Poetry Contests
I noticed back in February that there was something I was not doing, and had never done–enter a poetry contest. I saw that many of my poetry colleagues entered, and won, and that I should throw my hat into the ring. 9 months later, I won 3 contests, and have been a finalist (top 5) in 5. Which feels exciting. And reminds me again that so much of this journey is believing in your work, and perservering. The same poem that won a contest was rejected 10 times elsewhere. The same poem that was a Finalist was rejected 15 times elsewhere. Submitting poetry is teaching me so much–dogged, stubborn self-belief.