Find Beauty

Even when it's hard & a poem for National Poetry Month

Hello, Dear Reader.

I’ve been absent. Is it vanity that makes me wonder if anyone noticed? I’ll go with it’s just being human. That sounds kinder, gentler, does it not?

My break was due to family matters—some good (family time in sunny AZ), some not.

Cancer has reared it’s ugly head again in my family—not me this time, but for one of my sisters. I won’t be sharing her story as it’s not mine to tell. I’ll share bits and pieces from time to time—the parts that are my story to tell. But I carry her story with me; I carry her with me. Always in my heart. (I’ve just returned home after an emotion-filled visit with her.)

Let’s have a conversation about finding beauty. Even when it’s hard.

But first, that reminder…

Clicking the ❤️ button shows others you were here. Commenting shows you value this conversation, restacking indicates you want to encourage others to read my essay, too, and recommending my Substack says all three.

---

---

Find Beauty

Even when it’s hard & a poem for National Poetry Month

One of the benefits of being part of an online breast cancer community is meeting gifted fellow writers. One such writer I was privileged to get to know through her writings and various online interactions was Lisa Bonchek Adams. Lisa died on March 6, 2015 of metastatic breast cancer. (March 6th—the same date, different year, that my mother died—also from MBC.) At the time of her death, Lisa was 46 years old.

Lisa’s words live on. A reminder of the power words we write have—a legacy like none other.

One thing Lisa is often remembered for are her words below about finding beauty—words that have always stayed with me. Lately, I’ve been thinking about them a lot.

---

I don’t need to remind you how difficult it is at times to keep going, to persevere. (Are you nodding your head about now?)

Many of us, probably most of us, are struggling these days to keep the faith that our democracy will endure, to believe good/right will prevail, to find beauty, to trust that things will be okay.

Like you, I struggle with the news of the day. I struggle with challenges of life. I struggle to keep finding beauty, or even to keep trying to look for it. I struggle to find words worth writing, much less worth sharing. How can little old me have anything of substance to say that will make a difference in this mess of a world?

Yes, I struggle to persevere. Maybe you do, too.

---

Persevering is hard.

Worrying is easy. As is fretting and throwing up one’s hands in despair.

Doom scrolling is easy, too. We all do it. I certainly do. It’s probably even necessary—part of the processing/absorbing/analyzing we need to do.

However, I’m pretty sure we all realize too much doom scrolling isn’t good for us. Too much negatively impacts our physical and emotional well being, limits our imaginations, stunts our creativity, and perhaps most importantly, holds us back from imagining the things—the world—we want to see and have.

After all, if we want a different, kinder, more just world, we must first imagine it.

---

Whether it’s the state of the world, how much it’s costing you to fill up your gas tank and feed your family, your unsteady relationship(s), uncertainty about your health or that of a loved one, grief for those dear ones you miss (including beloved pets), or anything you’re experiencing that challenges you to keep the faith, know this: beauty is there—even when you and I cannot see it.

Believing in what we cannot see.

That is the epitome of faith, is it not?

---

Since April is National Poetry Month, I’ll end by sharing a poem I wrote the other day that was inspired by Lisa’s words. I hope something in it is meaningful and lingers with you for just a bit.

I would love to know how it lands for you.

---

Find Beauty

Find beauty, they say

But where?

Where do I look for it?

These days, ugly is easier to find

Beauty is too quiet

Ugly is too loud

Finding beauty feels impossible

And yet…

Just because I cannot see it

That doesn’t mean it’s still not there

It’s in the purple blooms of spring

And in the melodies the songbirds sing

It’s in the clouds, each drop of rain

In the whisperings amongst the pines

Beauty’s there, waiting patiently

For me to see it, hear it, share it

Or even just imagine it

And when I do

I’m again reminded

It’s there, right where it’s always been

It’s everywhere

Turns out

Beauty’s not the quiet one at all

And not that hard to find

If only I persevere

---

I’m grateful for this Substack community of writers and readers that inspires and lifts others up. I’m grateful for YOU.

Remember, friend…

Keep going. Find beauty. And always persevere.

---

You’re invited to be part of this conversation by sharing a comment, a poem, or whatever you’re moved to share today.

What’s something you’re struggling with these days?

What helps you persevere?

Where do you find beauty (or try to)?

Share something of beauty you’ve seen, heard, read, been inspired by, or even just imagined.

---

If you feel my essay has value, thank you for restacking and considering becoming a paid subscriber when you feel ready. Free or paid, I appreciate you.

---

Thank you for reading.

As always, I see you. I hear you, and I care about what YOU have to say.

Until next time…

Take care of yourself, be kind to someone, be a light, and keep going.

With gratitude,

Nancy

xoxo

Finding beauty recently in a gorgeous AZ sunset