I just couldn’t figure out why the VOElla Poetry Challenge became so important to me. I hate contests, but this poetry contest became a symbol for me.
When I was a young girl, I was considered a child prodigy in piano. I was put in the National Piano Guild Contest against college students, and was ranked in the top 2% at 10. From there, I was offered a scholarship to the University music program and a chance to go to Juilliard. My parents both said no and lectured me about how I was not good enough and would never be good enough and to get used to being let down. So, I believed them – they were my parents, after all.
This poetry contest became the National Piano Guild all over again. It became my chance to tell that little 10 year old girl, once and for all, that she was good enough then and she still is good enough.
I sit here writing this, not knowing the results yet. I do not know which way it will go tonight. What I do know is that I did the very best I could do, and regardless, Dammit! I am good enough, and so is that 10 year old girl.
So, winning is not about what everyone else sees. Winning this is about loving that 10 year old that was hurt so bad back then, and telling her she is more than good enough.
Dancing Naked 
Mar 14, 2015 @ 10:25:59
Your poem is beautiful 🙂 ❤
and amazing at 10 to have had that opportunity…I can see how much it hurt
I'm so sorry 😦
For me, once I was shortlisted I had the opposite reaction…wanted to hide…I hate the spotlight :p
Mar 25, 2015 @ 11:03:57
I just had the opportunity to reply. Actually, I wanted to think a little bit about this. Your poetry is so beautiful. Please don’t hide it. I have for years, and now that I am bringing my voice out in the open in a big way, I am finding a tremendous amount of healing. Better late than never, right?
Mar 25, 2015 @ 13:40:52
Healing takes time and I’m really glad you’re opening up 😊😊😊❤️❤️
Mar 26, 2015 @ 07:58:49
It takes a really long time and just when you think you got it, another trigger exposes itself. I really believe it’s a lifelong exercise.
Mar 26, 2015 @ 08:20:29
Absolutely I agree 😊❤️
Mar 25, 2015 @ 13:42:24
I’m pretty shy…lack of encouragement from my family also did some damage
Thank you so much 🙏❤️❤️ a huge hug for you ❤️❤️
Mar 26, 2015 @ 07:57:32
I so get that! My childhood was a nightmare and it’s taken a long time to heal. I’m still working on it, but getting better each day. Your writing is amazing!
Mar 26, 2015 @ 08:20:05
Thank you so much beautiful 😊❤️❤️❤️
And it is a lifetime progress but you’re doing it 😊😊😊😊😊