Rediscovering the Joy of Literature: A Personal Journey
Written on
Chapter 1: The Early Beginnings of My Literary Adventure
From a young age, I immersed myself in literature that was deemed too advanced for my peers. At just seven years old, I inquired about a book my older brother was reading. He responded, “You can’t read this; you’re not old enough.” Frustrated, I expressed my boredom with children’s stories, prompting him to hand over his book with a challenge: “If you think you can handle it, take it.”
His words left a lasting impression on me, igniting a spark of excitement. Each night, I devoted myself to deciphering the text, carefully sounding out every word. Books provided solace during my childhood struggles, especially as I faced the stigma of being perceived as less capable. My teacher had informed my mother that I was mentally challenged, and she, believing him, often questioned my abilities.
I grappled with dyslexia at a time when it was poorly understood, and my mother would say, “Are you sure you can do that? Maybe you should reconsider because you have a mental disability.” This would leave me in tears, insisting that I was fine and demonstrating my progress by reading “adult” books. My most cherished discovery was Stephen King’s Pet Sematary, which fueled my love for thrilling stories.
Despite the sadness that accompanied feeling different from my peers, I resolved to prove everyone wrong. At eight, I penned my first poem, and I continued to write until marriage and life’s demands took over. Eventually, I returned to books as an escape from an abusive relationship, finding that they transported me to happier times.
During my mid-twenties, I reignited my passion for writing, focusing on gospel music and poetry, and I learned to play various musical instruments. This musical journey enriched my writing, allowing me to share my creations in church.
Ultimately, literature became a lifeline during tumultuous periods, instilling hope and knowledge within me. I was determined to break free from the limitations others placed upon me, expressing my feelings through poetry as a means of healing. My greatest desire is for everyone to experience love and joy, and I strive to spread positivity to those around me.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story; your kindness is deeply appreciated! I hope to reciprocate that kindness in every way I can. May you be blessed with the watchful presence of angels in your life!