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You Are Only Just Beginning: Lessons for the Journey Ahead
Sometimes it's difficult to take that first step into your future and embrace the unknown. This illustrated collection of poetry and essays empowers you to embrace your next adventure with confidence and grace, drawing on invaluable lessons from nature. Popular Instagram poet and bestselling author Morgan Harper Nichols reimagines the classic heroine's journey—from the very first call to adventure, through trials, hardships, and new relationships, all the way back home—and offers key lessons and affirmations to encourage and equip you every step of the way. Morgan's signature art fills every page of this book, making it a gorgeous addition to your bedside or coffee table. This is a lovely gift to give yourself or others for birthdays, holidays, graduations and New Year's—any time there’s a new beginning ahead. Follow Morgan on Instagram @morganharpernicols (along with her millions of followers), and look for more beautiful, thought-provoking poetry in her other
208 pages, Hardcover
First published February 14, 2023
211 people are currently reading
6,583 people want to read
About the author
Morgan Harper Nichols
15books1,083followersMorgan Harper Nichols is an artist, poet, and musician who makes her work around people and their stories.
Morgan spent the first few years of her adult life as a college admission counselor, and then, as a full-time touring singer-songwriter and musician. It was on the road that she cultivated her curiosity and passion for the written word and art, and slowly began to share her art with others online.
In 2017, Morgan started a project where she invites people to submit their stories to her website. From there, she creates art inspired by what they send her, and then, sends them the art, for free. Nearly everything Morgan creates and shares today is from this project, and she always keeps the names and stories anonymous. The fruit of this project is shared daily around social media, in publications, on murals, and more.
Morgan spent the first few years of her adult life as a college admission counselor, and then, as a full-time touring singer-songwriter and musician. It was on the road that she cultivated her curiosity and passion for the written word and art, and slowly began to share her art with others online.
In 2017, Morgan started a project where she invites people to submit their stories to her website. From there, she creates art inspired by what they send her, and then, sends them the art, for free. Nearly everything Morgan creates and shares today is from this project, and she always keeps the names and stories anonymous. The fruit of this project is shared daily around social media, in publications, on murals, and more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
March 7, 2023
I needed this so much. Omg.
February 2, 2023
This book was just not for me. Very simple poetry and a lot of clichés.
Nichols is a very successful Instagram poet, and I think that might be a better medium for this content. May be a good book for a high school graduate.
Nichols is a very successful Instagram poet, and I think that might be a better medium for this content. May be a good book for a high school graduate.
February 12, 2023
For anyone who is feeling challenged by life, needs a reminder that any progress is progress, or if you simply can’t get enough of MHN.
The audiobook has additional poems and is narrated by the author!
Thank you Libro. fm and Zondervan for the ALC which releases on Valentines Day 2023!
The audiobook has additional poems and is narrated by the author!
Thank you Libro. fm and Zondervan for the ALC which releases on Valentines Day 2023!
May 1, 2023
2.5 stars
February 13, 2023
I was so excited when I found Morgan’s newest book of poems at the bookstore ahead of launch day earlier this week! I discovered her work in June and thoroughly loved All Along You Were Blooming and How Far You Have Come.
This third book of poems earned another 5 stars from me. It’s stunningly beautiful. Every time I read her poetry collections, I want to get extra copies of the books so I can frame the colorful pages and hang them all over the walls in my office. The artwork she creates to accompany her pretty words is so lovely. I especially loved the rich rainbow of colors she used in this volume.
Morgan’s poetry is always so timely for me. It touches my soul, helps me to feel hopeful and reminds me I am not alone. She speaks my heart language.
Beautifully done, Morgan! Congratulations on the release of your newest book this week! 💜
This third book of poems earned another 5 stars from me. It’s stunningly beautiful. Every time I read her poetry collections, I want to get extra copies of the books so I can frame the colorful pages and hang them all over the walls in my office. The artwork she creates to accompany her pretty words is so lovely. I especially loved the rich rainbow of colors she used in this volume.
Morgan’s poetry is always so timely for me. It touches my soul, helps me to feel hopeful and reminds me I am not alone. She speaks my heart language.
Beautifully done, Morgan! Congratulations on the release of your newest book this week! 💜
May 29, 2023
I am such a huge fan of Morgan Harper Nichols and get poetry never fails to encourage and inspire me. Her books have taken me through such high highs and low lows in my life and her words are a balm, they refresh, restore, inspire hope.
Even though this one isn't my favorite of all her books, it is still a beautiful collection of poetry and absolutely stunning artwork. The nature and animal themes were simple, relatable and also profound.
I always look forward to reading her poems every morning because they never fail to make my day brighter.
Even though this one isn't my favorite of all her books, it is still a beautiful collection of poetry and absolutely stunning artwork. The nature and animal themes were simple, relatable and also profound.
I always look forward to reading her poems every morning because they never fail to make my day brighter.
