Having spent many years writing poems and putting them to one side, believing that they were of little importance, I took them out to read and realised they were telling the story of my life. Finally at 37 years old I decided it was time they saw the light of day and were shared with other people. I set up a page on Facebook with little expectation that anyone would be that interested in the life of a complete stranger. It was done on impulse on a night when sleep evaded me, "Crazy" was what I deemed it, but I pushed the key that created a page in August 2012. The response that has come from this page has been overwhelming to say the least, I have felt inspired by all those that have… supported me and the many responses of Thank you, you have just summed up my feelings right now... It was only by this I came quickly to understand that I was not alone in my thoughts and emotions.Encouraged by this I decided that I would write a book, that people could hold in their hand when they needed that lift or when they are seeking solace in the words of others. Life is about sharing and giving back, compassion and empathy cost nothing but our time, hurt takes on many forms so too does happiness. It is heart-warming to know that one person can inspire thousands, a very humbling and touching experience.I left school with few qualifications and had no idea what I would do with my life, although writing has been a passion since my teens, I never thought it would lead to anything other than a pipe dream. I drifted for many years, but always had that burning desire to make more of myself and prove the doubters in life wrong. Learning that even when we fall, we have to learn to stand back up and carry on regardless, defeat should never be an option.To touch the heart of one is a blessing, to touch the heart of thousands is miraculous, and I am thankful every day for all the gifts life has to give. Perseverance is the key, never quitting because it is the easiest thing to do, instead rising above all that weighs you down...Like the caterpillar the time comes to metamorphose into that beautiful butterfly we were always destined to be.