WRITE YOURSELF HAPPY

Brilliance Poetry creator ZOHAB ZEE KHAN tells how to write for your wellbeing

BRILLIANCE POETRY

“Brilliance Poetry is a form of writing that encourages you to seek out the best attributes about yourself in a creative way,” says Zohab. “Not only is this activity great for selfesteem, it’s also a thoughtful gift for a friend or loved one to show them how special they are to you.”

This is a five-line poem structure. On the first line, write one reason you’re brilliant. On the second, write an SAL (something, action, location) metaphor, so for example, “I am a lion running through the jungle.” On the third line choose an attribute you like about yourself and associate it with a colour, like, “My spirit is red, fiery and alive!” On the fourth line, assign a human characteristic of yours with a non-human object – “My confidence battles through the mud, it’s unbreakable.” And the fifth and final line, you simply close with the same as you wrote for the first!

SENDING POSTCARDS OR LETTERS TO THOSE YOU LOVE

“A handwritten letter goes a long way, not only for building positive relationships but also for learning to express yourself,” says Zohab. “Taking the time to write your thoughts and feelings into a note for a loved one is a beautiful act of kindness that will make them feel truly exceptional!”

WRIT ING POSIT IVE SELF AFFIRMAT IONS

“This style of writing has double the impact – not only will it inspire you to discover what you love most about yourself, it encourages you to embrace the unique qualities that make you you,” says Zohab. “A great way to do this is to grab some sticky notes and write down your positive self-affirmations both physical and not, then stick them on your bathroom mirror so you can be reminded daily.”