January 1, 2024
The poems and prose and illustrations in this book are like a massage for the soul!!! Hopeful, rejuvenating. Great read for the start of a new year.
Reminded me of the best of Maira Kalman, Mari Andrews, and adrienne maree brown.
Reminded me of the best of Maira Kalman, Mari Andrews, and adrienne maree brown.
April 15, 2023
I love MHN’s work and this book is no exception. The poetry, the art, the “signs� at the end of each chapter. I’m a forever fan!
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September 1, 2023I just love MHN so much
February 13, 2023
“𝘈� 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺�
I will never not love MHN and everything she puts out. Her gifts, her honesty and genuineness, are so precious. All of her books (her trilogy of poetry, devotional, and Peace is a Practice) are beautiful, encouraging, life-giving, and personal.
Each poetry book is unique and arranged differently. Whereas her first book is simply poetry, her second book follows her well-acquainted journey between Georgia and California and features a story from each state; this third one MHN also divides into sections but they are focused on different things: sunlight, elephants, ocean, honeybees, guitars, lions, roses, space, clay, and butterflies. At the end of each section she includes signs, perspectives really, that we can look for in ourselves to see how we’ve grown. Each of these books have a different feel to them and I believe that is intentional as each was written for a different season of life we find ourselves in and gives us encouragement, hope, and lovely articulated thoughts for us to ponder on that will uplift our spirits and speak life into our hearts.
Overall, it’s actually a quite simple collection of thoughts and perspectives, and there is nothing wrong with simple. If anything, I think there is a need to return to it. We’ve overcomplicated and dressed things up; but there is beauty and wisdom and peace in simplicity. Is this book quite different from her other two? Yes, and though I enjoy those probably a little more given my own circumstances, this third book is still a lovely gift worth reading.
I will never not love MHN and everything she puts out. Her gifts, her honesty and genuineness, are so precious. All of her books (her trilogy of poetry, devotional, and Peace is a Practice) are beautiful, encouraging, life-giving, and personal.
Each poetry book is unique and arranged differently. Whereas her first book is simply poetry, her second book follows her well-acquainted journey between Georgia and California and features a story from each state; this third one MHN also divides into sections but they are focused on different things: sunlight, elephants, ocean, honeybees, guitars, lions, roses, space, clay, and butterflies. At the end of each section she includes signs, perspectives really, that we can look for in ourselves to see how we’ve grown. Each of these books have a different feel to them and I believe that is intentional as each was written for a different season of life we find ourselves in and gives us encouragement, hope, and lovely articulated thoughts for us to ponder on that will uplift our spirits and speak life into our hearts.
Overall, it’s actually a quite simple collection of thoughts and perspectives, and there is nothing wrong with simple. If anything, I think there is a need to return to it. We’ve overcomplicated and dressed things up; but there is beauty and wisdom and peace in simplicity. Is this book quite different from her other two? Yes, and though I enjoy those probably a little more given my own circumstances, this third book is still a lovely gift worth reading.
January 10, 2024
I love MHN and I enjoyed some of these poems, but not enough. A lot of them revolve around the same concepts I’ve seen both in this book and other books, but just worded slightly differently. I didn’t enjoy the segmented sections, because there were entire sections that just weren’t applicable. I did enjoy at the end of each section, there were �# signs you are ______ (finding your people, or whatever the section is about). I found that reassuring in seeing that I am, in fact, making progress somewhere in life.
August 14, 2024
Recently stumbling upon the great work of this author makes my heart happy. Especially, being neurodivergent like me, I can't wait to read the next book. If you are interested in poetic inspiration, her books are what you need ❤️
February 9, 2025
Like every book Morgan has published, You Are Only Just Beginning is filled with beautiful art and inspiring poetry. 💛
February 10, 2023
book 5 of 2023
4 �
her first book is still my favorite. although I won't deny the fact that I love the new phrase I learned from her in this book: honey moments in life. it's just so perfect for the daily adventures I might have as I romanticize my life.
thank you Libro.fm for my sponsored copy.
4 �
her first book is still my favorite. although I won't deny the fact that I love the new phrase I learned from her in this book: honey moments in life. it's just so perfect for the daily adventures I might have as I romanticize my life.
thank you Libro.fm for my sponsored copy.
March 20, 2023
Beautiful, as always! Great if you are in a season of change. 🦋🦁🪐🐝
January 18, 2024
The artwork and poetry combined are so beautiful
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February 15, 2023YOU ARE ONLY JUST THE BEGINNING. Pub Date: 2/14 *OUT NOW
What a comforting listen this was! I like to read poetry from time to time and what Morgan Harper Nichols served us here was inspirational and just what I needed.
I found this essay collection was easy to follow along, clocking in at just over two hours on audio (at 1.2 x) or 200 pages. It would make for a fantastic introduction if you wanted to dip your toes into poetry waters. I kept it at a slow speed so that I could fully comprehend/take in the flow of her words.
There are bonus poems at the end of the audiobook that is not included in the print copy! The physical is stunning by the way.
Upon finishing I went to Morgan's website and read her blog. Come to find out she has many talents! I also read that she has an autism diagnosis. This couldn't hit any closer to home, as two of my children are on the spectrum. She shares her story there from February of 2021. She is a brilliant human being!
Please note that just like with memoirs, I don't give a star rating on poetry. Everyone has their own spin, take and rhythm & rhyme. I choose to not disrupt the beauty.
One word to sum it up: Delightful and big thanks to @librofm for this ALC!
What a comforting listen this was! I like to read poetry from time to time and what Morgan Harper Nichols served us here was inspirational and just what I needed.
I found this essay collection was easy to follow along, clocking in at just over two hours on audio (at 1.2 x) or 200 pages. It would make for a fantastic introduction if you wanted to dip your toes into poetry waters. I kept it at a slow speed so that I could fully comprehend/take in the flow of her words.
There are bonus poems at the end of the audiobook that is not included in the print copy! The physical is stunning by the way.
Upon finishing I went to Morgan's website and read her blog. Come to find out she has many talents! I also read that she has an autism diagnosis. This couldn't hit any closer to home, as two of my children are on the spectrum. She shares her story there from February of 2021. She is a brilliant human being!
Please note that just like with memoirs, I don't give a star rating on poetry. Everyone has their own spin, take and rhythm & rhyme. I choose to not disrupt the beauty.
One word to sum it up: Delightful and big thanks to @librofm for this ALC!
August 11, 2023
Prachtig! Een boekje om elke keer weer te pakken en stukjes uit te lezen. Bemoedigend, ontroerend, bevestigend en prikkelend. Een pareltje, qua teksten en qua illustraties. Ze beiden gemaakt door Morgan. Ik ben blij dat dit prachtige boekje van mij is en ik hem nog vaak open kan doen!
April 3, 2023
Always love MHN ❤️
September 5, 2023
Haiku reflection:
Breathing day by day.
Embracing all emotions.
Grace for the journey.
Breathing day by day.
Embracing all emotions.
Grace for the journey.
October 6, 2023
"When adventure calls
as a whisper
and not as a yellow rotary phone,
I'm reminded that the start of a new adventure
can also take place at home."
💛
as a whisper
and not as a yellow rotary phone,
I'm reminded that the start of a new adventure
can also take place at home."
💛
November 8, 2023
what a beautiful series of lessons to learn from things you see all around you.
"you brought it to the table with the hope: i'll just make whatever i can."
"you brought it to the table with the hope: i'll just make whatever i can."
April 16, 2025
"Even as you come back home, continue the good work. Continue being curious. Continue being present with love. Continue resting, for this world needs more resed people. Continue discoveringwhat interests you. You havent seen all there is to see, and that's a glorious thing. Dare to trust, you are only just beginning."
This book was a splash of inspiration. Like someone literally took inspiration, turned it into paint or ink, and splashed it on paper. Absolutely. Beautiful. I loved the themes in this book and they really resonated with me <3
This book was a splash of inspiration. Like someone literally took inspiration, turned it into paint or ink, and splashed it on paper. Absolutely. Beautiful. I loved the themes in this book and they really resonated with me <3
February 14, 2023
While I usually enjoy reading Morgan's quotes on Instagram, I'm not sure how well it works in an audiobook format.. The poetry just ends up feeling clichéd and repetitive overall :/
That being said, there were definitely a few lines here and there that I'd felt like I resonated with - and I'm sure the right demographic would also enjoy this collection
Rating: 1.5/5
� thank you libro.fm and Zondervan publishing for providing the ALC in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
That being said, there were definitely a few lines here and there that I'd felt like I resonated with - and I'm sure the right demographic would also enjoy this collection
Rating: 1.5/5
� thank you libro.fm and Zondervan publishing for providing the ALC in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
December 7, 2024
You Are Only Just Beginning was such a wonderful read 🧡 it's separated into several chapters in the form of lessons - lessons from elephants, lessons from climbing roses, sunlight, clay... just to name a few. Every single chapter was insightful and full of wisdom. Not to mention the beautiful artwork as well! This book was perfect, a lovely blend of heartfelt messages that will leave you feeling inspired. I think this is my favourite from Morgan Harper Nichols :)
October 28, 2024
This is one of those poetry books that no matter if you moved on or are still healing, it’s going to make you feel good and reassured you’re okay. Some beautiful words in this book, and the illustrations were so cute!
February 27, 2023
Easy to read. I wasn’t aware of the previous two books, I will be purchasing those soon. Overall the book was colorful full of life and relatable. I enjoyed how she compared the animals and nature to the phases or events in our lives.
March 18, 2023
Her words always speak life through her poetry. Always worth it, so glad I decided to buy the book.
December 28, 2023
4.5 stars! Very inspiring
March 21, 2024
Cute poetry, loved the elephant references. Great optimism.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
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