“Dear 2023”

This letter to 2023 has some really powerful and direct references to bravery; the writer does an excellent job of including vivid and concrete examples related to addiction.

Try looking for strong and specific language like this as you recognize the brave path you hope to take now, from past struggles to strengths that are growing, day by day.

This beautifully written letter to 2023 presents a very moving focus on redemption, grace, and second chances, rooted in the writer's Christian faith.

Where are there phrases and lines here that speak to your own understanding of God, or spirit - to the mysterious but powerful presence that perhaps guides your own life?

This piece builds beautifully, like a prayer; it shows Gary's deeply felt awareness of the true bravery that's needed to not give in to "hatred, unbelief, bigotry, cruelty, etc." He sees true bravery in "stand[ing] for what I believe is right," and also in having the courage to help others.

When have you witnessed someone displaying the courage required to help others? What about that action made it brave in your eyes?

What’s not to admire in a letter/essay about seeking a change in sentencing, and parole, after 33 years in prison? And also one that ends with the goal of "progress, not perfection."

How would you define "progress, not perfection" in your own journey? What are the steps you want to be taking each day?

Read Alicia’s piece featured on page 18 of The Loop - Issue 1 - 2023!

There’s a lot of wisdom in this sweet rhyming poem, addressed to the year 2023. Though she’s only 20, she says “I’ve grown so old,” meaning she’s gained so much in wisdom, and hope, since being incarcerated five years ago. It’s a truly inspiring piece.

What can come from “growing older” (whatever that means to you) in prison? What kinds of growth can happen? What kinds of wisdom can be gained?

Rather than a letter to 2023, this is a poem titled “2023,” in which the writer takes on the voice of an aunt who has cancer. Her voice is filled with despair and anger at first, but she grows stronger through the lines, more determined to fight this disease. A kind of fighting that isn’t about physical violence, yet takes incredible bravery and strength.

Think of someone in your life, or someone you’ve learned about, who has shown great strength and bravery, perhaps “fighting,” but not in a physical or violent way. Consider writing a poem as a tribute to this person.

This is a clear, straightforward, and lovely letter to 2023, a brief and simple one that reads almost like a prayer. The speaker sees that she has grown through the days of 2022, and in the new year she strives “to be a better person full of love, compassion, wisdom, and patience.” Love pours from this letter, which closes with “Waiting, with my love.”

How can gifts like “love, compassion, wisdom, and patience” feed our character strengths? How will these gifts make us braver and stronger in 2023?

Cheo’s letter to 2023 is a brief poem with terrific rhymes. He displays true bravery in deciding to choose freedom over pride, saying, “No more talking crazy, and no more being tough.”

Can you think of a time when you realized, either from your own experience or someone else you observed, that true courage isn’t about acting tough? How did you say courage and bravery displayed instead? What’s a better example of true bravery?

This is a letter to 2023 from a speaker who recognizes that 2022 was not so great, but she plans to use that knowledge to make the coming year better. She has gained hope from her newfound courage and belief in herself, after struggling with fear and self-defeat in the past. Her hope for a better year comes through loud and clear, and her enthusiasm is infectious.

How do you feel when you’re with a hopeful, positive person? Can you learn from another’s work to become more confident, and begin to take similar steps yourself?