There are chapters we never would have chosen.
Chapters that asked more of us than we believed we could give. That reshaped us quietly, slowly, sometimes painfully.
And yet, there is something sacred about surviving them.
Not because they didn’t hurt.
Not because they were easy.
But because we lived through them and kept our light. ♥
The verse shared below is one of the one hundred intimate reflections woven through A Hundred Ways to Hold Her. While the collection includes ten benedictions spoken from the voice of the future self, the remaining verses, like this one, are grounded in the lived journey itself.
They speak from within the chapter.
From the middle of it.
From the woman still walking through.
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This verse does not deny the ache. It does not polish the pain into something pretty. Instead, it reframes the story gently. One day, this chapter may not be remembered for how deeply it hurt, but for how fiercely you endured it without losing yourself.
There is a quiet reverence in that.
So often, we measure growth by visible transformation. But sometimes the most sacred work is invisible. To move through heartbreak and remain soft. To carry sorrow without surrendering light. To live through the breaking and still be here.
That is what this verse holds.
As this collection continues to unfold, I’ll be sharing verses, reflections, and moments from the journey here on my blog, on Instagram, and via my YouTube channel.
If you are in the middle of a chapter you would not have chosen, may this feel like a gentle reminder. The pain is not what makes it sacred.
Your light is.
May this space always feel like somewhere your heart can rest. ♥
If you’re just joining this journey, or would like to return to earlier verses, you’ll find previous posts linked below.
- Returning to What is True: Poetry, Presence, and the Inner Work of Becoming
- A Hundred Ways to Hold Her: Honouring the Healing Journey Through Poetry
- Healing Through Poetry: A Benediction for Courage and Renewal
Natalie, xo
This space is an offering of presence.
Words shaped through listening, reflection, and reverence.
A place where becoming is honoured, and the voice remains true.
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As a multi-passionate creator my heart is rooted in storytelling, self-expression, and soulful connection. I’m a writer of poetry that journeys the deep emotional landscapes of life—the vulnerability and valour of the soul. Nature is my sanctuary. In its tranquil beauty and quiet wisdom, I find restoration, reflection, and a deeper connection to the soul. It’s where I return to breathe, to listen, and to simply be. Creativity, for me, is more than expression—it is transformation. It is how we return to ourselves. Whether you’ve arrived here for a spark of inspiration, a moment of peace, or a sense of belonging—I welcome you!
We are all friends here. Join the conversation!