When asked what my favourite poem is, one poem always comes to mind: Invictus by William Ernest Henley. It holds so much power in its entirety that I find it hard to chop up, even though I do have a favourite verse from it (in the italics below).
During my worst bouts of anxiety (especially back when I didn’t know what was happening to me), I would recite this poem by heart over and over. When I feel particularly hopeless or sad, I recite it (sometimes verbally, sometimes in my head). It has always been a source of comfort and strength for me and I find it incredibly inspiring. It’s one of those feelings that words just can’t describe.If you’re thinking that this poem sounds a bit familiar, it’s because it’s in the eponymous movie Invictus. Nelson Mandela had it while in prison and would use it as a source of courage when he no longer wanted to work. It got him through all those atrocities. Whenever I watch that part of the movie, I tear up. Just adding the video here I got a little teary-eyed!
I think it’s good for everyone to have a poem or quote to make them feel powerful, comforted or loved. It doesn’t matter who wrote it or what it’s from (some of my other favourite quotes are from Parks & Rec), it just matters that it has meaning to you and makes you feel good.
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