Meet Henley Worthen | Poet, Author, Wild Woman, Writing Facilitator, Wanderer.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Henley Worthen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Henley, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Newsflash, sugar: No one likes change. Change feels uncomfortable and out of control. The unknown is vast and unpredictable, yet — when we begin to take risks more often, we grow that muscle. The first time I moved to a foreign country on my own, I was 21 and hopped on a plane to Barcelona. I didn’t know how to seek community outside of school settings, and it was often lonely and uncomfortable. By the time I left, I had grown so much and new how to meet new people with aligned interests. When I moved to Asia by myself for 2 years, it was far less scary. The first risk is always the scariest. Publishing my poetry book, “Loose Girls” was terrifying. It felt like all my baggage and shame was available for the world to read. But being witnessed and living my truth was also incredibly liberating. Now, publishing more books doesn’t feel scary – at all. It feels empowering. Risk is a muscle. We grow it by working out often.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am most excited about the community of women I am building. I love men, but in my club— there are no boys allowed. Like Cher said, “men are dessert”….delicious dessert. But I’ve always been called to work with and for women.

When I first really started writing and sharing my words online, it was very self-centered. I was finding my way back to myself. But my journey toward stepping into a leadership position has been about shifting into a service mindset. It’s not about my ego or my performance or how cool I look while I’m leading writing workshops…

It’s about the impact I can make in others’ lives. Women that message me to say that I changed the trajectory of their lives through my workshops. That they love themselves more because of me. Women that let me know my writing saved them from a physically abusive relationship. Those have been the flashing neon signs that say “go towards this, do more of this”.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As a big coffee shop guy, I’d take them to the Chattahoochee Coffee House to see the river and read a good book. Best hidden gem.

Anything on the beltline tickles my fancy for eating and drinking. Of course, I’d have to take them to Felinis as it’s such a staple and that mozzarella they put on their salads is BOMB.

I love Beetle Cat downstairs for some food and apps, and Little Five Points for thrifting.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron was a huge entry point for me. It’s a beautiful, guided 12-week workbook for anyone who knows deep down, they’re meant to create and serve the world, but doesn’t know exactly how just yet.

@JanneRobinson was an early mentor and teacher of mine. She showed me a way for a woman to be a poet, and super financially successful.

@PoemsnadPeonies Chelsea Dianne is one of the most influential women in my life, today. She’s all about nurturing and loving the community of women she’s so skillfully connected.

She mirrored something for me that I needed to understand: I always thought poets were
supposed to be” quiet and introspective, so when I would read out loud, I would take on this quiet little whisper voice that wasn’t MINE! I don’t need to be those things to own the title ‘poet’. Because it’s not me! I am multifaceted AF! I am loud, obnoxious, sometimes cocky, angry, loveable, and all the things in between…. but I am hardly ever — quiet.

I am both a hurricane and a poet.

Website: www.henleyworthen.com

Instagram: @henleyworthen