Jayden Phillip

Allow me to reintroduce myself. Hi, I am Jayden Phillip. At the time of writing, I have 16 years. I am a full-time student and I do writing as a little hobby of mine. Writing has been a part of my identity for quite a while now, and though it has been a short run thus far, it feels like forever. And it has not always been like this. I hated writing for the majority of my secondary school life, I felt it was repetitive and even useless. That was until it wasn’t. For some strange reason in a moment of complete emotional crisis. I turned to it, and it happened on multiple occasions. That’s how I know it is what I want to do, for however long I am able to. My personal story is not yet unique but the ones I can tell might just be unique in their own capacities. And I hope I am able to tell them with complete abandon, but I am young and very human.

I often forget I am still very young. This isn't because I had out of the ordinary responsibilities or had to fight the human condition to merely exist. But, engraved in the back of my mind is the need to always be proactive and one step ahead. Though the desired outcome does not realise itself immediately and that has caused many unnecessary anxieties. However, being this way has afforded me much good (relationships, material or opportunities) that otherwise would have been lost or never found. Day by day, I'm slowly but surely finding and defining my own middle ground. I'm not entirely confident that I will find it but I know there is still a chance I can. And for me, that is enough of a reason to try. -Jayden Phillip

Halle...

Title: It All Dies Tonight

Tonight I got annoyed, angry and anxious. Thankfully this does not happen often. However, when it does it is very strong. And if I sit still just for a second, it can turn itself into a form of expression. Tonight it chose poetry, tonight I chose to share it.

Ahh, now that I am once again free. I can return to making little gems like this that I may never largely share. The operating word was 'may'.

Happy Independence Day

Rights are reserved selectively

A year ago, I shared my annual birthday message. I described myself as someone “filled with emotion and drive with a hint of excitement”. I am pleased to say I am still that person. But I reminisce this naïve Jayden. An unsure individual, who was ballsy enough to walk into that part of his life somewhat blindfolded. Now that I have gone through the past year. I have realised just how myopic and bonkers I was. Nonetheless, I lean on that bravery today. I lean on that naïve Jayden who had no idea, yet he was optimistic. I lean on his ability to hold on just a little longer as he back floats on the meandering river called Life. I think of him a lot, I love him especially today. I am seventeen today and saying that gives me a lot of pride. I have not done much yet, but I have done significantly more than I expected of myself. I am excited and I am proud, but most importantly grateful.

The sky today looks the same from when I was sixteen, the air smells the same and my breakfast has not changed. However, my imagination, my expectations and my eagerness have. They have made me a passionate person, a braver person and someone hungry to become better every chance he gets. I can say that my house on fire has finally burnt down. Now all that is left are the ashes and opportunities to rebuild beyond my wildest dreams. However, I will not leave this unscathed, which is good. It is within those wounds; my lessons and reminders are etched. They are permanent and vital.

I remember the intuitive words of Mary Gates “Each one of us has to start out with developing his or her definition of success. And when we have these specific expectations of ourselves, we are more likely to live up to them. Ultimately, it is not what you get or even what you give. It's what you become”. Who will I be a year from now? Who will you be a year from now? What will we become? My birthday request to you is to be a better you. Finally read that book you bought, say hello to an old friend, buy a colleague some lunch or tend to that plant you have been neglecting. Anything to be a bit nicer to yourself or another. Anything to become a better You. Anything to lean on that past You, who paved the path for your Now.

Thank you, and Happy Birthday to me!

Yours truly,

I'll always remember when I first heard this poem while watching 'The Crown.' It was then I realised how powerful simple words and sentences can be. I never considered the weight of my words. Though, now I can see the silent and damaging impact it has at times. Whilst I also see the beauty that can spring from it. With that, I invite everyone to choose carefully the words they use. Either intentionally or unintentionally. "Each word matters!" I was once told. Therefore, you must not become laissez-faire with your words-- off the cuff comments and curt nuances can easily become insidious and many times the same. Choose wisely your words and choose wisely with your heart. -Jayden Phillip

Originally published 18th May 2021 *Poem by Charles Mackay; 'No Enemies.'

'Check out the full article with the link in bio ♡'

Originally posted on 9th Feb, 2021.