most wonderful and awful all at the same time. Make the best of both.

Love can lift you to the sky,
Teach your heart take wings and fly.
Life can meet you, kind and fair,
With open hands and answered prayer.

Then, without a word or sign,
Both a change in little time.
Hearts can break, and dreams depart,
Morning light can dim to dark.

Still…

Would you trade the joy away,
just to miss the harder day?
Would you never risk the fall,
if it meant no love at all?

Perhaps that’s simply how they’re made—

One to comfort.
One to shake.
Both to give.
Both to take.

Love and life are much the same:
Neither plays a predictable game.
They can be both sweet and rough,
beautiful and sad enough.

So hold them gently while they’re near,
Love without abandon, live without fear.
For in the end, when all is through,
The best of life is loving, too.

Thank you for reading! Follow the blog👈 for more.

In creative solidarity, Dee

darkness ©Dawn Minott for Mental Health Awareness Month| with audio

On By Dawn MinottIn Poetry17 Comments

it showed up on a Wednesday after dark—knocked
knocked with determination on the entrance
entrance of her mind awakened
awakened from stupor gathering
gathering her wits about her down
down the stairs across the hall meandering
meandering through the passage way she
she peers through the peep hole of the door
door to her mind and she sees—it
it—is sinister
sinister a force forces its way in uninvited
uninvited into the deepest recesses
recesses of her mind cobwebbed
cobwebbed like a closet blacker
blacker than the darkest night
night formed from childhood hurts grown
grown-up disappointments her mind now mildew
mildew-stained of if-only-could-o’-been-not-enough-what-if
if her mind now molded-grief from loss
loss from betrayal from rejection in those
those dusty crevices resides a familiar
familiar stranger her thoughts redirecting
redirecting her emotions orchestrating there
there staring right back at her—it
it showed up on a Wednesday after dark—knocked
knock
knock

Afterword: Darkness can be from issues that you dare not let anyone see or know about, the issues you struggle with alone and silently … it’s time to open the door, let in the light, you’re not alone!

First published 2022
All Rights Reserved
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In creative solidarity, Dee

The Cocoon & The Crucible ©Dawn Minott

On By Dawn MinottIn Poetry33 Comments

Everyone regale butterflies’ splendor

No one fawns o’er cocoon’s grandeur

Cocoon is beauty formation

Protective encapsulation

Pupa’s transformation

Silky isolation

Life in incubation

Timed revelation

Everyone regale butterflies’ splendor

But no one fawns o’er cocoon’s grandeur

Cocoon is life in the making

Everyone regale lives transformed

No one fawns o’er crucibles formed

Crucible is life in retaliation

Trauma illumination

Questioned assumption

Identity re-definition

Deep self-reflection

Soul re-examination

Everyone regale lives transformed

But no one fawns o’er crucibles formed

Crucible is life in the living 

2022 All Rights Reserved
Republished 2024
Designed with Canva 
Image: Pexels

Contributing to Ragtag Daily Prompt: Butterfly

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In creative solidarity, Dee

Self Love—Masterpiece ©Dawn Minott

On By Dawn MinottIn Poetry12 Comments

Beforeword: Today’s poem closes this week’s focus on Philautia (Self-Love).

I am a masterpiece,
crafted by the hands of the Divine.
Each brushstroke, each chisel mark,
an echo of God’s love and precision,
etching beauty into my being.

A masterpiece takes time to create,
capturing all the details and intricacies—
how I appeared at the beginning,
is nothing compared to how I will look in the end;
an evolution of grace and strength,
unfolding like petals in the dawn.

I am a one-of-a-kind,
a unique work of art—
imitated perhaps,
but never duplicated;
each facet of my being,
a testament to my singularity.

Precious, of extreme value,
I am the culmination
of God’s love, skills, creativity, and hard work,
poured into this vessel of life,
brimming with divine essence.

I did not create myself,
my destiny predetermined,
manifested by the Artist’s vision;
each step, each breath,
guided by celestial hands,
sculpting me into my true form.

I point to the Artist’s talent,
evoking inspiration to those who gaze upon me;
a beacon of hope and wonder,
displayed for the world to see,
reflecting the glory of my Creator.

I am almost always on display,
a living gallery of divine craftsmanship,
each moment a testament,
to the masterpiece that I am,
and the love that shapes me

Afterword: This poem is drawn from a previous post in the Shabbat Shalom series, “God’s Art to Heart.”

2024 All Rights Reserved
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In creative solidarity, Dee

Affirming Love, Embrace Self ©Dawn Minott

On By Dawn MinottIn Poetry15 Comments

Each day I affirm to love,
To cherish the journey, no push, no shove.
I release expectations of how things should go,
Embrace the flow, let my true self show.

I let go of criticism, judgment too,
Accepting myself, in all I do.
To hold not to control, but with space to receive,
In this embrace, I start to believe.

In each day love finds space to be me,
In freedom and joy, I set my heart free.
Worthy of love, as I stand,
I embrace the love that I am.

