Poetry Today

Ground Rules: Boundaries Redefined

Boundaries On. Peace Protected. Purpose First. If You Come with Chaos, you Do Not Come In.

Entry to my life is by invitation. The dress code is respect.
If your voice raises against my peace, you are already outside.

Photo by Thought Catalog on Pexels.com

No is a full sentence. I use it early. I use it often. I do not trade peace for proximity, status, or someone else’s comfort.

My boundaries are not suggestions. They are gates I own the keys to.
If a room tries to reduce me, I leave. If a conversation poisons the air, I log off.
If a relationship starves my soul, I choose distance and keep moving.

What you see is what you get. My core does not shift to fit a crowd.
I show up aligned. I show up consistent. I show up myself.

I dress the part. I act the part. I take up space on purpose.
Your discomfort is not my problem. My presence is not an apology.

Keep your negativity parked outside; it will be towed.
I do not host drama, rumor, or the echo of he said she said.
I am busy building a life with meaning. Every yes is paid for with time.

I am in competition with my last draft, my last habit, my last excuse.
I study. I pivot. I grow. I improve because I refuse to stay small.
Self-pity is a trap I do not step in. Blame is a mirror I do not hold.

Your opinion is not my oxygen. Your whispers do not move me.
I am guided by conviction, not chatter. By vision, not noise.
I live at a higher frequency; static gets cut.

If you mistake kindness for access, you will be corrected.
If you test my boundaries, you will meet the gate.
If you bring peace, purpose, or truth, you will find a seat at my table.

Know the rules before your bias speaks for you.
This is my life. My time. My energy.
I am one hundred percent authentic, and I plan to stay that way.

………..Until next time, be good to yourself!

Poetry Today

Why At First, I Give People the Benefit of the Doubt.

One thing I’ve learned in life is this, I cannot build my opinion of someone based on what other people say about them. Whispers are slippery. Stories get bent out of shape. And sometimes what people project onto others has more to do with their own bias than with truth.

That’s why I always choose to give people the benefit of the doubt.

When I meet someone, I give them space to prove who they are. I ask myself, is what I heard true? Was it exaggerated? Was it taken out of context? Or did someone use their own unconscious bias to create a version of this person that isn’t real?

For me, nothing tells the story more clearly than how someone shows up in their daily life, through their actions, their choices, and most importantly, the way they treat people. That’s where their real character reveals itself.

But here’s the part where I stand firm, the moment you prove that the warnings were true, the moment your behavior confirms the very things people told me to watch out for, that’s the moment I walk away. No hesitation. No second guessing.

I refused to stay in toxic environments, around toxic people once they reveal their true self and I can see it with my own eyes. Toxicity is contagious, negativity breathes conformity and small-minded people always reveal themselves in the end.

Because here’s the truth, one person can be wrong. Two people can exaggerate, but when multiple voices start to align and my own experience confirms the pattern, that tells me everything I need to know. At that point, I don’t need more stories or explanations. I’ve seen enough for myself.

And so, I choose both, grace in the beginning, and boundaries in the end.

I want to know who you really are, not just who others say you are. But once you show me your true self, I believe you, and I adjust my place in your life accordingly.

That balance keeps me grounded. It keeps me from judging unfairly, and it keeps me from staying in spaces where I don’t belong.

It’s never your friends, the organization or the majority that’s toxic; Most times it’s the people entrusted to lead, who forgot that power and trust is a privilege, not a weapon to use against others.

Until next time! Take care of your hearts my darlings!

Nikki Sterling @paragonwords

Poetry Today

There’s Power in Choosing Light

There is a power in choosing light when the world offers only shadows. It takes courage to resist the pull of anger, to stand firm in love when hate feels easier.

But Dr. King’s words remind us that we are not meant to mirror the darkness, we are meant to illuminate it.

Hatred multiplies where love is absent, and darkness thrives when we forget to shine. Yet, even the smallest flicker of light can transform the night.

To choose love is to choose transformation, to believe that healing is possible even in the face of deep divides. Let us be the light that lingers, the love that endures, and the change that rises from within.

From my heart to yours!

~Nikki

~#paragonwords

Poetry Today

You are Precious and Dearly Loved..

Around this time of year, when everything seems alive, and love congregates in the streets, when people are preparing to gather and embrace each other, when memories come alive and the season of love and light softens our hearts……..

