I Wish I Knew: Comforting Words to Strengthen your Soul

by Donna Ashworth

Uplifting Poetry for Finding Yourself#1 New Release in Poetry

Challenge negativity with Donna Ashworth’s incredible poems about joy, transformation, and embracing your beautiful pathway.

Change your life with words of wisdom. Feeling lost in life can be so easy to fall into, yet harder to escape. Instead of listening to self-doubt, discover how one-of-a-kind you are through Donna Ashworth’s life-changing book. I Wish I Knew is a poetry book full of mantras, reflections, and affirmations for women that will redefine the chaos in your life into life-changing revelations. With this poetry book, featuring hopeful truths that will strengthen your heart, mind, and soul, you’ll be able to experience your journey with meaning and gratitude.

Life isn’t perfect, so why let perfectionism take over yours? Follow Donna Ashworth as she shines a light on her journey of taking chances instead of stagnating in expectations and hopelessness. Each poem explores the transformative lessons she discovered along the way, and how doubting your potential for happiness can stop you from finding yourself. Full of beautiful, compassionate poetry, this manual for life offers you methods to persevere through pressure and make the most out of the one-of-a-kind path you are on.

There is something for everyone inside I Wish I Knew, such

The healing power of accepting small winsThe rare moments of your inner strength that often go unnoticedThe simplicity that unveils what you’re looking for



So if you enjoyed poem books such as Call Us What You Carry, You Could Make This Place Beautiful, or Wild Hope, then you’ll love I Wish I Knew.

Genres: Poetry, Self Help, Nonfiction, Parenting, Poetry Plays

192 pages, Paperback

First published April 28, 2022

Reviews

[Enya · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very surface level. Nothing really evoked a genuine feeling or reaction in me.

[L.L. MacRae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanted to grab this after hearing “Joy Comes Back” and loving it.

This is a wonderful collection of poetry on self-worth and self-esteem, and while much of it might be on the nose, all of it is meaningful. I loved pretty much every page, but especially:

- Becoming
- Manual of Life
- Follow the Flawed
- Rollercoaster
- Greener Grass
- Your Light
- You Should Be Too
- Chapters

And my top three were:

- Small Wins
- Know Yourself
- You’re Not Going there

I read it over an evening with a cup of tea, and had to force myself to slow down and savour each page. Really good reminder, especially for those neurospicy women who struggle to fit in, those who’ve been through trauma, those who have times where they hate themselves simply for existing. It really spoke to me and felt like a good friend helping me to be gentle with myself.

Definitely recommend :)

[Camie · Rating 4 out of 5]

“ Poems to soothe your soul and strengthen your spirit.”
Recommended to women going through hard times or trying to rebuild their lives like me….. I truly believe it can be done.
I have enjoyed having this on my nightstand for about the last month, reading it slowly, and especially reading it over and over again …as needed.

[Fern A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uplifting words for difficult days.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Family is anyone who makes you feel at home and not always those you start life with."

One of so many wonderful quotes to remember. It's a book that will always stay on my "keeper" shelf.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me many, many weeks to read this, a bit here and a bit there, when I needed it most. And I’m sure I’ll reread many of the passages I highlighted over the coming months, on cloudy days. And I know it will help, at least a little!!

[Sara Sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another little book of light from Donna Ashworth. Wise words ranging from body image to grief. Thank you for sharing Donna

[Maisy · Rating 2 out of 5]

“Perhaps your soul searches
until you find the one you miss
and they tell you to go back and live.”

*1.5 stars.
I will come back to ‘You’re The Ghost’ time and time again because it’s a poem I discovered when I needed it most.

However, on the whole the writing in this collection felt superficial, and I don’t think poetry was the right medium for these musings. I resonated with some of the reflections on grief, but this anthology was largely forgettable.

[Carson Meloche · Rating 2 out of 5]

ughhhhh, sooooooooo blahhhhhh
the writing felt more like a highschool essay they had to write on grieving rather then poetry. nothing flowed. nothing made me think. the last 25% was bearable and made a couple decent points about losing a loved one. but absolutely nothing great about this read

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE YOUR SHOES!

[jj · Rating 5 out of 5]

full of eye openers and new perspectives on life, got a bit emotional during this as well but genuinely such wonderful art <3

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a gorgeous gift from someone I'm so thankful for ❤️ full of lovely encouraging words.

[Bella ♡ ✧.* · Rating 3 out of 5]

stories never die
tell them all

[Amanda]

“Stories never die. Tell them all”

[abl.andreea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!

Poetry to take with you on your healing journey ❤️ see it as a healing balm that you can apply on your broken soul whenever you feel like you need it. It won’t fix it, but it will protect it and make it stronger.

