Still Standing

by Jasmynne Shaye

Overview

Still Standing is a collection of original poems and essays written by Jasmynne Shaye. The poems read like private diary entries as each speaks to a specific, intimate moment experienced by the author. Each poem is then followed by an encouraging, thought-provoking essay inspired by the poem it stands with. It's an easy read that's filled with emotion, gratitude, pain, and triumph. The author's message is simple: you may get knocked down, but what matters most is that you're still standing at the end of the day.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780615909196
Publisher:	Tasty Chuckle Publications
Publication date:	12/18/2013
Pages:	78
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.16(d)

About the Author

Authentic...vivacious...and passionate... Those are just a few of the words that have been used to describe Jasmynne Shaye. As a child her eyes were filled with wonder and inquisition as she searched for answers to questions that most never thought to ask. Dubbed an old soul at the young age of twelve, Jasmynne always had a heart for others and dreamt of becoming a physician so that she could help heal the hurting. But it was the first nutrition course she took in college that became fuel to the fire that was burning inside her, and it changed her path forever. As a result, she has been a certified Nutritionist and Wellness Coach since 2001. Through her company, Day One Nutrition, she has helped scores of individuals achieve their wellness goals by applying principles that she also uses herself. Even still, it wasn't until she relocated from North Carolina to Los Angeles that she got a glimpse of how far her helping hands could actually reach.

In 2009 she made the bold decision to share her personal story of trial and triumph with the world through her autobiographical one woman show, Stepping On a Few Toes. The show details hurts, pains and dark skeletons in her closet that would bring shame to most. By courageously sharing her secrets, Jasmynne was unintentionally helping audience members fight their personal battles-and win. It was then that she got a better understanding of how important her voice is and the kind of hurt she was put on this earth to heal.

Jasmynne prides herself in walking the walk as she's personally dealt with abuse, depression, lack of confidence, and obesity; and she truly believes everyone has the power to overcome any obstacle thrown at them no matter its size. And that's the Jasmynne Shaye difference. She is a person that has been there, battled demons, and won the war. After a single conversation with her you know she is different and you know she cares. She genuinely enjoys helping her clients tap into the goodness that lies within them as she takes an individual approach to helping them straighten the crooked roads they've been traveling.

Editorial Reviews

2014-03-05
This collection of poems and accompanying essays explores the joy and pain of relationships. In her debut work, Shaye compiles 15 poems that contemplate the challenges and benefits of the relationships in our lives. In both free verse and rhyme, her narrator yearns for a lover from a distance, casts aside a fickle friend, strives to reconnect with family and more. Many of the poems boast evocative descriptions in succinct lines. In "Blue Moment," each stanza employs three lines describing the relationship, concluding with the revelation that this beloved person has passed away: "buckets of retreat— / volumes of safety— / slivers of deceit— / i'm missing you lately." However, some of the poems are too simplistic, employing lists of clichés rather than memorable imagery or passages. The bland "A Wish," for example, starts every line with the word "wishing": "Wishing I was holding you... / Wishing you were here right now, or wishing I was there. / Wishing we were breathing from the same supply of air. / Wishing we were having some kind of secret love affair." Despite their occasionally tired phrasing, the poems have a winning sincerity and openness—excluding the disturbing "How Do You Write A Poem?" which describes molestation, racism, suicide and self-harm in no uncertain terms, then concludes, "You have to hate yourself. / You have to love solitude. / You have to love your pen. / You have to live." However, what sets Shaye's poetry collection apart is the series of accompanying essays exploring each poem in greater detail. A tactic that initially seems indulgent, it actually proves quite charming. "A Closer Look: ‘Invisible' " explores that titular poem and inspires readers to develop their own confidence rather than worrying about what other people think. Yet other essays—such as "A Closer Look: ‘Blue Moment' "—are so positive that they seem at odds with the somber subject matter of their respective poems. Overall, this collection may not impress die-hard poetry devotees, but readers looking for easy-to-digest nuggets of motivation may savor it. Endearing and inspiring despite clichés and weak points.

Kirkus Reviews