I was recently surprised by a text from my husband that read: “Feeling your current moment of uncertainty, I’ve decided to take action and sprinkle some motivation your way! Picture this – a sleek new laptop, poised to ignite your creative writing adventures. Imagine this as a gentle but much-needed nudge – the project you’ve been contemplating, it’s time to bring it to life! Oh, and guess what? I’ve got my hands full too, diving into an exciting joint venture – the birth of a website. A top-notch crew has already rallied to craft our emblem and the digital space to match, bearing the catchy moniker ‘Rent Free Living.’ And yes, the tagline we’ve snagged, ‘Are you living to die or dying to live?’ isn’t just words – it’s the heartbeat of our shared philosophy. This dream has been tucked away, patiently waiting, and now it’s bursting into vibrant reality!”
Embracing Writing as a Gift to Inspire and Heal:
If you know me, you know I’ve always loved writing. It began in high school, where I enjoyed it and got recognized for being good at it. This interest stayed with me through college and into adulthood. But lately, I haven’t been writing much. Jason keeps asking, “Why did you stop writing?” I usually say I’m too busy or tired. But honestly, the real reason I stopped is because I feel like I don’t have anything important to write about that people would care about.
You know, I’m quite the chatterbox on social media, sharing my thoughts left and right. My posts cover a lot of ground – sometimes I’m all about positive vibes and inspiring tales, while other times I can’t resist throwing in a dash of sarcastic humor to get those laughs rolling. But here’s the thing that keeps my mind spinning: Could writing be my secret superpower, bestowed upon me by the universe to lend a hand, even if I’m not exactly Shakespeare?
Let me tell you, the idea of tossing aside a gift like that doesn’t sit right with me. And then, just when I’m neck-deep in self-doubt, another thought creeps in: What if my so-called “lack” of writing wizardry isn’t a flaw, but rather part of the divine plan? Could my battles with addiction, my wrestling match with anxiety, and my journey to become best friends with my emotions all be secret talents I’m meant to share? Yeah, I might not be a sports champ or a Hollywood star, but I’ve clawed my way out of some pretty deep holes I dug for myself. And you know what? That journey from rock-bottom to redemption is something I can’t help but share, especially if it lights a spark of hope for someone else caught in the same struggle.
Faith, Courage, and the Power of Shared Stories:
We learn in the Bible that ‘We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.’ Romans 12:6-8.”
A couple of years back, I rolled up my sleeves and poured my heart into a book about my own battle with an eating disorder. It was like therapy on paper – a way to face those tough times, the battles I waged with myself, and the ripples it sent through the lives of those I hold dear. Now, let me tell you why I decided to send it out into the world. I figured, if just one person could find a shred of comfort or a bit of guidance in my story, all the time I spent writing and the money I invested in getting it out there would be worth it, no questions asked.
And you know what? The response was nothing short of heartwarming. People reached out left and right, some even showing up on my doorstep, to talk about how they too had faced the monster of eating disorders. They felt like they were alone, thinking their struggles were theirs alone to bear. But that’s where my story stepped in, showing them they weren’t on their own journey.
And here’s a twist that even I couldn’t have scripted. I ended up forming this incredible connection with Sara Crowley, all the way from Wales. This brave soul hopped across the pond to Nashville, just to say thank you. She told me my book had been her guiding light through her own recovery. Can you believe that? She promised to make the trek someday to meet me and my family in person. And you know what? She did it. It hit me then, how powerful stories can be. Sara’s not just a reader; she’s a true advocate for mental health and battling eating disorders, and she never stops singing the praises of my book.
So, here’s the bottom line: our stories, even the ones we might think are small, can hit someone else like a tidal wave of understanding and hope when they need it most.
Our Journey of Hope, Healing, and Connection:
Alright, let’s dive into what this blog’s all about. We’re not here for a gloomy session – our mission is crystal clear: we want to talk openly about mental health. And guess what? We’re all about bringing some positivity to the table. We’re shining a light on the mental struggles that are basically universal. I mean, let’s be real, mental health affects every single one of us in some way, whether it’s through our own experiences or seeing it touch the lives of people we know.
So, what’s the game plan? We’re not holding back. We’re spilling the beans on our own journeys through the mental health maze. Yeah, we’ve faced challenges, and yeah, we’ve stumbled our way through them in recent years. But you know what’s cool? By opening up about our struggles, we’re hoping to sprinkle a bit of hope and strength into the lives of others dealing with similar stuff.
Here’s the heart of it all: we’re believers in the idea that when we share our stories, they can be like a guiding star for someone else’s healing journey. So, stick around, because we’re turning our experiences into beacons of light for anyone who needs a little extra oomph on their road to recovery.
We’re diving into important topics that touch us all – grief, anxiety, and addiction. These issues often bring other challenges along. Mental health is complex, and we’re on a mission to cover a lot of ground. But we’re not doing this alone – we want to hear from you too! What topics do you want us to explore? This blog is all about extending a helping hand, focusing on YOU.
Our approach? Sharing our personal experiences to support others dealing with addiction, grief, anxiety, and overall mental well-being. There’s strength in knowing you’re not alone in your struggles. As we venture into this, we’ll share what triggered our own mental health challenges, aiming to provide motivation and reassurance. With faith and a touch of humor, we’re here to uplift and connect. Your presence on this journey would mean a lot. Together, we can raise awareness about the battles we all face in our daily lives. It’s a team effort, and it matters.