[Lucy Matthews · Rating 1 out of 5]

Repetitive, irritating, unrealistic and superficial poems that don't scan. Became a source of humour in our house.

[Kirsty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this in one sitting whilst in a waiting room. Had to back and bookmark poems that stood out. Donna Ashworth has an incredible talent for using just the right words, will be reading more of hers.

[Donna Borland · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful read

[Gemma L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gorgeous book which navigates the ups and downs in life. The poems about grief resonated particularly well with me.

[Sage · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had so many favorite poems in this collection. Obviously a bunch of the grief ones resonated with me. Faves below:

✨Speak Your Love ✨
There are many things to fear in this life but I have found that there is one to be feared above all

the things you failed to say.

Always speak what is in your heart always speak to those you love as though that sentence may be the last one you utter.

Because if it is
you will play those words over and over
and ache with every fibre of your being
to replace them with better to replace them with love.

To tell that person how magical wondrous and joyous they were.
Never fall into the trap of believing you have time to speak your love

time is not something we can rely on.

Speak your love
every day
speak your love
come what may.

✨That’s Where You Find It✨

You search for your beauty in the mirror, in photographs, in the label of clothes, when you really should be searching through the messages sent to you by grateful friends, the cards written to you on special days or in times of need, the memories of smiles you created from tears. Your beauty lies in all the ways you touch and care for those around you my friend - the jokes you made on a gloomy day and the music you shared to inspire - the times you showed up when no one else did and the invisible net of love, laughter and light you have spread across this planet without glory or vanity.

That’s where you find your beauty.

✨I missed you today✨

I missed you today but that's nothing new I missed you a million times yesterday too I picked up my phone to tell you the news then realised again, I can't text it to you.

I saw your bright smile at least twenty times and then I remember it's all in my mind I drive without presence, the world feels surreal and on comes your song and this doesn't seem real.

I missed you today but I miss you a lot it's helpful to miss you, it's all that I've got I wish I could pull you down here for a while I fear I'll forget the shape of your smile.

I miss you today and I'll miss you tomorrow there seems to be no coming end to this sorrow
I try to go on as I know that you care
I know that you're willing me on from up there.

I miss you today but I'm trying to find a way to move on but not leave you behind a way to forge on with the love that we had a way to recall you and simply feel

glad.

✨ the only change you need✨

Your body has been changing since the day you were born and it will continue to change until the day you die.

Fighting that change is a lifelong battle which will bring you much misery and sorrow. If you can accept your body early in this journey of life, you will see it thrive, you will automatically look after it and you will save yourself a world of pain, metaphorically and literally.

You are not a fashion trend or a mannequin, you are a human being made of flesh, bones and heart and you are pretty awesome, just the way you are.

Don't change the way you look sweet one,

change the way you see.

it’s the only adjustment you will ever need.

✨ the worst thing✨

The worst thing you can be is not fat, or ugly, or stupid. The worst thing you can be is not different, or awkward, or 'too much'. The worst thing you can be, unequivocally, is locked in a prison of your own self-doubt, riddled with insecurities, afraid to venture out into this life, lest the world sees who you really are. In short, the worst thing you can be is someone else. When you were only ever meant to be you.

✨ this is no race✨

Don't be fooled into thinking that your life should follow theirs that your wisdom should arrive in time to choose the best career.

Don't be rushed into feeling that your time is running thin that your white knight should arrive before your body clock grows dim.

Don't be worried in your twenties if your day has not arrived if you still don't know the answers to your deepest heart's desires.

In your thirties you don't need to tick the boxes on the list
doors don't always open despite your hardest wish.

In your forties you will see that the doors you did walk through were the ones you were supposed to and that path is right for you.

And as the years abound and you read your story back it will suddenly appear
that your life was right on track.

And as the years abound and you read your story back it will suddenly appear
that your life was right on track.

Don't be fooled into thinking that all paths should look the same
you're not here to walk their road
you are here to change the game.

✨Nobody told me✨ excerpt

Nobody told me that food would lose taste that air would lack oxygen that I would miss you this much.

I miss you
this much.

Nobody told me.

✨ Your gift✨ excerpt

Your gift, you see, is not always a grand one it's not all being fast, or saving lives

it's not always the singing voice, the dancing feet
or more
It can sometimes be a simple slice of life.

Your gift could be a constant splash of colour a way of showing light through cloudy days your gift could be the way you make others feel at peace
or bring some calm to someone's messy day.

✨ you’re the ghost✨

There's a part of the grieving process where your soul kind of leaves your body too.

