This episode of Relatable Wisdom is a heartfelt exploration of resilience, identity, and the transformative power of poetry. I sit down with Nadine Ellis, a poet, mother of four, radiographer, and academic from South Australia, whose life has been shaped by both adversity and andrrrd the power of words. Nadine shares her favorite quotes—including “Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds upon the heel that has crushed it”—and we dive into how forgiveness and letting go have defined her journey from childhood bullying to adulthood. Her poetry, steeped in vivid imagery and honest emotion, brings hard life lessons to life, from the sting of exclusion to the quiet strength required to keep moving forward. Together, we discuss how embracing the impermanence of life (“This too shall pass”) and seeking hidden beauty in others (“What makes the desert beautiful is that somewhere it hides a well”) can help us grow. Nadine’s insights and poems are a reminder that we all carry hidden depths, and her words will inspire you to look for the well within your own desert.
Connect With Nadine Ellis
Website: https://www.nadineellis.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nadineellispoetry/
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Chapters
00:00 Nadine’s Striking Opening Poem
00:28 Welcome and Guest Introduction
00:59 Nadine Shares Her Background
01:13 Fun With Name Pronunciation
01:47 Nadine’s Creative and Family Life
02:49 Forgiveness Quote and Its Impact
03:49 The Story Behind the Poetry
05:13 Sharing the Book and Its Cover
05:30 “Caustic” Poem Live Reading
07:31 On Imagery and Poetic Style
07:38 Next Quote: “This Too Shall Pass”
08:55 Embracing Impermanence
09:19 “Visen” Poem and Childhood Memories
12:38 The Essence of Honey
12:46 Final Favorite Quote: The Desert’s Well
13:04 Hidden Depths and One-Sided Relationships
14:22 Poem About Moving On
16:10 Discussing Pain and Perception
18:16 Reflecting on Emotional Resilience
19:16 “We See The World As We Are”
21:04 Projecting Past Experiences
22:33 Presence, Acceptance, and Intersection
22:49 “Seven Years of Broken Sleep” Poem
24:22 Where to Find Nadine’s Work
25:11 Closing Thoughts and Connection