2024 All Rights Reserved
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In creative solidarity, Dee

Self Love—Becoming ©Dawn Minott

On By Dawn MinottIn Poetry16 Comments

To the woman I’m becoming, I commit
To shed the past, each dark forgotten bit
In every shadow where old fears might hide
I rise anew—embracing joy and pride

I vow to leave behind what’s dim and worn
To blossom forth, like roses from the thorn
No remnants of the past will hold me back
For I am bound for light, no shade, no lack

I affirm to let go of what’s untrue
To craft my soul in colors bold and new
No longer will I wear the cloak of doubt
Instead, I’ll dance with faith and sing and shout

From ashes of the old I will arise
Like phoenix soaring to the open skies
With self-love as my guide my heart will shine
Evolving into the woman being transformed by the Divine

To the woman I’m becoming, here’s my vow:
I honor who she was, and who she is now
In every step—with courage, and cheer
I love myself in all stages, holding God’s vision dear

2024 All Rights Reserved
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In creative solidarity, Dee

Self-Love, Imperfect Perfection ©Dawn Minott

On By Dawn MinottIn Poetry19 Comments
Photo credit: Unknown

Beforeword: Whether societal pressures, unrealistic standards to past traumas or internalized self-doubt, there are many obstacles that can hinder our ability to truly appreciate and accept ourselves. In this poem, I explore the challenges one can face on the journey to self-acceptance.

What are you doing here
Hiding in this place, this space, displaced
Behind an image projected, true self protected, disconnected
Blinding the world to see

See the true you
The you who is tender-hearted, loving without abandon
The you who is a little bit nutty
The you who sings to every song and dances right along

The you who hurts

The you who laughs at silly jokes
Who dreams in colors
The you who finds beauty in the mundane
Who sees the world through curious eyes

The you who feels deeply, unafraid of emotion
Who stumbles but rises, every single time
The you who longs for connection, authentic and true
Who hides in shadows, yearning to break through

The you who writes stories in the quiet of night
Who whispers secrets to the stars
The you who dances with abandon under the moonlight
Who finds solace in the symphony of rain

What are you doing here
Hiding in this place, this space, displaced
It’s time to step into the light
To let the world see the true you

The you who is a kaleidoscope of contradictions
Strong yet vulnerable, lost yet found
The you who is beautifully human
The you you love in your imperfect perfection

2024 All Rights Reserved
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In creative solidarity, Dee

Self Love ©Dawn Minott

On By Dawn MinottIn Poetry4 Comments

In the quiet of dawn
where shadows stretch and fade,
I find myself,
whole,
a canvas painted with imperfections,
a symphony of scars and stories.

Eyes that have seen,
hands that have held,
a heart that has been bruised,
yet beats,
stronger with each day,
in rhythm with the whispering winds.

I am the dawn,
rising after the longest night,
the first breath of spring,
breaking through the frost,
a testament to resilience,
to the beauty of becoming.

In every line etched by time,
in every fold and curve,
I see not flaws,
but the poetry of existence,
a map of journeys taken,
a chronicle of survival.

I am enough,
in this moment,
in this skin,
with these dreams and doubts,
a constellation of desires,
a universe unfolding.

In the mirror’s reflection,
I meet my own gaze,
and see the truth,
clear as the dawning sky—
I am worthy,
I am whole,
I am love.

2024 All Rights Reserved
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In creative solidarity, Dee

Philautia (Self-Love) ©Dawn Minott

On By Dawn MinottIn Poetry4 Comments

Beforeword: This week I continue with posts about love. I started with Eros (romantic love), then Agape (unconditional love attributable to God). This week I will focus on Philautia which is the love of oneself.

Self-love can be healthy, promoting self-care and self-respect (or unhealthy, manifesting as narcissism).

This week I’ll focus on healthy self-love characteristic of self-acceptance, self-compassion, and a balanced sense of self-worth. This healthy love of one’s self also comes from God for God IS love, and we love because He first loved us.

I’ve written a lot about self-love. I’ll bring back some oldies and add some newbies for your poetic enjoyment. I hope you’ll enjoy this leg of the love journey!

2024 All Rights Reserved
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In creative solidarity, Dee

Midweek Boost: You’re Gonna Be OK ©Dawn Minott

On By Dawn MinottIn Poetry4 Comments
Today remind yourself that you can handle this. Know that you’re going to be okay.

The week is long. The weekend is short. Midweek is a good point to recharge to get over the hump. Happy hump day!

2023 All Rights Reserved

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In creative solidarity, Dee

MidWeek Boost: Believe! ©️Dawn Minott

On By Dawn MinottIn Poetry15 Comments

Believe you can and you’re half way there!Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there’s something inside greater than any obstacles. Believe.

The week is long. The weekend is short. Midweek is a good point to recharge to get over the hump believing in yourself! Happy hump day!

2023 ©Dawn Minott All Rights Reserved

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In creative solidarity, Dee

MidWeek Boost: Please Everyone?! ©️Dawn Minott

On By Dawn MinottIn Poetry10 Comments

You can’t please everyone …

… and that’s totally okay!

The week is long. The weekend is short. Midweek is a good point to recharge to get over the hump! Happy hump day!

