Do you ever stop to think about the things you’re not? Or maybe catch yourself talking (out loud to someone else or silently to yourself) about those things you aren’t? I have since some of my earliest memories, and I don’t think it’s all that uncommon, either, though what those things are can vary significantly. … Continue reading All The Things I’m Not
Gratitude
resilient: A Year in Review
As the one-year anniversary of the release of my childhood memoir, resilient, approaches, one of my editors keeps asking me how I feel. But the truth is, I don't feel any single emotion. And when I look back on the journey that writing, editing, and releasing this memoir into the world has been, I see … Continue reading resilient: A Year in Review
Dear Katherine…
Photo by Huyen Pham on Unsplash Since I started writing again several years ago, I’ve received comments on social media and blog posts, direct messages via social media, and even emails from my readers about how a particular piece of my writing impacted them, what thoughts my words inspired. I’ve been honored to be a … Continue reading Dear Katherine…
My First Time
Photo by Lee 琴 on Unsplash What do you think of when you hear the words “my first time”? I expect some people will flash back to that very first time they had consensual sex. Some may be propelled back in time to the first time they were assaulted. Perhaps others who are acquainted with … Continue reading My First Time
Giving Life
Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash Years ago, before I started therapy and before I started writing for others, I made a decision. I had a parenting moment which demonstrated to me that my life of “being fine” was a lie, and—most importantly—that I wasn’t going to be the only person hurt by that lie. … Continue reading Giving Life
All the beautiful, imperfect things
Photo by Sheldon Liu on Unsplash I love creating. Of course, not all creative talents are created equally—at least not for me. Most of mine was diverted into writing, though I still enjoy engaging in other artistic pursuits from time to time. One such pursuit is drawing. Every so often since I was young, I’ve felt a deep … Continue reading All the beautiful, imperfect things
We are the Storm
Photo by Breno Machado on Unsplash If I had to label the way I engage in the writing process, I would say that I'm an intuitive writer. It’s as if I’m listening to a friend tell me a story about their life and I'm simply here to transcribe their words. I also follow my gut regarding which project … Continue reading We are the Storm
Time to Breathe
Photo by Artem Kovalev on Unsplash Thanksgiving is—bar none—my favorite holiday of the year. Yes, I do celebrate Christmas. And no, Christmas isn’t actually my favorite holiday. It really is Thanksgiving. You may be wondering, Turkey and stuffing and potatoes and beans and pies and cookies? Eating to excess for days on end? You like that more than … Continue reading Time to Breathe
What it would have been like…
Photo by lauren lulu taylor on Unsplash My oldest daughter, Marie, recently had a playdate with two girls from the neighborhood—Layla, who is about two years older than Marie, and Caroline, who is about a year older. It was the first real playdate my extroverted and ultrasocial daughter had ever hosted at our house (and … Continue reading What it would have been like…
Losing Face
Photo by Caleb Woods on Unsplash Have you ever done something to lose face with your peers? Your superiors? Maybe your family or friends? I think it’s almost a rite of passage to do so when you’re growing up; it’s part of learning acceptable social behavior and developing your sense of right and wrong, your … Continue reading Losing Face