I wrote this poem in January 2019. I was going through a tough time with my mental and physical health, and there were several other challenges in my personal and professional life. I was learning so much about being an empath and how to thrive despite everything I was feeling. I definitely didn’t feel likeContinue reading “That cynical edge”
Author Archives: Bradlee Zrudlo
Missing myself
I wrote this poem on February 14, 2019. I remember those days of missing myself, and I still sometimes feel that, although it has a different feeling lately. Like I’ve been missing only certain parts of me that I’m still reclaiming, like my power. I am sharing it with the hope that it inspires anyoneContinue reading “Missing myself”
Lightning and thunder
Lightning and thunder – a poem These are new feelings for me Crackling and burning under the surface of my skin Anger and rage wanting to burst out through every aspect of my body Exhausted at myself for all the limiting ways I have been relating to life For all the power and strength thatContinue reading “Lightning and thunder”
Numb
I remember itWalking through life emptyA shell of myselfWith no hope for life to be any different I remember the terrible loneliness The sense that everyone else had it figured out but meThe longing to have a purpose and an existence greater than the numbnessBut thinking that was reserved for others I have felt thisContinue reading “Numb”
Being motivated by guilt
When rest is best
Living with chronic fatigue syndrome can be quite confusing and hard. I remember being a student athlete, working full time and working on a Master’s degree in another city, and other wonderful examples of having energy. I also know that having this medical condition has taught me so much about myself and has given meContinue reading “When rest is best”
Garbage on the side of the road
Hurt people hurt people. I have heard that around and in my experience it is also true. I also think hurt people hurt the planet by throwing garbage on the side of the road. I remember many years ago when I believed I was worthless and not precious or a treasure. I remember feeling emptyContinue reading “Garbage on the side of the road”
Making peace with suffering
A beautiful, tiny, one-day old baby chick named Lillium taught so much about suffering in her time with us. She arrived at 9:15 am on May 31, 2023, and she passed away by 6:30am the next day. We got 7 one-day old baby chicks, and they are all so precious and cute. Baby chicks areContinue reading “Making peace with suffering”
To Be Human
To be human. What is it really? Is it to be perfect, to have everything organized and controlled? Or it is about acknowledging that life gets messy and choosing gratitude anyway? Is it about having everything society tells me I should have? Or is it about making the best with what I’ve got and dreamingContinue reading “To Be Human”
Lovely things to say to yourself
The dogs woke me up at 4:45am this morning and I was pretty irritated at first. I was amazed how quickly I turned my irritation around by saying lovely things to myself. As I walked down the hall to let them out, I said, “You’re doing such a great job, Bradlee,” and “You are suchContinue reading “Lovely things to say to yourself”
PhD in Being Me 