Crowded Addiction - By Tenille Petersen

Written By: Tenille Petersen

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Tenille Petersen, writing under the name Crowded Addiction, brings forth a compelling poem titled "Crowded Addiction." This piece is a profound exploration into the nuances of self-reflection and emotional avoidance. Through the category of poetry, Petersen challenges readers to consider the importance of spending quality time with oneself, a theme that resonates deeply in today's fast-paced world of constant distractions. Her contribution is a introspective journey that invites us to ponder our own emotional health and habits.

About the Work

"Crowded Addiction" by Tenille Petersen delves into the theme of emotional avoidance and the courage required to confront one's own feelings. The poem's reflective tone and thought-provoking imagery guide readers through the often uncomfortable journey of self-awareness and healing. Petersen's lyrical style captures the essence of solitude and the quiet strength it can offer, urging a movement away from external distractions towards inner peace and self-discovery.

Crowded Addiction

Original Submission by Tenille Petersen

Do you have any idea what it means to spend quality time with YOU?

Do you?

To the majority, I doubt.

We enjoy referring to a nice time as a "vibe".

I guess we enjoy the idea of a vibe.

Everyone is looking for love but how many are looking to heal?

You find a person going from person to person

But won't go from therapist to counsellor;

To meditation to journaling;

To affirmations to peace of mind.

Building a healed heart and a strong foundation.

How often do you spend time alone?

I find it’s a great norm to be surrounded by crowds of people.

Never a moment to take in and reflect.

Distractions will always be there.

Do you have the inner strength to endure what spending time alone comes with?

Have you ever sat and wondered

Where the need for constant noise comes from?

This world has so much to offer

And subconsciously, we get swept in by all its chaos.

Always needing someone around physically,

Always needing company.

Always a phone call or popping in by someone.

Does that not get exhausting though?

I would suppose so...

Well, at some stage. The need for constant noise

Is a direct reflection that you cannot be still with yourself, internally.

I recently heard someone say:

"I just need to keep myself busy for my own sanity"

Is that really sanity?

Do you believe so?

Honestly...?

Have you ever been around someone who feels uncomfortable

Or awkward in your silence?

When you are open-minded enough to know,

That the next persons silence has absolutely nothing to do with you;

You create peace of mind for yourself.

Your constant need for company should be an alarm to self-reflect.

Have you ever heard of Emotional Avoidance?

It’s a real thing.

Many are afraid to sit with themselves,

To come face to face with what they are feeling,

Acknowledge it then put in the work to improve the areas that are so hard to admit.

For those who know me personally, will know that I am all about

"Feel Your Feels". That is how we heal from the inside.

Avoiding your emotions refers to any action designed

To prevent the occurrence of an uncomfortable emotion

Such as fear, sadness or shame.

It is not fear that stops you from doing the brave

And true things in your daily life.

Rather, the problem is avoidance.

You want to feel comfortable so you avoid doing

Or saying the things that will evoke fear and other difficult emotions.

Avoidance will make you feel less vulnerable in the short run but,

It will never make you less afraid.

Many people are practicing emotional avoidance

And calling it a positive mindset.

If any area of your life is stalling,

Give it more attention,

Emotional commitment and action-oriented effort.

The avoidance of suffering is a form of suffering.

The avoidance of struggle is a struggle.

The denial of failure is failure.

Hiding what is shameful is itself a form of shame.

The more you hide your feelings, the more they show.

The more you deny your feelings, the more they grow.

The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once.

Be patient with yourself.

Going back to basics strengthens your foundation

Making it easier to sit with YOU.

With avoidance of pain, we lose the healing too.

Your pillow is your best advisor,

Not your addiction to crowds.

Addiction is a disease, cure yourself.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, is a prestigious platform for writers and poets worldwide to showcase their talents. This event celebrates creativity and expression, encouraging participants to share their unique voices and perspectives. It is a gathering of diverse literary works that challenge and inspire readers, fostering a global community of artists and thinkers.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Tenille Petersen for her poignant contribution, "Crowded Addiction," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her exploration of self-reflection and emotional healing offers valuable insights into the human experience. We are grateful for her participation and look forward to seeing more of her impactful work in the future.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.