"I thought 2020 would be the year I got everything I wanted. Now I know 2020 is the year I appreciate everything I have." Melody Godfred @fredandfar (the 20/20 poem)
When I wrote these words in June of 2020, we were merely two months into this pandemic, and yet like everyone else, I was paralyzed by fear and uncertainty regarding what the year would bring. Writing this poem was my way of reclaiming the year, and shifting my perspective to one of gratitude. Because it's true. I've never been more grateful for or aware of the abundant blessings in my life.
One of the blessings was this poem being discovered by an artist, Carry Chalk (@carrychalk), who transformed my words into this piece of chalk art. From there, Oprah Magazine discovered and reposted it, and then rest is history. Thanks to shares by Arianna Huffington, Hoda, Brene Brown, Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, and countless others, this has reached millions of people who like me, needed to reframe this year and claim it with gratitude.
If this poem resonated with you, please consider joining my self love movement @fredandfar on Instagram, and also picking up a copy of my new book, Self Love Poetry, which is home to this poem, and 199 more like it. It's available on Amazon and on this website.
The most incredible thing I'll leave you with is the power of manifestation, which is a theme of my book: a week ago my mom asked me how we're going to get a copy of my book to Oprah. I replied, 'Don't worry, she will find me." And she did.
Just one day before Oprah Magazine shared my poetry and changed my life, I wrote a post on Instagram about not being ashamed to use my full name and take credit for my work. And the very next day, my name reached the entire world.
The takeaway: gratitude, self-love and manifestation are a powerful trio. I am honored to witness your journey as you lay claim to all three.
See below for the Oprah Magazine Instagram quote featuring my poetry. Click below to order a copy of my book, Self Love Poetry for Thinkers and Feelers (which is home to this quote). The perfect gift this holiday for you or someone you love.
