How To Survive Today

“How to Survive Today” is a brilliant collection of poems. The author takes us on an intricate journey of heartbreak, healing and everything in between. This book eloquently captures the emotional gymnastics that it takes to reclaim our own joy. “How to Survive Today” shows us that people who are still healing can also be healers. This book is a guide to rediscovering our own happiness.

- Rudy Francisco, @rudyfrancisco

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“Every time I have the privilege of sharing the stage with Tonya, I’m reminded of the power of words. With nothing but a poem, she wakes me up to the gift of being alive. Of being present to the moment. The beautifully, painfully, awkward joy of being human. Her words sing louder than guitars, drums, and turntables. I’m honored to call her a friend.” 

- Jon Foreman, @jonforeman

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"How To Survive Today" is a mirror of reflection for those with heart as well as a glorious invitation to really SEE oneself. Tonya, as always, offers herself through her words as a teacher, friend, muse, and magician. By the time you're done with this collection of her work you will have that feeling you get right after time spent bathing in the sun: seen, soft and a little bit stronger.

- Rachel Cargle, @rachel.cargle

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"Tonya has created an ode to each and every reader. Reading HOW TO SURVIVE TODAY feels like a balm, a hug from someone you trust, a reminder of how to love yourself that isn't fleeting—it sits with you and makes your heart its home."

- Sammy Nickalls, #TalkingAboutIt creator

Tonya Ingram is a poet, Cincinnati native, Bronx-bred introvert, mental health advocate, kidney transplant hopeful, Lupus legend, cat auntie, and lover of Tom Hardy and "The Office."

Tonya has graced the stages of The Getty Museum, Madison Square Garden, San Francisco Opera House, Nuyorican Poets Caf, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Lexus Verses and Flow's variety show, and "The Price is Right*," the online and physical pages of The New York Times, Vice i-D, Bustle, and Marie Claire, and the classrooms of schools in the United States and Ghana, just to name a few. Her viral collaboration with BuzzFeed, "An Open Letter to My Depression," has reached over 4 million views and counting.

A friend, creative, daydreamer, and Virgo, Tonya's writing explores the necessity in taking care of ourselves, especially on the days we feel unworthy. She is a graduate of New York University and Otis College of Art and Design. Tonya currently resides in Los Angeles, CA.

HOW TO SURVIVE TODAY is her third book of poetry.

You can find her on Instagram (@tonyainstagram), Twitter (@TonyaSIngram), and on her website (www.tonyaingram.com).

*She won. Claire M. Biggs is a writer and editor based in Franklin, TN. She helps good people tell better stories.

part 1: heartbreak

part 2: self-love

part 3: healing, then joy

closing note

resources

acknowledgments

about the author