Meet Katie Cecilia, a passionate poet and mental health advocate whose journey into poetry was sparked by her own experiences and a desire to help others. Through her platform, @creativebykaytee, Katie shares her heartfelt and introspective poetry, delving into themes of healing, reflection, and self-care. In this interview, she opens up about her creative process, the challenges she’s faced, and her upcoming book, offering insights into how her work aims to connect with readers and inspire self-acceptance and growth.
Can you tell us about your journey as a poet and what led you to start creativebykaytee?
When I was around 12/13 years old, I received counselling for the first time, from that experience I learned extensively around the importance of reaching out for help and how necessary understanding your own mental health is. I remember speaking with my counsellor at the time thinking “I want to do what she’s doing, I want to help people” so from then on, I became an advocate for mental health and spent an extensive amount of my late teens and early twenties being vocal about my own personal journey with mental health in hopes of helping other people. Poetry came into my life as a form of articulating my feelings and thoughts around my personal experiences. I have always been a lover of poetry. I have written in diaries and journals constantly growing up, but it was only in the past few years that I decided to give poetry a try myself. I bought a notebook and started exploring myself creatively which then led to me sharing it with the world. Reading poetry from other people over the years has been so refreshing and healing for my own journey, so I created the @creativebykaytee social media channels in hopes of bringing those same feelings to others.
What inspires your poetry? Are there specific themes or experiences that resonate strongly with you?
My poetry is inspired by my personal experiences, providing a safe space for me to explore emotions that I may not have been able to articulate before. I tend to lean towards sadder poetry because it allows me to fully embrace and process my emotions, giving me the opportunity to truly “feel my feelings”. I find that themes of healing, reflection, and self-care resonate strongly with me, guiding the direction of my work. This exploration of themes has served as a cathartic outlet for me, allowing me to connect with my innermost thoughts and experiences.
Poetry often serves as a medium for personal expression. How has your own life journey influenced the content and style of your work?
Poetry has been a profound avenue for me to express my personal journey, shaped by various experiences and challenges. Throughout the years, I have navigated periods of therapy, grappling with the rollercoaster that is mental health. This journey has underscored the importance of fostering a healthy relationship with myself, recognizing that healing is a non-linear process marked by its own inconsistencies.
In my work, I intentionally diverge from the norm of presenting an edited and polished version online. Instead, I strive to authentically capture the complexities of learning and healing through my poetry. By embracing these inconsistencies and vulnerabilities, I hope to create a body of work that resonates with the rawness and authenticity of the human experience. Through my writing, I seek to challenge the notion of perfection and offer a glimpse into the messy yet beautiful journey of growth and self-discovery.
Sharing personal experiences through poetry can be both cathartic and vulnerable. How do you navigate the balance between self-expression and privacy?
Majority of the poetry I write comes from a place of sensitivity and strength, therefore I am very careful with what I post and promote to the world. I reflect on what the piece of work is about and how sharing it will impact the relationship with myself and the story I am trying to tell through my poetry. I am able to maintain a sense of control over the narratives I choose to share with others while still honouring my own boundaries and privacy.
Could you share a particularly challenging moment in your creative journey and how you overcame it?
During a challenging moment in my creative journey, I faced a severe case of writer’s block. My usual routine wasn’t sparking any inspiration, and I didn’t have any previous poems that felt right to share. To overcome this hurdle, I turned to playlists, movies, and other poems to evoke emotions and personal memories. Exploring these different sources not only helped me break through the writer’s block but also allowed me to delve into complex scenarios and emotions. While the poems I created during this time might not have been the ones I ultimately shared, they led me to some unique and innovative writing. By embracing new influences and experiences, I was able to overcome the creative challenge and continue to grow as a writer.
Many aspiring poets may face self-doubt or uncertainty about sharing their work. What advice would you offer to those who are hesitant to express themselves creatively?
I often experience self-doubt and uncertainty about sharing my own work, and I’m still learning to manage it. When I feel this way, I remind myself of the reasons why I started writing in the first place, it helps me reconnect with my passion and purpose.
If I don’t believe in a poem, I won’t post it. It’s important to trust your instincts and only share work that resonates with you. Creativity doesn’t follow a strict schedule, so it’s okay to take your time and wait for inspiration to strike.
Remember, there is always someone out there who will be impacted by reading your work. It’s worth taking the leap and sharing your creativity with the world. The outcome may surprise you, and your words could touch someone in ways you never imagined. Give it a try and see where your creativity takes you.
As someone who aims to connect with others through their poetry, how do you measure the impact of your work?
As someone who wants to connect with others through my poetry, I measure the impact of my work in a few ways. I pay attention to the comments and messages I receive from readers. These interactions show me how my work is resonating with people and forming connections. I also take screenshots of these comments and messages and save them in a folder. This serves as a reminder of the impact my poetry is having on others and motivates me to continue creating meaningful content that fosters connection and understanding.
Do you have any rituals or practices that help you get into a creative mindset when writing poetry?
I have a few rituals and practices that help me. One thing I like to do is change up my writing environment by going to different coffee shops. This change of scenery can spark new ideas and inspiration.
I also use Spotify playlists to set the mood for my writing, depending on the emotions I want to convey in my poetry. Music can help me tap into different feelings and express them through my writing. I also have a collection of poetry books on my shelf that I like to read. Immersing myself in the work of other poets can inspire me and help me explore different styles and techniques in my own writing. Reading poetry from various authors can also broaden my perspective and fuel my creativity.
Your upcoming book sounds exciting! Can you offer any hints about what readers can expect from it?
Thank you! Readers can expect a transparent view of my journey in learning to accept change and grow as a person. The chapters in the book will reflect different stages of reconnecting with myself, healing from my past, and focusing on my well-being and future. It will provide a safe space for reflection, allowing readers to explore their own experiences and emotions in a supportive environment.
Lastly, what message or insight do you hope readers take away from your poetry and your forthcoming book?
Ultimately, my hope is that readers of my poetry and forthcoming book will take away a message of acceptance and self-embrace. In all of my work I strive to convey the idea that it’s okay to be where you are in life and to embrace all aspects of yourself, whether they be good, bad, or ugly. I also continue to work to create a sense of connection and understanding, helping readers feel less alone in their own experiences.
I want to emphasize the significance of healing and reconnecting with oneself. The relationship you have with yourself is paramount, and I hope to inspire readers to prioritize self-care and self-compassion through highlighting the importance of self-reflection and personal growth.
https://linktr.ee/katiececiliapoetry
