People often tell me I should write a book. I’ve always appreciated the compliment, but it felt like a daunting, overwhelming task—even though the thought of capturing my life’s journey for my children and grandchildren has always lived in the back of my mind.

Like many, I’ve weathered my share of trials. But I didn’t realize how complex this would be until I started digging into the memories. I’ve come to the understanding that I hadn’t fully let go of some of these things myself, and that is exactly why I needed to pursue this journey. I am writing this for my own healing, with the sincere hope that it may help someone else as well. Recently I’ve come to realize that not all trials we endure are meant for us. Some of them are meant for others as they walk through them with us.

When I first started, I found myself trying to pick and choose—deciding what was ‘shareable’ and what was better left hidden. But in the wee hours of the morning when my mind is spinning, that still voice tells me that leaving out the difficult parts misses the point. Those valleys I walked through, the pits I had to climb out of, and the mistakes I made—as painful and shameful as some of them were—are exactly what shaped the person I am today. If I don’t share the whole story, it isn’t truly mine.

I know that some who choose to read my journey might be judgmental; that’s just the world we live in today, and they’ll have to search their own hearts. This isn’t just about sharing a few words—it is about my own personal walk on this earth. I am writing this for me and for those who have been through the same or similar trials and are still struggling to let them go. If my story can offer one person a little bit of hope, then every painful memory I revisit will have been worth it.

This is going to be a long process, but I am committed to seeing it through. Sharing this with you is, in itself, a step toward holding myself accountable to finish the work.

Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I walk through this; it’s something I’ve needed to do for a long time.