We are told we have a sell-by date. We don’t. There’s no shelf life on passion, creativity or the joy of discovery. The only rule? There are no rules.
Abbi Jinks is a poet, spoken word artist and transformational coach from Northamptonshire.
At the age of 42, she discovered her passion for performance poetry and now graces weddings, birthday parties and festivals with her verses. She has become a familiar face at spoken word festivals, not just as a performer but as a host encouraging budding poets to speak out.
She writes on the themes of self love, addiction, choices and moving out of one’s comfort zone.
Abbi, your journey into performance poetry blossomed just two years ago. Can you share more about this transition?
In fact, my love affair with poetry started in my teenage years. I remember writing poetry as an angry kid; bitter, resentful poems that helped me get through those troubled times; I scribbled about boyfriend break ups and trouble with parents.
As I grew up I kind of forgot about poetry, although I’d always write a limerick or rhyme in someone’s leaving card if someone left the workplace.
It wasn’t until a friend of mine requested a reading at her wedding which led me to craft a personalised poem a couple of years ago which I read to the happy couple at their wedding. It was such a joyous experience, it reignited my love for poetic expression.
Around that time too, at the age of 42, I attended a festival called, ‘Back to the Roots’ 2022 where I spontaneously performed one of my poems on stage. It was there I had an ‘ah ha’ moment where i knew this was what I wanted to do.
I then set myself a challenge to write poems daily which snowballed into performing at open mic nights and entering the Bard of Northampton competition.
Prior to this, what was your professional life like?
I’d been working in event management and then as a transformational coach – which I continue to do. The two roles work brilliantly together as the issues I often find myself facing with clients feed into the topics I write about and poetry has proven a great way to convey those messages to people in a different way.
What subjects do you write about?
My favourite poem ‘Power’ is about not giving your power away to other people. I don’t have to check in with other people or worry about what other people think I should do; I give myself permission to make decisions myself and I think that’s a journey I’m still discovering.
The Covid-19 era and its limitations inspired to me write about the power of choice – I wanted to let people know they always have choices with what they do and that they don’t have to do what other people want them to do.
Another theme close to my heart is that of ‘stimulants’. In my book ‘On the Write Path,’ I have a poem about becoming sober. I have also written a love letter to coffee after I broke up with coffee and I have penned a reflective poem on sugar, another substance I have chosen to eliminate from my life. I have a passion for showing people you don’t need these substances in your life and sharing my personal journey to remove them. I can honestly say I feel better without them.
What are your aspirations within the realm of poetry and performance?
My dream is to continually broaden my horizons, to share my words with a wider audience. I love writing and performing at weddings and birthday parties I aim to continue this practice. Beyond that, my aspiration is to go on tour sharing my poetry through readings and workshops and fulfilling my travel aspirations along the way.
I also want to keep inspiring others to explore their potential , regardless of their age or background.
Speaking of age, you’ve started this journey in your 40s as a mother of two young children. How do you feel about starting new endeavours at this stage in your life?
Age, for me, is merely a number, not a barrier to exploring new passions or reinventing oneself. I’ve recently met a women in one of the creative groups I am a member of who at 44 is starting a singing career. You can start things whenever you want; I want to push that message as well; to believe in yourself and not to be deterred by the opinions of others.
What is on the horizon for you this year?
I’m receiving more requests to perform poetry at weddings and birthdays; to add a unique touch, I’ve invested in a typewriter to write on the spot poems for guests.
In July, I’ll be taking part in the Bedfringe festival performing a solo show called ‘Say Yes to Life,’ featuring a mix of poems and stories. I have a headline gig coming up next week in Kettering.
I’m also running workshops helping people to perform their poetry; one is scheduled for The Timber festival in July this year.
Beyond my poetry, I’ll be continuing my work as a transformational coach helping people to unlock potential paths they may wish to explore. This process often involves addressing barriers and limiting beliefs that people face. What I find most rewarding is creating a sense of accountability; encouraging clients to commit to their aspirations and supporting them every step of the way.
I also run on-line and community dance events.
What three tips can you give to people wanting to change their life:
Do what you love; love what you do; believe in yourself
And remember
You are amazing.
Yes you really are.
You are brilliant.
You’re a bright shining star.
You might have forgotten,
You might have been mislead,
To thinking that some other kind of story is true instead.
Thank you Abbi Jinks.
For further information on all topics discussed visit Abbi’s website and social media links: