Another Mountain, Another Step
Hello again,
We’re halfway through May, and I wanted to check in.
Since launching this newsletter, I’ve been reflecting even more on the intersections between writing and mental health—how one supports the other, and how both are lifelong journeys. In digging through some of my old poetry notebooks this past week, I was struck by how much has changed—and how much hasn’t. The voice is different, more measured now, but the themes? Still familiar. Loneliness. Self-doubt. The quiet fight to keep going.
That reflection led to one of my newest poems: Another Mountain. It’s a piece about facing a struggle that never really ends. Each hill we climb reveals another. But it’s also about resilience. About the fact that we’ve made it this far—and that matters.
This week’s blog post dives into this very idea: how our writing evolves, even when our core battles stay the same. If you’ve ever looked back at your younger self’s words and found them both painful and comforting, I think you’ll relate.
Mental Health Awareness Month continues, and I want to remind you:
Your story matters.
You are not alone.
Creativity is not about perfection—it’s about showing up.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, here are some resources I trust:
If you’ve found comfort in these letters or my blog, consider picking up a copy of my poetry collection.
Grey Days in the Green Hills is available now on Amazon in paperback and e-book.
What’s been helping you lately? A quote, a song, a small win?
Reply to this email or find me on Instagram, X, or Bluesky for more thoughts and behind-the-scenes moments.
Stay strong out there.
We climb these mountains together.
Warmly,
Donnie R. Wallen
Poet