THE NEXT LEVEL

Becoming who you want to be requires moving on from who you’ve been. You will only reach your next level by letting go of where you are.

You go by day by day
Month by month
Year by year
Waiting and hoping for your life to change
Meanwhile
The days go by
The months go by
And the years go by
Until we realise
Our life cannot change while we stay the same
Becoming who you want to be
Requires moving on from who you’ve been
You will only reach your next level by letting go of where you are
You will only go as far as you allow your imagination to take you
Whenever we think we’ve considered and gone over everything it will take to achieve our goals, dreams, ambitions and desires
We must go over our list again
And add patience
The one missing ingredient to a recipe for success
Is often just simply patience
We must stop looking at success as a distant stranger
Instead
A nearby friend who is patiently awaiting our arrival
Follow your heart and your instinct
They know you better than you think
I realised I didn’t like the world as it was presented to me
So I’m taking the parts I do like
Adding some of my own making
And creating a whole new one
Seeing not what is
But what could be
And creating it
Too often we die from the opinions of people whom we’ll never meet
Often being strong is not in how long we can hold on to things
But in how easily we can let them go
Many of us spend our lives searching for happiness
In everything but an altered state of mind
The only place where it is truly found
Some find happiness
Many make their own
Don’t give up
Keep going
Often the ones who leave while laughing at you
Come back later asking for your advice
I wish you the strength to pick up all of your broken pieces
And the patience to put yourself back together again
I used to wish people the best
Now I wish them peace of mind
There’s nothing better to have than that
There’s a time to move swiftly
And a time to stand still
Knowing which to do and when is everything
You are born exceptionally unique
And unlike anyone else
There will never ever be another human being who is wired exactly like you
We are all amazingly very different
There has never before in history been anyone just like you
And there will be none to come after
So don’t try to blend in
Stand out
You are a one of one
Always be yourself
And have faith in you
Know your worth
And the value of your abilities
Know who you are
And who you’re not
It’s time to push yourself
To the next level

This is a track from my latest album, A Patchwork Remedy for A Broken Melody. Listen now on SoundCloud.

Published by

THE POET PHOENIX JAMES

THE POET PHOENIX JAMES is a British-born, award-winning poet, author, spoken word recording artist, and multidisciplinary creator whose dynamic career spans literature, performance, film, fashion, music, and independent media. Widely recognised for fearless expression and genre-defying artistry, Phoenix James has built a powerful creative legacy that bridges page, stage, studio, screen, and digital platforms. He is a pioneer of live spoken word performance in the UK before the era of camera phones, and is known as a foundational figure in the UK and global spoken word movements. He is often mentioned alongside pioneering spoken word artists like Linton Kwesi Johnson, Benjamin Zephaniah, Jean ‘Binta’ Breeze, Patience Agbabi, Lemn Sissay and Salena Godden for his foundational contributions to the UK’s live poetry and spoken word scene. MONIKER AND EARLY CAREER Early in his career in 1998, Phoenix James performed and released work under the moniker Phenzwaan, a name associated with several of his earliest spoken word albums and recordings. This period marked the foundation of his evolving artistic voice and experimentation within the spoken word and poetry scene. WRITER & POET Phoenix James is the author of 20 published books, exploring love, identity, vulnerability, power, masculinity, and spiritual and philosophical inquiry. His first limited edition printed poetry collection, To Whom It May Concern, was published in 2003. His work spans poetry, prose, philosophy, essays, and creative storytelling. His available book titles include, in order of publication: Love, Sex, Romance & Other Bad Things Route to Destruction Delirium of the Wise Don’t Let the Daffodils Fool You Call Me When You’re Free Far from the Outside The Ones We Didn't Kill Lessons from Everywhere Another One for Burning A Long Bright Cold Dark Summer Shame Point Zero The Sandbag Theory Soft, Sexy & Wet Below Base Level To Catch A Passing UFO Now We're Truly Beautiful We All Should Be Amazed Before When It's Time Amidst Time That Waits Time As Always Was SPOKEN WORD RECORDING ARTIST Phoenix James has released 18 spoken word albums, crafting sonic experiences that blend poetry, music, ambient textures, and emotion-driven performance. His current albums include, in order of release: Phenzwaan Now & Forever: The Definitive Collection A Patchwork Remedy for A Broken Melody FREE Haven for the Tormented With All That Said Remixes Vol: 1 Remixes Vol: 2 Light Beams from the Void The Love So Far Early CD Album Releases: Phoenix James released a number of CD albums between 2000 and 2006 under his early moniker Phenzwaan. These include, in order of their release: The A.R.T.I.S.T. (debut album) Meditations of A Cosmic Wordsmith We Will Survive Phenzwaan Live @ The Spitz Inevitable Mystique Like A Phoenix Alchemy Fluid Vol: 1 Alchemy Fluid Vol: 2 Solidified These early works represent his foundational spoken word and musical expressions prior to the digital era, showcasing his pioneering contributions and artistic evolution. With over 1,000 videos on his YouTube channel and more than 70 spoken word singles available on streaming platforms including YouTube Music, Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, Phoenix James' work continues to influence global audiences through digital distribution. FILM & TELEVISION Phoenix James made his first BBC television appearance performing poetry in 2004, marking an important step in bringing spoken word poetry to broader audiences through mainstream media. Since then, he has appeared in and worked on several high-profile international film and television productions, including: Skyfall (James Bond) Star Wars: The Force Awakens Guardians of the Galaxy Mission: Impossible Cleanskin Multiple BBC dramas and documentaries He has also written, directed, and produced independent films, such as the acclaimed mock-documentary Love Freely but Pay for Sex, which further solidifies his legacy in independent media. FASHION & MODELLING Awarded Best Male Model by Fashion TV in 2007, Phoenix James has worked in editorial, runway, and brand campaigns that blend storytelling with style and presence. COMMUNITY, COMMENTARY & LEGACY Phoenix James has produced live events, hosted spoken word showcases, and delivered workshops empowering creative voices. Beyond creation, Phoenix James nurtures emerging voices and preserves his artistic legacy for future generations. As a cultural commentator and philosopher, his work interrogates themes of intimacy, race, masculinity, freedom, and creative autonomy. ACADEMIC & EDUCATIONAL INFLUENCE Phoenix James’ work is used in academic institutions and educational establishments around the world for teaching, research, and cultural study. His writng, philosophy, poetry, recordings and performances are referenced in courses on modern literature, race and identity, spoken word history, and performance art. His contributions continue to be studied for their originality, social commentary, and cultural significance. LASTING IMPACT Phoenix James continues to champion self-publishing, ensuring full creative ownership and artistic freedom. His ongoing project, The Complete Works, is dedicated to archiving and preserving his vast creative output for future generations. His legacy is built not only on the impact of his words and work but on the pioneering spirit that made space for others to follow. Phoenix James is an unstoppable ecosystem of fearless creative expression, a living, breathing force, documenting the beauty, relentless struggle, and uncompromising raw humanity of a life unfiltered. Phoenix James lives in London, England and enjoys movies, music, plays, good food, long walks, and travelling. Sign up to his website Newsletter Mailing List to stay up to date with Phoenix James news and new releases.