I have fallen in love with poetry because it puts my feelings into words when I can't put them together myself. Although poetry holds a special place in my heart, it is ultimately an author’s way of healing themselves and healing their pain; a way of letting out bottled up feelings. People open their hearts, let their guard down, and become vulnerable in many different ways. Poets do this through writing and I find that utterly beautiful. I could spend hours reading people’s words because I feel that is the deepest connection people can have; to know someone’s thoughts and understand where they are coming from, to relate to what they are going through or what they are feeling.

John Green is one of my favorite authors because he is so real in what he writes. He has made me think of life in a new perspective and has inspired me in so many ways. I’ve read many of his books but one of them in particular stands out to me. There is a quote from his Will Grayson Will Grayson that caught my attention. He writes, “Maybe there’s something your afraid to say, or someone your afraid to love, or somewhere you’re afraid to go. It’s gonna hurt. It’s gonna hurt because it matters.” This quote taught me that no matter what we do, or where we go, or who we meet, we cannot allow fear to get in the way of achieving our goals.

Fear has two meanings. You either Forget Everything And Run or you Face Everything And Rise. I choose the latter. I will no longer allow fear to run my life. I used to be afraid to try new things. I used to care about people’s opinions and I used to be afraid of not fitting in. I told myself that I have to face my fears and since then I’ve experienced things I would have never done. I started crossing things off of my bucket list and traveling. I went zip lining with my aunt, uncle and cousin. I went on a road trip with my friends. I became a writer for the Odyssey. I stopped caring about what people think of me. I am planning amazing trips with my friends and creating memories I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Because someone was brave enough to share their thoughts, I was able to grow closer to the person I’ve always wanted to be. John Green is an amazing writer and one day I hope to repay the favor. I hope to inspire people with my words and give people the inspiration to achieve their goals. I hope to help people and if my words touch just one persons life than it will be worth it. Poetry is more than just words on a paper, it is a process of healing and growth. It is a way of understanding and learning. It is finding peace within oneself and sharing that peace with others.