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When I was younger, I struggled with depression, and I still struggle with depression to this day. As I've gotten older, I've learned how to manage it and recognize when something isn't right. For me, depression can disguise itself as being tired. I've learned to recognize that pattern. When I notice those signs, I try to surround myself with positive people and things that I enjoy, like reading, playing poker, taking walks, and talking with friends. I've also learned that it

The last few months have been some of the hardest I've faced in a long time. I've been quieter than usual when it comes to my business, and I know some people may have noticed. The truth is, I've been burned out. Between my SSI being cut, my food stamps reduced, my wife and I both ending up in the hospital, me battling a UTI and my wife dealing with a UTI, pneumonia, and most recently needing a blood transfusion. It has felt like one thing after another. It's been difficult t

When I started writing this blog, I promised myself I wouldn't sugarcoat it. If I was going to share this journey, I was going to share all of it. And I'm okay. I'm not writing because I'm giving up. I'm writing because for the past couple months, it felt like I was walking through darkness, and I'm finally starting to see a little bit of light again. I lost my food stamps, and I'm in the middle of an SSI appeal. So it's heavy. There were days I seriously thought about giving

This month has been one of the hardest I've faced in a long time. As I write this, I'm in the hospital with a bladder infection. My depression has been heavy too. Some days everything feels heavier than usual. But even then, I've been looking for small reminders that there is still hope. Christian music has been one of those reminders. When I hear those songs, I'm reminded that my story isn't over yet. I'm not six feet under. The music gives me strength to keep going. Through

In June’s blog post, I want to introduce you to the heart of Ray Heisler Poetry—my team. First - Karla, my wife, creates beautiful bracelets that pair with our poetry. My incredible friend Mike paints vivid scenes inspired by my words. Bob keeps the finances in check—and sometimes I have to put a leash on his jokes! Tamika keeps us organized, and Glenda is a trusted advisor. Benjamin helps me stay mentally grounded and even lends a hand with business planning. Karla and Mike

Hey everyone, Welcome back to Ray Heisler Poetry's Blog. I wanted to start this blog off with how Ray Heisler Poetry came to life. My dad came to me a month before he died and asked me to pick up the pen again. At first I said, "yeah... I'm going to pass". But he didn't stop begging me, stating, "Ray, you HAVE to do it." After he died, I had a dream of my dad and I in a club where he got shot, and right before he died in the dream, he demanded of me: "Open your freaking busin