Writing your new book of life.

I know it's easy to read these words and say: You don't understand. My problems, my anxiety, my fears won't be so easily assuaged by "breathing in the universe" and "connecting with the clouds." It can be that simple to find relief and grounding in this impermanent world. Impermanence is what we have to deal with every day, on so many levels, since this pandemic shattered our consciousness just over a year ago.

Last night I had an anxiety attack that felt as if someone had stepped inside my body and taken control. I went from hopeful and joyful in the morning to asking these lonely questions: "Why am I here? Does my presence matter? Can I make a difference any longer? What's to come or what's there to live for after this horrific divorce -- the dissolution of a marriage and a man I loved -- even during the heartbroken times. I thought we were in this to the end, together, imperfect, but still committed on a deep level. Not so much I came to find.

Depression, deep, light, or in the middle, is exactingly real. Our hearts and minds go through these times of fragility, but my desperate thoughts cannot be pushed into the dark closet of our psyches though I've tried, and I'm certain many of you have too. Now, after two years of darkness with tears that fell equally when I was alone at midnight as those that streamed in public, comes the light. With hopefulheartstories and heart-stories.org (launching soon!) I will share my journey and encourage you to share your journey back from the edge of despair. We will create our new lives or chapters together. Forget the new chapters; let's commit ourselves to write our new books. Lives that we couldn't imagine a short while ago, but which now we must and will.

I am here for anyone in need. My photography is real; my words are meant to be insightful, sometimes edgy, always empowering. Stay tuned to learn more about heart-stories.org, a storytelling & writing workshop community, and more for anyone going through change. Together we will follow the light in our hearts and find the power in our voices. Xo, Susan #change #divorcerecovery #selflove #lightwithin #possibility