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“Writing has saved my life a thousand times.” While many might take this as figurative speech, reading and writing poetry have done just this, and so much more for me. If I were not a writer, I am certain my life would not be as fruitful and rewarding. Ultimately, I am dedicated to growing in my passion and craft. I am committed to creating literature that enhances critical thought, while promoting empathy and understanding across race, religion, cultures and so on.
Since I was seven years old, I have been writing short stories, plays, novels, essays and poetry.
My work took an unexpected turn, however, when I was diagnosed with depression, anxiety and bipolar
disorder in March 2016, only a year after graduating from college.
Rather than let my diagnoses defeat my desire to write, I turned to the notebook. In one year, my first self-published poetry book was completed and released. My first poetry book catered to mental health issues, as I used poetry to share my challenges to rise above pain.
As more people support my efforts to help spread mental health awareness through my work, helping others continues to help me.
So, while people might think it is a figure of speech when I say, “Writing has saved my life a thousand times,” the reality is anything but that. Writing has pushed me to not only recognize my own potential, but help others to do the same.
Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Readers' Favorite
Suicidal, NOT: Maximize Your Mental Health (Volume Two) by Ranequa Kelley-Boyd is part self-help, part-inspiration, designed to help readers grapple with life's pain and self-defeating thoughts and behaviors from a biblical, spiritual angle. A lot of mental health guides are helpful and insightful, but not all of them address psychological stressors from a spiritual perspective. A great many spiritual believers are under the impression that you have to be issue-free and never be down or in despair. Kelley-Boyd changes that notion as the book allows the reader to connect with notions that it's okay to be human, frail, confused, in pain, and in need of help. This isn't the average follow-these-10-steps-and-you'll-be-okay book. It's a thoughtful, poetic, comprehensive dive into the spiritual psyche that connects to readers on a universal, yet personal level. I like the way the author involves the reader from the first pages, inviting them to fill in the blanks with their challenges and thoughts. The book is well-balanced, turning negatives into positives, with good advice on how to be more successful in different areas of life.
As you read, you learn that Ranequa Kelley-Boyd has dealt with personal issues as well, and uses these experiences to help readers in a way that some authors can't. Suicide is taboo in some cultures, even in spiritual populations. But the author breaks the barriers between shame and survival. When a person--believers included--can admit that he/she has trauma or suicidal thoughts, real recovery can begin, and this healing can happen through God's principles. The author lays out a guide in simple yet profound terms, hoping to bring the hurting out from the shadows of shame and into the light of healing. This guide will help you communicate more closely with God and turn to Him in your time of trouble by using touching, evocative poetry, valuable worksheets, and journal prompts. If you're in pain or have considered suicide, Suicidal, NOT: Maximize Your Mental Health (Volume Two) by Ranequa Kelley-Boyd could save your life.
