Creation in Isolation: Shannon Michelle

Limitations Push Us Towards Our Dreams

By Melissa Schack

Shannon Michelle is a mother of 2, wife, poet, and mentor to many. She is doing what she was born to do, writing for the world as a poet. She writes about empowering others, but this time she plans to empower herself with a live reading of her women’s empowerment poem featured on Instagram for International Women’s Day.
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How do you empower yourself?

I have been fortunate enough to have been raised by strong women. That being said I spend a lot of time in reflection to empower myself. I remember all the small things that make me the woman I am today. I am forgiving of my mistakes and I do my best to trust in who I know myself to be. 

What or who inspired your women's empowerment poem for International Women’s Day?

The two biggest influences in my life are my mother and grandmother. They have both faced adversity head-on in life. My grandmother has known the harshest poverty and my mother has had her dignity taken from her. I have also been inspired by my own life. It has not always been the kindest to me and I truly felt it was just time for my voice to be heard.

How has COVID-19 affected your career and your personal life?
 
COVID-19 has been a challenge for me in very unexpected ways. I have a history of PTSD and I have risen from that. Largely in part to my coping tools. I enjoy going out. I enjoy my Yoga classes with other people. I enjoy writing for my Yelp Elite account (sounds trivial) but it helps me get through life. Amidst all these uncertain times I am a manager for a large orthopedic practice and I was moved from the comfort of my own office to put a fire out at another office during what feels like a tornado. We have fewer hours to do more. I am a fixer and this has become quite a mental battle for me as COVID-19 is well out of my control. I miss being there for my friends. I am often the glue that holds people together and some of my inner circle is struggling. I am grateful for technology and I am focusing my best on the coping tools I have left. 

Why is it important for people to support the arts, even during times of uncertainty?
 
The arts is a coping tool, in my opinion, that can’t be taken from you. In isolation in prison, many still hear music in their heads. We still see art when we close our eyes. We can take it anywhere with us and it will forever be a constant.

What are your book recommendations for those who are looking for material to read during mass quarantine?

I really have enjoyed poetry books by Zachary Douglas and I recently picked up a copy of a novel called Vienna by Jade Brown.
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