As though it's off searching for the one you lost somewhere in the ether.

You walk around
doing all the right things
putting one foot in front of the other living
but it's really as though you're the ghost.

Perhaps you are.

Perhaps your soul searches until you find the one you miss and they tell you to go back and live.

So when that numbness passes, brave one, maybe it's time to do what you are told go back and live twice as hard.

You don't belong there in the ether
nor do you need to search for the one you lost they find you.

And they will
and when they do
you'll feel it.

✨the thing about grief✨

Grief is not just dealing with the loss of love
it's the
abandonment
it's the realisation
Everyone will leave me.
It's the ongoing fear of investing your heart and soul
into all-consuming love lest that person leave you too.
Grief is not just loss of love it's the terror of loving again just in case.
It's the walls built to protect the heart, walls which unknowingly starve that
very heart you protect
of the one thing it needs, love.

But here's the thing love does not fade
it can't be lost
it endures.

Even when the person you had that love for is no more you love them still.
you always will.

And here's another thing they didn't leave you
not really
you know this to be true.

Listen, feel, watch, they are with you now they will be with you always.

Grief may feel like the dying of the soul
while the body still lives,
but you are alive my friend.
And they are not,
and they do not want you to be with them
yet.
They very much want you to live.

✨Breathe Out✨

By the way ... your stomach is not supposed to be flat, it literally wants to be round. It's coded into the very essence of its being; every cell, every muscular structure, was built to be a curve to protect the precious cargo inside. It's just the blueprint, the design, the structure. It's like deciding your ears should be square.
Let your belly out, girl, it's beautiful, and you're cramping its style. For the love of all that is woman, breathe out. Now ... doesn't that feel great?

✨When Someone Has Gone✨

When someone has gone
you can bring them back
for just a little while
by talking them into life
by painting a picture
with your memories and your words
breathing their essence
back into existence
for just a few moments.

When someone has gone you can see them again
for a minute or two
by being all the things they once were
by allowing their best traits to filter through you
shaping your words
your thoughts and your deeds back out into this world.

When someone has gone you can feel them again
for just a moment
by playing their music
and singing their favourite songs
by giving yourself up to the notes
that brought them alive once upon a time
they will again.

When someone has gone
you can keep a part of them alive by giving the love you had for them a forever place in your life a forever seat at your table and a glorious chapter in your book.

Stories never die
tell them all.

✨you didn’t just lose someone once✨

You lose them over and over sometimes in the same day when the loss
momentarily forgotten
creeps up
and attacks you from behind
fresh waves of grief as the realisation hits home
they are gone
again.

You don't just lose someone once you lose them every time you open your eyes to a new dawn and as you awaken so does your memory
so does the jolting bolt of lightning that rips into your heart they are gone
again.

Losing someone is a journey not a one-off
there is no end to the loss
there is only a learned skill on how to stay afloat
when it washes over.

Be kind to those who are sailing this stormy sea
they have a journey ahead of them and a daily shock to the system each time they realise they are gone
again.

You don't just lose someone once you lose them every day.

for a lifetime.

[Sw33t_heart89 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful book, some poems seem written just for me. I recommend reading it at least once.

[J · Rating 2 out of 5]

A book recommended to me from my sister although she didn't give me much of a reason as to why this particular book would actually suit me too much.

The author Donna Ashworth makes her intentions known straight at the beginning that she hopes this becomes a life manual for readers who are down and out - a book to be savored slowly as well as quite randomly when you need to be reminded of life's lessons as you wallow in the pit that you may have fallen into (the last thought is more my own life translation than that of the author herself).

The content of I Wish I Knew has some organization to it although not enough to actually use it to really divide the book itself into themed sections but enough that similar poems are grouped rather close together. Furthermore the reader of this book if they read it cover-to-cover will find interspersed throughout basic illustrations with quotes, poems that are mostly non-rhyming as well as non-flowing and occasionally small essay entries that take up about a paragraph of the page. The titles for the poems and essay are provided in blue to separate them from the rest of the text and the quotes in bold while the subject audience is most definitely female readers as the author has dedicated this book to.

Although there were a few interesting poems I cannot say that I am a fan of the writing. In my own opinion I would have rather had these poems just written out as bite-size essays or even small memos to the self again to be read at random. Furthermore although some do focus on more age-focused themes down the road in a woman's life I still feel that this book would be a much better gift to a young woman who is just getting her feet wet with life's experiences.

In the end it was fairly decent but I definitely didn't feel like I had a place in its audience-base.

[tatiana.aka.tati · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly beautiful, loved every second of this. A lot of the poems really hit home and resonated with me. I will be re reading this collection many times in my life.

