Sometimes, I stumble into the inner world of a complete stranger by accident, a person who brings new and lyrical sounds to the deeply hidden strings of my soul.

They respond in a melodious and gentle manner, like wind chimes which, with a slight breath of breeze, create fresh music both calm and cool.

A few days ago I went to a book store in Hamilton. I quickly scanned dozens of bright and glossy covers. I was trying to choose a book, but instead the book chose me.

It stood out from the many colourful choices; a simple black cover with the author’s name and title written in small white letters and two tiny bees flying below: milk and honey. rupi kaur.

It called to me, and I opened it at random and read these lines:

the world

gives you so much pain

and here you are

making gold out of it

These simple words burnt into my soul. I believe that we, magnificent women, with our warmth and strength, our love and faith are trying to improve the world no matter what stands in our way. We always find the power to rise and stand up after we fall and to help and support others in need.

With that in mind, I turned over a few pages and found the image of a pregnant woman with lines of poetry that echoed my thoughts:

we are all born

so beautiful

the greatest tragedy is

being convinced we are not

I believe, like the author, that every woman is unique and beautiful. I am worthy, you are worthy, we are all worthy. Yet, how many women among us are told they are not?

Each of us is a rare and delightful flower. Could we ever say that some flowers are not beautiful? One stands in the garden, bright and exotic, attracting immediate attention and causing everyone’s admiration; another is petite with a thin stalk and a tiny petal, growing among the grass on the roadside, yet touching with its modest charm.

I read further:

accept that you deserve more

than painful love

life is moving

the healthiest thing

for your heart is

to move with it

How many women are stuck in hurtful and destructive relationships for years, in situations they dare not interrupt? They are afraid to remain alone, so they do not allow themselves to find love and happiness.

Many women live without understanding that everything in life changes and we must allow ourselves the freedom to discover our happiness.

“Who is this wise woman who has experienced so much in her life?” I thought, as I was reading her sparse poetry.

How could she find such true and powerful words to describe suffering, trauma, survival, hope, love, friendship, womanhood, and feminine empowerment?

I was shocked to learn that Rupi Kaur was only 25 years old, an Indian-born Canadian poet, writer and illustrator. She is from a new generation of young, powerful women who give a strong voice to the strength and hope within us all.

I read these last lines and smiled:

If the hurts comes

so will the happiness

— be patient.

• Nina London is a certified wellness and weight-management coach. Her mission is to support and inspire mature women to make positive changes in their body and mind. Share your inspirational stories with her at ninalondon.com