Discover joy in the hard places

Welcome to the blog of JP Mills where you will find encouragement and belonging through reflective journaling and poetry.

Joyful Ruins

Discovering joy in the hard places

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  • Truest Self

    Truest Self

    I thought there was one me one true self one true expression I’ve been looking for you all my life that perfectly authentic self But now I see they are all me All these parts and sides All these layers all these moments The ugliest parts the most beautiful parts the say the silliest things… Continue reading

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  • Witness To

    I feel the pain and hurt resurfacing buried deep to survive I feel it in my stomach I feel the tension the ache and nervousness It is real It must be felt as a witness to my pain That version of me is deserving of all my attention when she calls for it And she… Continue reading

  • Healing Body

    I do not wake up and notice the goodness of my body. Instead, I measure and judge. And truly, even if I asked myself how I am feeling and the answer is always the “negatives”, I could at least, respond with compassion rather than irritation. I guess I don’t really know what my body “should”… Continue reading

  • Small Divinities

    Small Divinities

    Have you gazed into a flower or watched where you are stepping? Have you felt the grassy fields or touched the needles on a pine? Have you smelled the dew of rain or listened to the bird songs? No, Instead you wait for heaven wondering what is beyond Instead you mold this world to look… Continue reading

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  • My Body is Compassion

    My Body is Compassion

    I’ve named my body Compassion Without her I would not feel She is the language of my sorrows Yes Speaking in tears telling me I need touch and comfort or shelter and rest And she speaks in joy my step bounces my heart sings Without her I would feel nothing Not the wind calming not… Continue reading

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About Me

An obsessive journaler who loves meeting others along their journey and giving them a hand to hold through pieces of writing. I write about the heartbreaks of life and the joys, the ups and downs, and I often learn my greatest lessons and miracles from nature.

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