​Wishing you all a very Happy New Year! 2024 has arrived in the blink of an eye. For many of us, we were unprepared, but the New Year brings new opportunities, a clean slate, new resolutions, and hope. If you had a difficult time during 2023, you are not alone. In 2023, some people faced loss of loved ones, jobs, illness, disasters, strife, and bouts of depression and anxiety…but despite these challenges, YOU are still HERE. And where there is life, there is hope for a future. I pray that we all find the future we desire for ourselves. May you achieve your goals and attain your dreams in 2024!
As I look back on the final months of 2023, I am grateful for the opportunities to share my poetry and my music with you. In an interview with Chris King of Gospel Grind Radio, I was happy to discuss my latest poetry book “To Find…Again” and my song “I Find My Peace In You” (available for streaming or download on Spotify and iTunes). If you missed the interview, feel free to check it out on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/tv/C0pVCLbpafL/?igshid=N2ViNmM2MDRjNw==

Happy November! To Find…Again is here! Books can be purchased at the links listed.
Have you gone through a divorce and found rekindled love? Divorce can be a traumatic, emotional experience, but it doesn’t mean that love and happiness are out of reach. The end of a marriage does not mean the end of your romantic journey. By going through the healing process, and embarking on a journey of forgiveness and self-discovery, it is more than possible to rekindle the flames of love once more.
This author had such a revelation in her own life journey. Back in 2018-2019, I went through a very painful divorce and found myself single at the age of thirty. What a shock! All my life I had my goals and ambitions laid out. A messy divorce was the very last thing I expected. Unfortunately, relationships do fail when they are not anchored to the pillars of trust, faith, commitment, and communication. It is in this way that people often grow apart instead of growing together in a marriage.
Despite the disruption to my world, I had to overcome and pick back up the pieces of my life. I was a single woman who had to learn how to be strong, independent, self-sufficient, and smart about finances. The hardest part was not becoming hardened and cynical but allowing the grieving process to work its way through. In doing so, I found a way to love myself again and build a deeper relationship with my family, friends, and God. 
While undergoing this process, I met the man who would change my life and rekindle the joy of love. I found the strength to challenge myself, to learn new things, and to not be afraid to take risks. I became my biggest cheerleader! On those dark days, positive self-talk made a huge difference! This book is part of that experience.
So get your copy of my new book today! In this collection of poetic writings, you will explore the stages of the author’s healing journey of self-discovery to find love, hope, and faith again.
For even after a heartbreak or a breaking point, there is always an opportunity to embrace life and To Find…Again.
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© 2023 Shemique Blair


​I share more tips in my video 'How to get over a divorce'. Watch here:

So why the title, To Find …Again?
 
Someone once said that “Each new day presents a new opportunity”. How true a perspective! Just when we’ve come to the end of one task, or work, or just when we think the sun has set on a thing, in mere hours, the sun rises and presents us with a new opportunity to tackle a new task, or an old task in a new way! Each day we are blessed to greet always provides an opportunity to try, to put in the effort, and to never give up.
 
In my own personal journey, I had to find the things that gave me joy, love, and hope again. I had to remind myself that going through a divorce was not the end all and be all of life. In fact, the emotional breaking allowed me to grow spiritually, mentally, and physically in ways I had never imagined. The trauma of going through a divorce forced me to focus on my own well-being. Thereby, providing the space for something new to blossom. This very thought is penned in my poem, "In the Shadows", where the opening lines state:

In the shadows of loss
Hope blossomed to the confession of love.

Listen to the reading of this poem on my YouTube channel at: https://youtu.be/KbFDMgkMH8Y?si=-QWTaUFd0jQwrgb0

I hope this book will inspire and connect with you in whatever stage of life you find yourself. Stay on the lookout for its release this late Fall 2023.
 
Join our community on Facebook and Instagram.

© 2023 Shemique Blair

​Greetings friends!
 
As promised, the audiobook for “Love, Marriage, Divorce and Growth” is now available on Audible, iTunes, and Amazon! You will be able to enjoy listening to the journey of love, growth, and self-discovery at your leisure, perhaps on a walk or a drive. About 30 minutes of poetry to keep you inspired. Listen today!
 
The process was a long one with many hurdles and complications to overcome but I wanted to narrate the poems as authentically as possible. And of course, finding the time to do so amidst my busy schedule was most certainly an additional challenge, but I am proud to see that the final product has indeed been accomplished.
 
So why publish an audiobook of “Love, Marriage, Divorce and Growth: A Poem Anthology”? The answer is simple: I received many inquiries from friends and readers asking for one, and this opportunity allowed me to express myself uniquely and creatively. I wanted the author’s voice and perspective to really captivate readers on this personal journey of self-discovery and growth. I sincerely hope this audiobook is a blessing to you and will complement the paperback version of my book, especially for those who seek and/or prefer an audible escape. So, plug those headphones in and enjoy the journey!
 
