I picked this up during a rough finals week, and it’s changed how I view healing. J. Young’s experiences with meditation, yoga, and self-reflection—as shown in “Meditating and Yoga” and “Being Still”—felt deeply personal. Her work made me rethink what it means to truly rest, reflect, and release. It’s now my go-to book for grounding and peace.

“Pain to Peace” is a raw, lyrical journey that deeply resonated with my own experience managing anxiety and trauma. J. Young doesn’t just write—she bleeds onto the page with honesty and hope. As someone who promotes emotional wellness, I found her reflections on therapy, depression, and spiritual healing both validating and inspirational. The poems like “Therapy Day” and “Depression Grasped Me” were especially moving. I’ve already recommended this book to several clients.

As a fellow educator, J. Young’s depiction of teaching during the COVID era hit hard. In “Separated due to COVID” and “Shells Collected”, I saw my own struggles mirrored in her words. Her ability to weave personal pain with professional devotion, especially toward her students, left me in awe. This book is a must-read for teachers trying to balance care for others while navigating their own emotional battles.

J. Young writes with a painter’s soul and a survivor’s strength. Her poetry captures the nuance of emotional scars and the brilliance of spiritual renewal. Pieces like “My Eternal Light” and “Shimmering Ocean Water” reminded me how healing can come through art, nature, and surrender. Her voice is gentle yet powerful, like ocean waves smoothing over jagged rocks. A poetic treasure.

Reading “Pain to Peace” brought me to tears more than once. J. Young’s story may be her own, but it speaks to anyone who has struggled to keep going through loss, grief, or identity crisis. Her connection to God throughout her writing was comforting, especially in pieces like “God, Please Help This Caring Soul”. This book is more than poetry—it’s a balm for the brokenhearted.