…….and here you are today, with the burden of heaviness! Unable to feel joy, or love, or peace. Blinded by loss and loneliness, you stay hidden in a home that misses your smile, that wants nothing more than to remind you, that you are precious and dearly loved. 🥰

With gratitude-Nikki

@paragonwords

Poetry Today

Love is the Root of Every Healing

As the new year unfolds, let us step into its promise with hearts wide open, choosing to love without restrictions.

Let us cast aside the conditions we place on ourselves and others, the expectations, the hesitations and dare to offer love as it is meant to be, boundless, unafraid, and true.

For in doing so, we create space not just for connection but for transformation.

~Nikki

#Paragonwords #day 1-365

Poetry Today

The Grief Keeper

“Grief is the echo of love, a reminder that our bonds are eternal”


Welcome to The Grief Keeper Journal, a sanctuary for your emotions, and a companion through the journey of loss. This journal is more than a collection of pages; it’s a haven designed to hold your grief, your thoughts, and your healing process.

The Grief Keeper is uniquely yours. Every tear-stained page, every colored illustration, and every written word is a step towards understanding and accepting your grief. Use this journal as a trusted friend, a silent witness to your pain, and a gentle guide towards healing.
Remember, this journey is not yours alone, this grief journal is here to accompany you every step of the way. Allow it to be a safe space where you can confront, explore, and ultimately, give your grief the tenderness it deserves.

Blessings!
Nikki Sterling @paragonwords
Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads and BookBub 💗

Available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/bcF97BT

#thegriefkeeper #untilwemeetagain #paragonwords

Uncategorized

Forgive Them

There’s a light in your heart when you know within yourself that you hold no grievance in your soul for anyone.

When you forgive, know that you are healing and building a future free from the baggage and torment of your past.

Know that forgiveness is accepting that, yes, what you did hurt me, but I will no longer allow hatred and unforgiveness to live in my heart.

I forgive, so freedom can sing in my bones.

I forgive, so I can be the best version of myself.

I forgive, so I can give myself a future.

I forgive, so my heart is free to bless others.

I forgive, so I can teach my kids about the power of forgiveness.

I forgive, so God can use me.

I forgive, so I can pray without hinderance.

Forgiveness is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself. It unshackles your mind and body and help you to see the bigger picture.

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With Gratitude

Nikki Sterling

~Paragonwords

Poetry Today

I Am Ready

2023 tried to take me out but I wouldn’t let it. It was hard and rough, but I showed up in all my strength.
The more it tried to silence me, the more I laughed in the face of fear. At rock bottom, I dug deep within myself and found gold.
I did not sacrifice myself worth on the hard days. I kept my heart soft and prayed my way through.
2024 will be a year of growth and breakthrough. I am ready!

I am ready to be free, I am ready to live the life I worked so hard to achieved. This is my time.

~🩵Paragonwords

Poetry Today

Hello,

It’s Been Way Too Long!

So, I really can’t believe it’s been that long since I’ve written a post. It’s actually been a really productive year that has kept me pretty busy.

I have been working hard on my prayer journal collection, which is now available. You can view them here: https://wordpress.com/page/paragonwords.org/2308

I have opened my Etsy store which you can check out here: https://paragonwords.etsy.com and I’ve also created a LinkedIn page for Paragonwords, that you can follow here: www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-sterling-0061092a3

I’ve started the draft for my second poetry book, which I am so excited about, and I am also in the middle of my affirmation coloring book series.

As you can see it’s been a super busy year, and I am so excited for all the amazing things coming in 2024.

Hopefully, everyone is doing well and getting ready for the holiday season.

Sending warmth, hope and holiday cheer to everyone.

Nikki Sterling @paragonwords

Poetry Today

Your Best Year

My intentions are set; my goals are bone deep, my focus is steadfast, my vision is crystal clear. I will not be shaken; I will slow down and rest, but I’ll never stop trying to live abundantly.

Today’s goal, set some boundaries of what you will no longer allowed to cloud your vision.

Write it down, have that hard conversation with a loved one, a coworker or with yourself. Make it clear, make it truthful and set it down in your heart!

Now celebrate.

As we come to the end of the first Month of 2023, I hope you are ready and focus to have the best year ever.

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Stay Hopeful!

Nikki