#acx #audible #audiobooks #audiobook #bookstagram #narrator #writersofinstagram #authorsofinstagram

© 2023 Shemique Blair

As beautiful summer is reaching it's summit and the fall season swiftly approaches, I can take some time to reflect on the challenges I have had to over come within the past few months. I am eternally grateful for the reminder of love, support and positivity from friends and family in my life whom I can always lean on in times of crisis. Although a summer vacation did not turn out how I'd hoped with a personal health scare that shifted my focus and  altered my world, I am glad to be in recovery both physically, emotionally, spiritually and mentally. And just as I have, I also know, many of you have also had to overcome challenges in this unprecedented time as well. Let us remember that we are survivors and every breath ​we take is an opportunity at life. Let us not take it for granted.
© 2021 Shemique Blair

Shop the 'I Survived' shirt:
https://www.sblairwritings.store/listing/i-survived-4497?product=879
https://youtu.be/lUsXTRqAdDg

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June 2021 has brought shocking historic truths to the forefront in Canada. The discovery of the remains of 215 children buried at a former residential school in Kamloops, British Colombia has horrified many ignorant Canadians while re-traumatizing many others who survived those residential schools. Indigenous Communities have far too long cried out for truth and justice from the Federal Government of Canada.  The time has come where many First Nations communities have taken it upon themselves to go and find their lost loved ones, to reunite broken families and bring forth the truth to light. It is anticipated that more and more discoveries will follow as across Canada, many non-indigenous and Indigenous take a stand and demand that true actions to  support reconciliation be taken by those responsible: The Catholic Church and the Canadian Government.
On this year's Canada Day, many are cancelling celebrations and taking the time to educate themselves on the true history of Canada. A history stained by colonialism and racism. Many Canadians may be wondering what more they can do? As we stand as allies with our Indigenous communities, wear an orange shirt to honour those children lost and the survivors who are still seeking justice today. Make a donation to a charity that supports residential school survivors and raises awareness of its legacy. One such charity is The Legacy of Hope Foundation. I have also created an Every Child Matters graphic design on my online store to support this cause. All proceeds from sales of this t-shirt will be donated to Legacy of Hope Foundation. We can all be a part of change. #Educate #Raiseawareness #Beanally #Understand

Family, Education and Faith. These are the 3 pillars that lay the foundation for my journey. Listen to the podcast author interview featuring Shemique Blair and fellow author-mentor, Amelia Starr. Shemique Blair will share her story and discuss her book: “Love, Marriage, Divorce & Growth: A poem anthology”, with her. Hear the interview at: https://facetsofastarr.podbean.com/

#education #love #mariage #divorce #growth #faith #lifelessons #bookstagram #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #poetry #writer #writersofinstagram
#wordsofwisdom #wisdom #podcast #podbean #interview

This month, May brings with it the end of one season and the start of another. With Summer drawing near, I have continued to stretch my interest and creativity in graphic design on merchandise in my store:  sblairwritings.store 
New designs such as BLM tees and hoodies are now available in various colours. With the summer season upon us, check out the 10% PROMO on all items. Just enter SUMMER21 at checkout.
Being able to share my designs is a true honour and something that has taken me a while to develop and bring forth to the world. We all have deep desires and dreams we would like to fulfill. The difference between those who can and those who won't is the small, but powerful force called: 'belief'. The power of believing in one's self is the key factor in setting goals, adhering to deadlines,  and overcoming obstacles through persistence. A person who believes that they are indeed capable, will be so. This is because they have the internal motivation to exert over external actions. Of course, simple belief on its own is not enough, but, without it- nothing can be accomplished. Why do we do certain things? Why do we make certain decisions? It is not simply because we can, but more importantly, because we believe we can. Napoleon certainly had this epiphany solidified, "Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve." 

Happy National Poetry Month!
April has been a busy time for poets and writers everywhere. I am grateful to have the opportunity to share my writings and creativity with the world. I have been inspired by the writings of many poets including Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes, USA National Youth Poet: Amanda Gorman,  the spoken-word poetry of Canadian Dwayne Morgan, to the Jamaican folklore and poet Louise Bennett-Coverly "Miss Lou", to now, Ontario's first poet laureate: Randell Adjei. Poets are blazing a trail with their writings and expression from social to political platforms.
From I was a child, I knew the love of words and felt the power behind capturing my emotions on paper through poetry. When I began to share those words with others and witnessed how they resonated, it was in that moment I knew that poetry would forever be "the soul to my heart and the calm to my mind." I love writing poems because it allows me to share the most vulnerable, honest and genuine parts of myself in fearlessness. It is my medium of therapy and creative expression. So to all the poets who fearlessly share their truth, I salute you!
​© 2021 Shemique Blair