So, How Does That Make You Feel?

By Jennifer A Fout

EMOTIONS...anger, sadness, happiness, frustration, grief. We all have them, we can't escape them, no one is immune. But how do you let them out? Keeping them locked inside will eventually destroy even the strongest. There are so many ways to address and express emotions through physical activity, intellectual pursuits, writin

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jennifer A Fout
• Release date: Nov 3, 2021
• ISBN: 9798985185317

Book preview

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So, How Does That Make You Feel?

Jennifer A Fout

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Copyright © 2021 by Jennifer A Fout

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author.

This edition was prepared for publication by

Ghost River Images

5350 East Fourth Street

Tucson, Arizona 85711

www.ghostriverimages.com

ISBN 979-8-9851853-1-7

Library of Congress Control Number: 2021922050

Printed in the United States of America

November, 2021

Preface

My first attempts at poetry were in elementary school for homework and for gifts for my mom. In middle school, I wrote poems with friends for the school paper. By late high school and beginning of college the transformation happened. Writing poetry became a coping skill, an escape, and a release. Strong emotions drove my words, expressing what I wasn’t comfortable saying aloud and allowing for a cathartic experience.

As a counselor, poetry has become a large part of my self-care and coping set, as well as my personal, non-judgmental therapist. Emotions drive my writing and now drive this book. I have rarely shared my poetry as it truly gives insight into my normalcy that is often hidden by my shell of external strength and confidence. I have always been viewed as the strong one who can handle anything and have often hidden strong emotions for the comfort of others and myself. Now it’s time to practice what I preach. To normalize and validate the healthy expression of emotions, my emotions.

This book represents poems written on and off over a span of 35 years, with many inspirations, but all written due to a strong emotion. I want to express my gratitude to those who have crossed my path and walked with me for a time. I am appreciative to those who have read and provided feedback over the years, as well as those who encouraged me to publish. I am most grateful to my Mom and Dad who always encouraged reading, which helped lead me to write.

So, here I am, in the raw. I hope you, the reader, find something that resonates with you. Most of all I encourage you to find your healthy release. Emotions are normal and natural. How do you want to express them?

Pictures

I find peace in my environment, being outside rejuvenates me, and living in the Sonoran Desert lends to many beautiful moments. I fell in love with desert flowers and will always stop for a picture and to spend a moment being mindful and appreciating desert beauty. The pictures