We recently connected with Shockie G and have shared our conversation below.
Shockie, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience comes from a space of needing to prove something to myself. I have dealt with so many traumas and failures in my life that I have learned and healed from. It only makes sense that success is coming. If you continue to climb a mountain, no matter how hard it is you will eventually reach the summit as long as you keep moving in that direction.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a spoken word artist and author. I began writing as a way of catharsis and understanding the world around me. Through my performances and publications I have learned that other people can relate to the themes in my work and there is this sense of “I am not alone” that helps others. My work also opens conversations on mental health, social injustices, and identity in communities that often don’t know how or neglect to approach those topics. I am going on tour with a fellow poet, Black Noise, this summer to share my work and connect with people and also give back. You can see more information about my latest book and journey on my website shockiegpoetry.com
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Empathy, the ability to listen, and the want to educate others. I am, though not self claimed, a nerd in a sense. I spend hours researching topics, watching documentaries, and reading. I truly believe that the way to become a better writer is to read, and a better speaker is to listen. Everything is connected. Often times while writing about events in my childhood I acknowledge the experience but also I want to know about the factors that lead up to it. The things that happened before I was born. The impact it had on others and not just myself. I think having an open mind and being able to see things from multiple angles is important.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
I have a network or family of poets who often answer questions, keep me motivated, and provide critical feedback to help me improve. AJ Houston, Black Noise, Steven Willis, and my publisher Marissa Prada to name a few. There are many more and I am thankful to everyone who has offered time or knowledge to me on my journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Shockiegpoetry.com
- Instagram: Shockieg_the_poet
Image Credits
Shawn Falls (Myrt’s Son)
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