“Friendship is showing up for the worst of times as well as the best and knowing which one is the most important.”

“live your life flawed and beautiful.”

“waste time wisely, my friend. Time spent in rest, joy, company and kindness is never wasted. As for everything else, just do it. You won’t regret the things you tried and failed at. But you will regret a life spent waiting. Those who wait, wait. You have a life to live.”

“The thing about rock bottom is that it’s hard and beautiful buildings need that, to keep them up.”

“If you seek flaws, you’ll find flaws, if you seek beauty, you’ll find that too”

“Find your people they are out there you know and they need you too. It’s chemistry. Feel them out.”

“The worst thing you can be, unequivocally, is locked in a prison of your own self-doubt, riddled with insecurities, afraid to venture out into this life, lest the world sees who you really are. In short, the worst thing you can be is someone else. When you were only ever meant to be you.”

“Be your own work in progress you’re a masterpiece in the making.”

“Your body, your face is the doorway to you and nothing more. The real stuff is inside.”

“Follow the flawed, the real, the messy. Follow the women who say it like it is, no filter, no glossing, no bull. Follow those people who accept themselves, and you, as you are. And leave the rest to edit their lives to perfection,”

[Stephen Hoffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a relatively good book of poems on life, death, grieving, mental health and more. It was written in a chatty, relatable, yet meaningful way which drew you in to the poems, particularly on mental health and the process of grieving.

It was by no means perfect. Some of the advice came across as a bit trite and patronising, especially the overuse of sweet one and sweet pea.

Also, this was no fault of her own, but quite a few of the poems whilst well written and interesting to read were obviously aimed at women and women's body image.


Despite some flaws I'm glad I discovered a new poet who is talented and has a chatty and engaging way of taking about life. I also enjoyed reading and re-reading some of the poems and looking to take on board and even try to apply what was being said in to my own life. I will try more books of Donna's poems and would recommend for those who like me love poetry, to read her work.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy her books. This is my third by Donna! I enjoy her style of writing.. her words always resonate with me. Grief is a beast and she knows what to say to help during the days, weeks, months and years.
“Take grief by the hand all the way back to its roots, that’s where the love is.”
I pick this book up and read a poem.. and think about what’s said, journal. And then there are weeks that go by and pick it up again. You don’t have to read this book cover to cover in one sitting. You can take a page at a time and reflect.
Keep
Up the good work, will buy the next book that comes out.
Happy 📖 Reading

[Miriam Morgans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild Hope
I wish I knew
By Donna Ashworth ♥️ @donnaashworthwords

I was lucky enough to see Donna Ashworth do a live reading of some of her poems at @fearnecotton s happy place festival back in August!
It was wonderful to hear her poems brought to life by her beautiful Scottish accent.

Whilst reading the pyscisl copies of her work, I also decided to listen to her audio version of both books too!

Donnas poetry is heartfelt, wise, peaceful, and uplifting
The words will resonate with everyone. They had me smiling and tearing up. A truly beautiful collection.

[Coley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book over the course of 24 hours in between my busy days. It was that lovely. I have now passed it on to my daughter to read as I think it will do her some good too.
I’m not a poem reader. I didn’t even know this book was full of poems but I soon found myself not able to put this down! It’s all about being kind to yourself and is so true. This self love malarkey is something I struggle with, but I feel like some of the poems will stick with me, when I’m in changing rooms trying on clothes or about to eat a chocolate bar.
Everyone deserves love, peace and happiness

[Lia G · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is for teenage girls apparently so I bought it for my friend’s daughter and I can’t repeat what she said about it. Her and her friends now read it to one another in funny voices whilst pretending to cry. They’ve all confirmed they think it is terrible and none of them know a single young person who will relate to it. This kind of thing might have been helpful in the nineties but the world has moved on I think.

[Leona · Rating 4 out of 5]

These short verses are meant to soothe loss, grief, self esteem - comfort if you are open to it. I wish we were taught as children to love ourselves as we want to be loved. 'You Cant Make Someone Love You', 'Don’t Fall in Love' and 'I Love Your Shoes' are my personal favorites. Grateful when this author's poems are posted on Facebook, sometimes it’s just what I need to hear or share with someone else.

[Lia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book spoke to my soul. It killed and revived me, which sounds silly for just a poem book. With the way I struggle with grief, it really hurt me. It taught me that I don't have to be perfect to be able to live and that my body is supposed to be like this. I should just continue with life. I was thinking to give it 4 stars but it really doesn't deserve that. This did sometimes make me feel sleepy while reading but the words contained in this book are precious. Why is this review so long?