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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  • Hunger

    Hunger

    There was a time I knew that no one cared not enough to seek me out or listen not enough to….. That may be one of my greatest wounds even now I experience that not enough Not enough to ask me how I am Not enough to read my words Not enough to say hello… Continue reading

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  • Stuck

    Stuck

    I guess I feel “normal” a lot but some places I get stuck Like why am I single? Why do I feel unloved? Friendships hurt and I feel alone The biggest stuck may be that I assume my purpose in life is to struggle and no one wants to hear or see the real me… Continue reading

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  • This is My Story, This is My song…

    Coming to terms with how much pain and hurt I have stored in my body is not easy. I’ve carried the wounds since I was 6. 6 to 31, years of reinforcement, years of hiding, years of surviving…. honestly, years of dismissal, disbelieving that my wounds needed caring, healing, or validation. Instead, praying them away,… Continue reading

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  • Who?

    Every day I showed up for them Messages Presence Encouragement Love I would not miss one day but when my time came for their love to show up for me it failed I embody love to everyone but who embodies love to me? Continue reading

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  • Some Friends

    It’s odd who takes the place of others during hardship Some friends are steady available and stick through the grit but I’ve found recently that many friendships fade as the waves get higher and help comes in unexpected places I don’t know why this is though the reality of it saddens me I just hope… 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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