Poetry Today

True Friendship vs False Labels

The word friend gets tossed around too easily these days. Many use it loosely without grasping the weight of what friendship really means.

Friendship is not about feeding someone’s ego.
It is not about soothing insecurities or proving your loyalty over and over again.
It is not about accusations, jealousy, or keeping score.

True friendship is presence.
It’s holding space for each other.
It’s knowing you can sit in someone’s company without masks, without judgment, without fear of betrayal.

But too often, we lower our guard and invite people in who only come to take. They drain energy, stir drama, and leave you exhausted, vampires feeding on your time and spirit under the guise of “friendship.” If the relationship constantly feels like you’re pulling someone back from the edge, reminding them what friendship should be, then they were never really your friend.

A real friend brings peace, not chaos. They add value, not weight. They are steady hands, not clenched fists.

So here’s the truth:
If the word friend carries more baggage than joy, more drama than trust, let it go. Protect your space. Guard your energy. Real friendship will never demand you sacrifice your peace.

What Friendship Is vs. What It’s Not

Friendship isn’t feeding egos.
It isn’t jealousy, accusations, or keeping score.
It isn’t chaos disguised as care.

True friendship is presence.
It’s peace.
It’s someone who adds, not drains.

If the word friend carries more baggage than joy
let it go. Protect your energy.
The right ones will never ask you to sacrifice your peace.

Take care of your heart

Nikki

@paragonwords

Poetry Today

The Language Beneath My Skin

I wrote this piece as a declaration and a reckoning. As a poet and writer, my work is born from the ache, from the moments I was voiceless, the years I was shrinking, the fire I kept swallowing to keep the peace.

Writing became my rebellion and my revival.

This poem is not just about being a writer, it’s about what it costs to tell the truth. It’s about carrying stories in your bones and deciding to bleed them onto the page anyway. It’s about being a woman, a survivor, an artist, someone who feels deeply and dares to make beauty from the breaking.

I wanted to remind myself, and anyone who reads it, that we don’t write because it’s pretty, we write because it’s necessary. Because silence was never meant to be our legacy.

This is the language I carry beneath my skin.
This is the fire I refuse to bury.

Photo by Anastasia Shuraeva on Pexels.com

I don’t just write.
I unearth.

Every word is a bone I’ve dug from the dirt of my past.

A fossil from a life I lived in silence, now resurrected in ink.
I am both the archaeologist and the artifact.

The buried truth and the one brave enough to name it.

Poetry didn’t save me.
It demanded I show up, bloodied, honest, and cracked wide open.

Sometimes I write with grace.
Other times I write with rage.
But always, I write with reverence.

Because there’s something holy about surviving with your voice intact.
There’s something sacred about letting your pain bloom into art.
And there is nothing more courageous than telling the truth

In a world that profits from your silence.

So, if you ask me what I do,
I will not say I am just a poet.
I will say!
I am a Firestarter.
A soul excavator.
A keeper of stories too wild for cages.

And if my words ever burn, let them.
Some things are meant to set you free.

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

How do you set yourself up for success?

Photo by Nina Uhlikova on Pexels.com



These five daily habits will empower you to navigate challenges with confidence and lead with purpose.

1. Set Clear Intentions: Start each day with clear goals and intentions. Knowing what you want to achieve keeps you focused and motivated.

2. Continuous Learning: Dedicate time to learning and improving your skills. Stay updated with industry trends and seek opportunities for growth.

3. Positive Mindset: Cultivate a positive mindset to overcome challenges. Practice gratitude and affirmations to stay resilient and focused on solutions.

4. Effective Communication: Prioritize clear and effective communication. Whether networking or collaborating, strong communication builds relationships and drives results.

5. Self-Care: Prioritize self-care to maintain mental and physical well-being. Taking care of yourself ensures you can perform at your best and make a meaningful impact.

Stay focus, stay empowered, stay confident and lead with purpose.

#paagonwords #motivated

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

Don’t Let Rejection Move you

Rejection is a part of life, sometimes it’s unfair, and sometimes it’s because we are not prepared to step into that present situation. Most times, it’s because we are trying to fit into a space that’s not meant for us.

Always trust that sometimes rejection is pushing you towards something greater. Do not allow rejection to move you. Do not allow it to stop you from reaching higher. Do not allow it to harden your heart.

Continue to move with purpose, continue to reach into the depth and announce your presence. You will know where you are meant to be, you will feel the warmth and the peace that comes with being accepted.

Never push or stay where you know you don’t belong. Recognize rejection when it comes and learn to walk away. In doing so, you will save yourself years of being stuck in the wrong place.

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Thanks for reading

Have a safe and bless week.

Nikki

Poetry Today

Let It End

Let it end

Let the reign of

Self-doubt go

It has done its time

It has caused you enough grief

Let this new season

Bring you peace

Forgive yourself for

Thinking you are not worthy

It’s time to heal

It’s time to rise

Let it be known that

You did not give up

Even when doubt lingers

In the corners of your mind

Putting yourself back together

Was not easy

But your courage to forge

A new path has given you strength

To carry on

..

Lately, I’ve been focusing on embracing what’s before me. Letting the past rest and living with true purpose.

As you take a deep look at your life and your future, change what’s not working, keep what makes you happy. Live in the moment and let your joy be known.

I would love to hear from you! leave a comment below.

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Nikki

Poetry Today

Inspiration

Finding inspiration in our everyday routine is important, because it keeps us from getting bored and stagnant. It also challenges us to see things differently. Inspiration can come from the simplest of things, we must be open and ready to be inspired.

Each day we have an opportunity to try something new, to do one thing different from the day before. it could be simple as going for a walk and being present in the moment.

Take nothing for granted, make each moment count.

I would love to hear how you stay present and inspired each day.

Leave a comment below

Nikki