Poetry Contest: Paths to Personal Success

We invite poets of all ages to share their voice, their journey, and their vision of personal success. Success looks different for everyone: healing, growth, resilience, self-love, faith, perseverance, or overcoming obstacles. Through poetry, tell us what success means to you.

This contest is an opportunity to inspire others by sharing stories of strength, hope, and transformation.

🖋️ Contest Theme: Personal Success

Poems should reflect one or more of the following:

• Overcoming adversity

• Growth and self-discovery

• Healing and restoration

• Achieving goals against the odds

• Redefining success on your own terms

  
  

📜 Rules & Guidelines

Original poems only (no plagiarism)

Maximum length: 30 lines

Open to all experience levels

One entry per person

Poems must align with the theme of personal success

Submissions must be respectful and appropriate for a public audience

Submit as a typed document or text entry to customer_service@restorationhope.net

🏆 Prizes

1st Place: $250

2nd Place: $150

3rd Place: $100

Prizes may be paid via PayPal, CashApp, or issued as a Visa gift card.

Winners will be selected based on originality, emotional impact, clarity, and connection to the theme.

📣 Winner Recognition

A photo of each winner and their winning poem will be featured on our social media platforms

Poems will also be published on the Restoration Hope Blog

Winners may be invited to share their poem at a future event or virtual reading (if in the Kingsport, TN area)

✍️ Example Poem (for Inspiration Only)

Success Is Not the Trophy

Success is not the trophy on the shelf,

Or applause from rooms I never entered.

It’s waking up and choosing myself

After years of silence and surrender.

It’s learning that my scars still shine,

That broken roads can still lead home.

Success is standing here, still mine,

Knowing I survived and grew alone.

🌱 Why Participate?

Your words matter. Your story matters. Your journey could be the hope someone else needs.

Join us in celebrating resilience, growth, and the many forms of personal success.

Winner Announcement: March 28, 2026 (via social media and online)