Like many others, I got disconnected from my authentic flow of creativity in adulthood. I learned through my experiences that I couldn't afford to be imaginative or playful; I had grown-up responsibilities and I needed to cross off mind-numbing checklists. But through a move across the U.S. and the hiatus of a worldwide pandemic, I started reconnecting with the creative part of me that had never left.

I started processing thoughts on life, reflecting deeply on difficult experiences and trauma I had yet to unpack, and acknowledging the pain through writing and inner child work. I intentionally created space for silence, solitude and self-reflectivity. And I started embracing playfulness, childlike-ness and creativity as tools for inner healing.

The poems in this book are the result of this reawakening. I hope that by reading them, you will be inspired to connect more with your creativity and your inner child, and you will commit to dealing with trauma on your journey to lifelong healing and wholeness.