Chapters

by:  Wendy Lee

January 16, 2015

Hello all:

You may have noticed some postings in the category of “Chapters.”  For some time, I have wondered if anything about my continuing journey through transformation would benefit others.  Are there any nuggets of wisdom I have learned along the way that might help someone?  Are there pieces of my own struggles that others might be able to identify with, so at the very least they know they are not alone?  Will someone recognize that setbacks are simply that, and that it is possible to dust yourself off and try again.  I have no answers, just information about my life to share.

I haven’t quite figured out yet how to pull this off, especially since I have such a long way to go on this path.  I still struggle.

For now, I am going through my old journals and pulling out stories that at least speak to me.  Looking back, these stories represent epiphanies, turning points, new beginnings, reframing of old issues, hope, insight, and progress.

At times, I will attempt to write in the first person, present, which is sometimes difficult to pull off.  The drafts I post are first drafts, riddled with errors, occasional switches from present to past tense (accidental, I assure you), unedited, raw cuts.  When I figure out what to do with this nonsense, I will revise my essays and have them properly edited.

For my grammar focused friends, you will have to endeavor to not cringe when you read my essays.  I know it will be painful for you, especially the number of times I start a sentence with ‘and’ or ‘but.’  It is my particular writing style and I may break some rules along the way.

As I post these, I am reminded that I shouldn’t let great get in the way of good enough.  I don’t want to wait for perfection to share, because the real point is to get the stories written and out there.  I no longer fear opening up and sharing deeply personal stories, or sharing my writing, even if it is just pure crap in first draft form.  It is a starting point.

What will these become?  Perhaps nothing more than a collection of essays I share with friends and family.  Maybe a book.  Maybe articles.  I don’t know.  I am not putting expectations on it.  I am just writing without limitations.

One big thing to point out is that the essays will come out completely out of order which may be confusing if you are trying to follow along.  I will sequence them later.  I can’t write the chapters in a linear format because certain stories just call out to me at particular times.  Please be patient.  And if you read a story that seems particularly raw and painful, keep in mind that it may be from two or three years ago.  On the flipside, it could be from yesterday.

Whatever you do, don’t worry about me.  I am completely fine even if I hit a few bumps in the road.

Blessings to all of you and thanks for your continued love and support.