2023 ©Dawn Minott All Rights Reserved

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In creative solidarity, Dee

Midweek Boost: You Are Worthy

On By Dawn MinottIn Poetry16 Comments

The week is long. The weekend is short. Midweek is a good point to recharge to get over the hump knowing you are worthy. Happy hump day!

2022 ©Dawn Minott All Rights Reserved

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In creative solidarity, Dee

New Dawn Rising ©Dawn Minott

On By Dawn MinottIn Poetry17 Comments

Heart-eyes covered in love not
seeing
Lies sweetly wrapped in roses
masking
Revelation in actions there’s no
denying
Supple flesh like petals
up-curling
Heart breaks like cardiac
arresting
Chambers swirl blood fast
pumping
Soul from soul separate
disconnecting
Emotions escape like petals
free-falling


Regret
surrendering

Stronghold
breaking

Love
recoiling

Welcome
re-flowering

New dawn
rising

First posted 13Sep2021 
All Rights Reserved

Thank you for reading!

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In creative solidarity, Dee

BIRTHmonth: Day 30 Concluding Affirmation—I Affirm Today to Self-Love

On By Dawn MinottIn Prose15 Comments

Before-word: To celebrate my birthMONTH I declared an affirmation for each day. At the end of the month I conclude with the affirmation to self-love, because you must first love yourself in order to love anyone else. This emanates from the ultimate love—the love of and for God.

This was the April I affirm to love

To let go of expectations of how things should go

To release criticism and judgment

To accept me, totally, as I am

To hold, not to control, but with space to receive

This was the April love found space to be me

©2022 Dee Min All rights reserved

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In creative solidarity, Dee

BirthMONTH—Day 26: I Affirm Today to Prioritize Self-Care

On By Dawn MinottIn Prose10 Comments

Self-care—caring for your mind, body and spirit—is not a luxury nor is it selfish.

Self-care is a necessity.

Today I affirm to care for myself. I will protect my physical, mental and emotional health because I’m absolutely worth it!

©2022 DeeMin All Rights Reserved

Thank you for journeying along.

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In creative solidarity, Dee

Snappy One Liners #5: Right Love

On By Dawn MinottIn Poetry2 Comments

Doing something a little different this week. No poetry. No prose. Instead I’ll be posting a series of snappy one-liners that are as good as a mouthful like:

Love isn’t forced, if s/he’s wrong for you, s/he can’t love you the right way.

You may also like previous posts in the series: #1Change, #2Be YOUniquely You, #3Know You, #4New Day New Way

Thank you for reading!

First time to the site? Welcome! You may start here👈 and for more follow the blog here👈

In creative solidarity,, Dee

flAWESOME©

On By Dawn MinottIn Prose5 Comments

Live your life embracing YOU in your entirety—your scars, what you think of as your flaws, and your brokenness. These are what make you YOU. Distinct. Different. And, flawsomely YOUnique.

You’ll find that it’s in the midst of your weakest and unsure moments that God does His most profound work in you. After all, your areas of weakness or insecurity are just the opportunities for Him to show off His strength in you!

Blend in?

What for?!

Do you!!

Be at peace with you, just as you are.

Live fully in and love your flAWESOMEness.

You may also like: Do You, Not They

2021. All rights reserved.

Thanks you for reading!

First time to the site? Start here👈 and for more follow the blog here👈

In creative solidarity, Dee

Some Days Other Days©

On By Dawn MinottIn Poetry3 Comments

Some days

I amaze myself

Other days

I’m searching for the phone

While talking on it 😜🤪🙄

Then I remind myself

Hang in there

Written for Jim Adams’ Thursday Inspiration, today’s prompt is “hang.”

Thanks you for reading!

First time to the site? Start here👈 and for more follow the blog here👈

In creative solidarity, Dee

A Letter to Your Younger Self: The “HOW TO”

On By Dawn MinottIn Uncategorized1 Comment

I did this exercise (writing to my younger self) a few years ago and revisited it recently. I found it therapeutic and fun! It’s a good way to explore your relationship with yourself, to reconnect to points in your past and use that connection to inform positive changes for your now and your future.

Have you done this exercise? If not and you’d like to, here are a few tips to get you through it:

  • Start by choosing a period in time or age and try to recall the major experiences of that time. As your memories unfold, also connect to the emotions they evoke.
  • Think of what advice the you today would give the you at that age. You could give tips on how to not “sweat the small stuff” and also encouragement to face challenges.
  • This is a good exercise to find self acceptance and also to boost your self esteem. To get the greatest value, lean into the emotions that you feel, don’t judge just allow yourself to feel. You may journal these emotional feelings and do so with intention. Intentionality means seeing how you can shift the perceptions around those old emotions and open space for healing.
  • Instead of ruminating negatively, do so with gratitude. Look for ways you have grown or what lessons can be learned to be a more resilient you.
  • Be sure to affirm you and speak with love and acceptance.


Your life is a journey. You cannot change the past but you can learn from it and grow. This exercise is one fun way to do that.

I believe no experience goes to waste, instead we can learn and grow from them.

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In creative solidarity, Dee