For our “X Questions With” series, we’re speaking with talented individuals from around the world who have inspired us with their creativity and passion. If you have a story to tell or someone you’d like to see profiled, let us know in the comments or on Facebook or Twitter!
Today, we’re chatting with Hillis Pugh, an inspirational writer and poet we discovered on Instagram a few weeks ago. Learn more about Hillis and his work at www.hillispugh.com.
1) Please tell us a little about yourself
Name: Hillis Pugh
Age: 39
Hometown: Chicago (currently living in Brooklyn)
Passions: Spiritual and New Age books, all forms of music, some authors and philosophers such as Emerson, Abraham-Hicks, Dr. Michael Beckwith, Gregg Braden, Neale Donald Walsch and Bruce Lipton. I love feel-good movies and am a techie at heart.
Occupation: Creative writer, psychic medium
Creative Works: The Spoken Word, Silver sPHere and Thank You Thursday
Favourite Quote: “Be who you already are.” – Hillis Pugh
2) The posts you share centre around themes of gratitude and personal enrichment. Why is it important to you to help others to “heal & awaken”?
It’s important to me because of my personal journey. Experiencing ups and downs in my life, gratitude helped to center myself to show appreciation for what I have now. The material and physical changes, but energy flows and you can flow with it through the expression of gratitude. I know from personal experience expressing gratitude can open the door to more of what you desire in your life.
3) Your website is subtitled “Thank You Thursday” – can you tell us a little about this?
The subtitle is named after my book, Thank You Thursday. Thank You Thursday started as a blog sharing my personal journey through gratitude. With loving reception from family, friends and followers, the blog became a book.
4) We saw on Instagram that you had begun work on a new poem… Can you tell us how it ended up?
The poem ended perfectly. It took a while to get it going, but very happy with how it turned out. I would like to share it here, if that’s ok.
Lady
The lady is me
The lady is he
The lady is she
The lady is in all existence
As born in each being
The balance to maintain the Soul
Energy manifested as seen fit
Utilized as a counter measure to view the other side
Stepping through with ease and grace
She is the one holding the scale
Creating balance of the Entity where all is equal
Balance from contrast where all is created
Not a lady
The balance of life
This poem is tied to an entry I wrote on my blog titled “Divine Feminine Energy.”
5) Why did you choose a Paperblanks Silver Filigree Maya Blue journal for the poem?
I chose it because blue is my favorite color. However, the design caught my eye, so detailed. I have always chosen Paperblanks to write my poetry in. I like them for the size, the pocket in the back, durability and, most of all, it just felt right. My poetry has to have a special place.
6) By the time your poems are posted on Instagram they are often blended with graphic design/digital art. Do you usually start with a handwritten draft?
Oh yes, all my poems are handwritten first. I am old fashioned that way. I have to feel the words flow through me as I write, and pen kissing the paper. The only way to describe is it feels as I am one with what I write. It’s magic!
7) Has anyone, or anything, in particular inspired your creativity and artistic passion?
There is not one thing in particular. Life, love, music, movies and poetry have inspired me to share my works. What inspired me to write in the beginning was my personal story and to let others know they are not alone on their journey. Growing up I was in a place of not feeling worthy, wanting to belong and uncertain of life. Poetry was my own personal outlet of therapy.
8) Any advice you would like to share with aspiring writers or those hoping to make a difference in the lives of others?
Follow your heart and write about what you know, but don’t be afraid to explore other areas of interest. You never know who needs to read your words, as they may spark inspiration or save a life.
9) Are you working on any new projects you would like to share with us?
I am working on a few new projects. I am working on turning Thank You Thursday into a four-book series; in addition I am writing The World’s Appreciation Book. This book is about sharing detailed accounts of authors’ stories or anyone wanting to share an experience, stories sharing life’s appreciation. These stories can be about anything of impactful gratitude that you still carry with you.
You can visit my site, www.hillispugh.com/appreciation-projects, for news on upcoming projects.
