Hello everyone!

Welcome to our mini-series, in which contributors to The PoArtMo Anthology: Volume 3 tell us about their favorite pieces from the book.

Today, we focus on Meaghan Beatty’s picks.

Meaghan’s Favorite Picks from Other Contributors

Pareiku: “The Wonderment of the World in Their Eyes” (David Ellis)

Ellis’s piece entitled “The Wonderment of the World in Their Eyes” brought me joy and hopefulness in simple and few words. Our innate mindfulness and playful curiosity about the world is so perceptible in the actions of children and animals, even during the hum-drum of our everyday routines.

I am grateful for the children and pets in my life; their dependence and presence serve as reminders to try to live according to my values.

“Medusa and her Snake” (Azelle Elric)

Imaginative and familiar, “Medusa and her Snake” communicated to me that art is not required to be serious, mysterious, or visually abstract, and that humor can be refreshing and relatable.

As a writer, I love stories, and my favorites feature dialectical and dynamic characters. A presenter at a writers’ conference that I attended said “every antagonist is the protagonist of their own story.” I love that idea, and often wonder how the “bad guys” became bad, and whether they are “bad” at all. A simple reversal of perspective can evoke complicated emotions, thoughts and conversations.

Here, I imagine Medusa as the protagonist of her own story. I’m curious and want someone to tell that story!

Meaghan’s Backstory about Her Own Favorite Contribution: “The Day I Met Jim”

“The Day I Met Jim,” touches on themes of mental illness, vulnerability, hope, and healthcare. By the essay’s end, the reader learns I’ve taken a chance to build trust with a therapist. As a patient and nurse, I believe therapy can improve quality of life, and even save lives. Along with psychotherapy (talking), there are other modalities: cognitive and skills based therapies, therapeutic play, animal and expressive therapies (music, dance, art), medication, aromatherapy, massage, acupuncture, meditation, etc. Often, combinations are helpful.

In this essay, I begin the session without hope or motivation, but quickly develop optimism. In reality, I did continue therapy, but largely to appease others. Treatment can help, but it’s expensive, and the healthcare system is difficult to navigate.

Therapy requires emotional energy and doesn’t help immediately. I began treatment at age seventeen; now 35, I continue to struggle with mood dysregulation, sometimes coping in unhelpful or unhealthy ways. Therapy doesn’t cure, but it does heal. It allowed me to develop positive relationships, confidence, and physical health that I don’t believe would have otherwise been attainable.

NB* Though I’m a health professional, the purpose of my writing is reflection and connection; my essays in this anthology were written neither to educate nor to influence healthcare decisions. Please bring up questions or concerns related to physical or mental health to family members, friends, and providers as appropriate.

About Meaghan Beatty

Meaghan Beatty is a pediatric nurse. She lives with her dog (Clementine) and her fiancé in Boston, Massachusetts. She loves running with her pup, writing in many genres, and spending time with her family, especially her young nieces and step-son.

About “The Auroras & Blossoms PoArtMo Anthology: Volume 3”

The Auroras & Blossoms PoArtMo Anthology: Volume 3 features the positive and uplifting works of four artists — Azelle Elric (drawings), Meaghan Beatty (essays), Cendrine Marrouat (poetry), and David Ellis (poetry).

The anthology is available for pre-orders everywhere ebooks are sold (except for Amazon). We are running a special until August 30, 2022 — 50% off!

NB: When you purchase a copy of the anthology, you will not just support Auroras & Blossoms. Every contributor will also be remunerated in the form of royalty payment.

Click HERE to purchase a copy.

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