22 Things

by Jet Widick, Kristen Alden (Designer)

After living with silent celiac disease for 15 years, Jet Widick's diagnosis presented an opportunity for her to seize control of her life from a once unknown assailant. As she fought to improve her physical health, she realized that her story could serve to help others on their journeys to wellness, and in doing so, discovered the deep healing power of writing and how to find peace from within. Jet Widick's fourth book of poems features themes and topics around self-love, acceptance, and appreciating the details that turn an ordinary moment into the extraordinary. Her words encourage us to reflect on what brings us joy and to remove ourselves from the distractions that take us away from the vital things that mean the most to us; the things that bring lasting happiness and fulfillment. 22 Things is a beautifully designed and delightful mix of Jet Widick's poetic musings in alternating rhymes, rhyming couplets, internal rhymes, half rhymes, and free verse. Each poem is a reminder of the power of the present moment, and how in the present, something strange begins to happen. One discovers freedom and space to explore the nature of their true self. How in the now, life becomes bright and beautiful.

46 pages, Paperback

Published March 22, 2019

About the author

Poet and author Jet Widick has written three illustrated poetry books Sage Words (August, 2016) and Sage Spirit (February, 2017), both hand-lettered by California artist Kimberly Taylor-Pestell, and White Wild Indigo (September 2017), illustrated by children's book artist Annie Moor. She has also produced a Poetry In Motion series of animated poems excerpted from her Sage books.

Poetry has always been an essential part of Jet Widick’s life, but it wasn’t until her celiac diagnosis—after 15 years of living with a mystery illness—when she discovered how emotional strength and good health can open up one’s world to inspiration and desire, both which propel a person into the realm of possibility and shift the way we perceive our own capabilities.

That’s where the name Jet comes in. Her sons gave her the nickname (short for Jeanette) once she became healthy and transformed herself; destined and determined to grow into the mighty oak tree from the acorn. The name embodies her journey of self-exploration, fueled by her love of nature, and taking off with tremendous creative energy and vitality.

Jet Widick’s complex, yet simple poetry is a reminder to live in the moment and to wake up to nature’s everyday miracles. Her poems are full of warmth, conscience, fortitude and whimsy, and cover a range of themes that reflect the lovely little things that make up our everyday lives—which so often go unnoticed—yet are truly the most important ones of all.