This blog has been a labor of love. I'm ensuring my own recovery by writing. Even at low times, I seem to be able to write positively. I find it kind of ironic that I had to stop writing during a hospitalization. And my posts were positive during that time period. I write what I need to hear. Not necessarily what I'm feeling. Writing has truly given me some perspective. I'm relatively certain that other people can relate to what I'm writing, So, I'm pleased to tell you that my blog is growing. And I'm going to give it a little push. I will be looking to organize it into a book. I have always been about educating. I believe that the only way to address stigma is head-on through telling our stories and sharing them with a wider audience. As part of that, I've shared my blog with my world generally. People who know me only from business. People I don't personally know on all my social media. People in the public. My sharing has been pretty darn uncomfortable at times. I buy the idea {sometimes} that I might be destroying my future by sharing so indiscriminately. On the other hand, I also believe...strongly...that there is no shame in mental illness. And I will continue the work that I consider advocacy in honor of Maxine and her lifelong struggle.
What does this mean? I will be doing some fundraising for a professional to help me organize and edit my book. This person has already been chosen. My friend, Dawn Shuler; has a terrific understanding of what I'm trying to accomplish and will treat the work respectfully and in the spirit it has been written. I'll also be looking for marketing assistance. For now, I'll be working hard to pull together a cohesive summary of what I write. And...I will continue writing. If you notice any changes on my blog, just be aware that I have a specific goal in mind.
So, why am I telling you? I'm telling you because I want you to understand that all of you are motivation for this project. Whenever you reach out to me, I feel more urgency. As you share your experiences and yourself with me, I take it as a profound act of trust. I respect your privacy. I will never include your stories unless you tell me to. However, I continue to learn from you. When you share with me...I feel more empowered to advocate. I also strongly desire for you to hear that I am a part of your support system. If I can offer nothing more than sympathy...I am here. I do care. I often say that recovery requires support. I truly believe that it does. Keep sharing with me. Your struggles and your ideas are so important. If you reach out, I will be happy to work on a way that we can communicate on whatever level that you are comfortable with. As always, I send you all my love. What we can't do alone, we can do together. Let's talk!!
What does this mean? I will be doing some fundraising for a professional to help me organize and edit my book. This person has already been chosen. My friend, Dawn Shuler; has a terrific understanding of what I'm trying to accomplish and will treat the work respectfully and in the spirit it has been written. I'll also be looking for marketing assistance. For now, I'll be working hard to pull together a cohesive summary of what I write. And...I will continue writing. If you notice any changes on my blog, just be aware that I have a specific goal in mind.
So, why am I telling you? I'm telling you because I want you to understand that all of you are motivation for this project. Whenever you reach out to me, I feel more urgency. As you share your experiences and yourself with me, I take it as a profound act of trust. I respect your privacy. I will never include your stories unless you tell me to. However, I continue to learn from you. When you share with me...I feel more empowered to advocate. I also strongly desire for you to hear that I am a part of your support system. If I can offer nothing more than sympathy...I am here. I do care. I often say that recovery requires support. I truly believe that it does. Keep sharing with me. Your struggles and your ideas are so important. If you reach out, I will be happy to work on a way that we can communicate on whatever level that you are comfortable with. As always, I send you all my love. What we can't do alone, we can do together. Let's talk!!
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