if i'm being honest: poems and life lessons

How many times have you reflexively answered, "I'm fine," when the truth was buried somewhere much deeper? In a world that often rewards conformity and surface-level politeness, we are conditioned to mask our genuine internal struggles. We preface our rare moments of sincerity with qualifiers like "if I’m being honest," inadvertently implying that our everyday speech is merely a performance. In this poignant collection of poetry and prose, C.J. Mitchell invites you to drop the act. This book acts as a sanctuary for those who are tired of pretending—a space where uncomfortable truths are brought into the light and the parts of ourselves we usually keep hidden are finally allowed to breathe. Writing from the vantage point of the gay experience, Mitchell explores the weight of silence and the transformative power of authenticity. This isn’t just a book of verse; it is a guidebook for reclaiming your own voice. By challenging the necessity of the masks we wear, Mitchell encourages readers to embrace the raw, unfiltered parts of their humanity. If you have ever felt the isolation of hiding who you are, these pages offer not just resonance, but the courage to start the healing process that only true honesty can begin.