"Success begins with a grateful heart and a smile. Allow gratitude to be your foundation, then manifest your dreams."
-Latonya S. Hicks
The Smile Behind the Writer
When I look into the mirror the woman that stares back at me often has a smile on her face. It wasn’t always like this, there was a time when I hated smiling because I had no reason to. Growing up in foster care was numbing. The absence of my parents created a void in me that nothing could fill. I spent many nights alone, crying, wondering if there would ever be an end to my pain.
Today, when people look at me, they do not see the hurt that shaped my formative years, they do not see the insecurities that clothed my being. It is hard to fathom that before I found my escape through pen and paper, I was a lost little girl, too discouraged to even dream of better.
People often ask me why I smile so much; my answer is simple; I have a lot to be grateful for. I have overcome many obstacles and the pain that once permeated the very fabric of my existence failed to leave permanent scars. Do I still struggle? Yes! Do I cry? Sometimes, more than I would like to admit. However, every day I make a conscious decision to live rather than go through life merely existing.
Finding My Purpose
A huge part of my childhood was shaped by feelings of sorrow and dejection. I listened to what everyone else had to say about me and I began to write about my feelings. As a result, my words became my solace.
I have always been self-motivated, but I have never been this connected with my inner self. I can honestly say that my past experiences helped me find my purpose. Although I spent many days and nights, nursing my sadness, it made me stronger.
Writing liberated me, it became an unending portal where I released doubt and uncertainty that held me bound. Writing grounds me, it connects me with my deepest self and with others. Honestly, trauma has helped me find my purpose and although I would not wish my experiences on anyone, I am eternally thankful for the priceless knowledge and wisdom that I have harnessed from it.
“Our journeys and experiences were created to help us evolve and grow as individuals. When we share our encounters with others, it leaves room for them to be inspired, encouraged and challenged.” Always share. You never know who you will help along the way."
-Latonya S. Hicks
A Life-Changing Experience that Inspired My 5th Poetry Book, Just Breathe
In 2016, I experienced a life changing situation that changed the way I viewed the world. It made me appreciate who I am and it encouraged me to live my life in a different way. I will never take anything for granted and my goal is to embrace each day with gratitude and appreciation. Life is definitely a precious gift. We have to learn to cherish each moment because things can change in an instant and life, in its entirety is not promised to any of us.
God allowed me to survive because there is still work for me to do. I wanted to give up so many times but he gave me strength to overcome every trial and tribulation. I’m grateful for my scars because they have allowed me to see how strong I am. My journey has not been easy but every aspect has been important for my growth. My goal is to share my story because transparency can help others navigate through similar situations better.
“There is so much pain behind my eyes and so much power behind my words. I am strength. I am courage. I am resilience.”
"My aspiration is to be an inspiration through my words, through my writing and through my journey."
-Latonya S. Hicks
