Wednesday, April 20, 2011

This blogging break brought to you by...

Some of you may not know this but I've been working on writing a book. For almost a year now, actually. 
It's about my experience going through a divorce a few years ago (yup- true story) and coming out on top.


I want to tell my story because being young and divorced is not an uncommon experience for many women. There needs to be more empathy and more support for women in their twenties who suddenly find themselves labeled as a "divorcee." It's a weird thing, being a divorcee. A weird thing.  

But back to me writing a book. 

I've taken quite a long break from working on my book. There were some things that didn't feel quite right, some issues I needed to get sorted out in my mind about the whole endeavor. 

And now I'm in this place in my life where, because I'm not working full-time hours, I actually have quite a bit of free time. I've been really struggling the last two months with how to fill all this time in the best way possible. Work and productivity are really important to me. Just lounging around starts to drive me crazy.

I've played around with a few different possibilities: Go back to school? Try to get a heavier teaching load? Paint and paint and paint? Many prayers have been said in this regard, looking for help and answers. 

Then, just recently, I started to get little thoughts about my book. Like small nudges or reminders of the fact that I even was working on a book at some point. Hey, remember how you're trying to write a book?

So that's what I'm doing. Starting today. 
But here's the thing- this kind of writing is really hard. It takes an emotional toll to go back in my mind and relive some of the most painful moments of my life. I usually get a little headache (check) and have to get coverage for the multi-family group with teenagers I'm supposed to lead tonight (check). After a few hours of working on my book, having to be a therapist for others is not a great idea. 

Which brings me to the whole reason why I'm even writing this blog post. 
I've been writing about hard, intense stuff for a while today and just needed a little break, a little emotional breather. 
.......big breath in......and out.......

I needed to stop by this little spot of love and happiness that I've created on the interweb and focus on how wonderful my life is now. Aren't we so glad that the title of this blog is not Young People in Sadness

Yup. Young People in Love has a much nicer ring to it, dontcha think? 
I love Chas. 

16 comments:

Unknown said...

I had no idea that you went through a divorce! Kudos to you finding such a happy marriage with Chas and good luck on your book! I can only imagine going back and revisiting the hurt and pain of a past marriage but the plus is - you get to look at the amazing and happy one that is the reality right now!

Kendra said...

I have to say, I would definitely read that book! Good luck!

 PIECE OF CAKE. PEACE OF MIND.

Bridget said...

go you... for being out there, writing about it, etc.

makana hansen said...

can i pre-order your book by chance? I can tell you that is what is needed. there are so many ladies I have run into that are young and divorced. Way to go and better because you got a happy ending.

sarah nicole said...

You are amazing! I admire you so much for doing this, and it will do so much good! We all support you. : )

xo,

Sarah

girluntitled said...

my sister was a young divorcee once upon a time...we were from a small lds town where it WAS uncommon for a girl her age to be going through that. i remember how hard it was for our whole family, but especially for the girl who had to hold her head up high and go to church every sunday and pretend that no one was looking and whispering. (i don't wish that upon anyone.)

~BB~ said...

Good for you on your book. I, too, am a young 20-something divorcee. And yes, it is very odd at times, and I, too, am planning on using my past experiences in my future fiction writing endeavors. Life goes on and the pain fades, and what remains is nothing but another story :)

ashleyTIA said...

Wow - really impressed that you are strong enough to write about it and put it out there. I am sure that many will benefit from reading it. Best!

April said...

wow, bless your heart for sharing your story & trying to let others know they're not alone! Sounds like a GREAT book. Hope to read it someday!

Abby said...

you are such a strong and brave person. I still have things in my past that hurt and it can be so hard talking about it or having to relive it any way. I totally understand needing to just rest after. So I think you are amazing for doing what you are doing. I think it will help so many people to know they are not the only one going through it. xoxoxo

Pam said...

I've never commented on your blog before, but I wanted to say I think it is awesome that you are writing a book. It takes courage, determination, and a whole lot of strength to revisit the hard times in our past. It seems to me that you are the kind of girl who can handle it. Good luck!

Unknown said...

one of my good friends just went through a divorce and she's 22. i so admire you for wanting to put your story out there. i'll buy a copy!!

Hannah said...

Aww I absolutely love the ending of this post :) I think it takes so much courage to relive your experiences and present them to others, hopefully to help them. You have the potential to change so many lives.

I want to pre order this book!
xox

Megan said...

girlfriend, this post made me love you so much more then i already do. i would love love love to know your story..really.

Rachael said...

That is awesome to write a book. Especially about your own life, for lots of people to read! I don't think I could even remember enough of my life to write a book!
Good for you.

Hannah said...

I absolutely love you. Please hurry up and finish your book so that I can buy it! The end.