When I started my road to recovery, I felt incredibly alone. My circle of friends at that time were not interested in things like feeling pain, speaking truth, or self-reflection. Who could blame us, really?
I had myself tightly knit with people who lived in denial, thus allowing me the freedom to do the same. I didn’t even realize the cocoon I lived in until I took several steps away. It felt natural, and safe. Little did I know just how wrong I was…
Joining the blogging community has been such a completely different experience. I’ve found so many people who are interested in growth and healing of all sorts. Some from physical issues, others from emotional, mental, or spiritual ones. My own journey of healing and recovery was catapulted with the discovery of such a rich world of genuinely caring and tremendous people.
There are several such bloggers I’d love to highlight on this ‘blog hop’ I’m on, but today I’ve narrowed it down to two, plus a thank-you for the invitation to join in The Hop.
As part of The Hop, I’ll also answer 4 burning questions at the end! 😉
Joe Pote, over at Redeemed!, writes poignantly about divorce and all that surrounds the issue. He shares openly about leaving an abusive marriage, the church’s condemnation of the divorced, and the challenges he went through to move beyond both. I always leave his posts with a new awareness, and a fresh reminder to respect journeys others have gone on that I know nothing about. We’ve all gone through something. Thank you, Joe, for inviting me on this Blog Hop!
Misifusa started blogging in 2010 to share her story of surviving breast cancer. She also shares stories of life in general, always with a tender and gracious heart. We’ve emailed ‘offline’ about some deeper thoughts, and have talked about writing a piece together. In her own words ‘As Alice Morse Earle wrote, “”The clock is running. Make the most of today. Time waits for no man. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why it is called the present,” which is how my blog’s name has evolved to The Presents of Presence.’ Head over for some positive energy, you won’t be disappointed!
Lori Lara is a recovery blogger whose background is very different than mine, but our recovery journeys parallel. The first time we spoke on the phone, we realized we ‘spoke’ each others language. In her own words “I share my raw journey through depression, PTSD, and addiction in the hope of sharing the healing power of Jesus with those suffering similarly.” She is a contributing author of Hope in the Mourning devotional Bible, Chicken Soup for the Soul, MOPS International, and numerous other recovery sites. Head over for truth from the heart.
Now, for those burning questions I’m supposed to answer…
“What am I writing or working on?”
Most of my writing energy is currently focused on my novel -tentatively titled “Letters of a Lifetime”. It is set in current day, but the real story begins in WW2. I’ve found myself very distracted reading numerous books in the WW2 era, making sure I’ve got my facts straight. Who knew research could be so entertaining!
My memoir also screams for attention now and again, but I’m not ready to focus on that yet.
“How does my work differ from others in its genre?”
Honestly, it probably doesn’t -except I think the actual storyline is pretty unique.
“Why do I write what I write?”
I do the blogging because I feel compelled to share my story of recovery to give others hope and to let them know they aren’t alone.
My memoir will serve the same purpose, if it comes to fruition.
The novel is a way for me to partially write my story, incognito.
“How does my writing process work?”
What can I say? I wish I had a process!! I tend to run hot and cold in my writing. Setting a writing schedule is something I’ve thought of, but haven’t implemented yet. It is, as am I, a work in progress.
How about you? What are you writing or working on?
Sep 20, 2014 @ 05:13:48
I love your honesty Denise, you do a good job on the blogging. I know you will finish your book when you are ready too! Keep on writing!
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Sep 20, 2014 @ 06:13:18
Thank you Linda!!
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Sep 19, 2014 @ 20:05:22
Hello, Denise! Speaking of writing, are you up for NaNoWriMo? If so, I’m your bud! I’m a bit scared of not being able to this year because there is so much going on, and have no specific plan…but have to ask. After all, you got me into this!! Diane
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Sep 20, 2014 @ 06:16:30
Hi Diane!!! So good to hear from you! I lost track of you for too long! Not sure about NaNo this year for me, either. I will keep you posted -I’d love to be writing buds with you if so!
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Sep 16, 2014 @ 07:27:24
“..I had myself tightly knit with people who lived in denial, thus allowing me the freedom to do the same..” – oh, boy! this hit home.
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Sep 17, 2014 @ 11:47:41
Thanks for sharing, Dace. The truth sure bites sometimes, doesn’t it?
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Sep 11, 2014 @ 11:19:39
Denise – The love and determination you place on your own recovery and the continuing journey allows so many of us to face our demons head-on and to keep pressing for the truths that otherwise would bury us in the murky waters below. Thank you.
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Sep 17, 2014 @ 11:47:11
It’s nice to have a new circle of friends who place similar value on recovery and truth. Thanks for being a part of that, Sheri.
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Sep 08, 2014 @ 20:05:23
Good luck with your novel, memoir, and health! I heard about you from Misifusa, a dear friend.
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Sep 08, 2014 @ 20:45:08
Hi Russ! Welcome!!
Any friend of Misifusa has got to be cream of the crop! Heading over to check things out in your neck of the woods now…
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Sep 08, 2014 @ 05:50:45
So excited to learn you’re writing a novel! Good luck! And I agree with you about the blogging community — I have been lucky to find such interesting, supportive, and warm people. It has helped me through my own writing ups and downs.
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Sep 03, 2014 @ 19:34:41
Hi Denise,
I am so glad to know that you are working on a book!! Congratulations! Writing in itself is a great healer as it absorbs all our pains, disappointments and traumas. I appreciate your candid style of pouring out all that tried to stifle you. Stay Blessed!
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Sep 03, 2014 @ 21:09:55
Thanks, Balroop! Writing is a catharsis for me, I think for you as well!
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Sep 03, 2014 @ 13:23:35
So glad that you’re one of my blogging friends, Denise!
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Sep 03, 2014 @ 21:09:14
Ditto to that Bill!
PS: Are you dried out yet from your ice bucket challenge? 😉
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Sep 03, 2014 @ 12:41:46
it never fails, every single time I stop by for a “chat”, I am bathed in grace. Thank you for sharing some other uplifting, positive bloggers. what a nice treat.
Somehow, in a honest, wild, magical way, you have touched my soul and you make my world a whole lot fancier.
We are in this together. Here’s to our health and wellness!
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Sep 03, 2014 @ 21:08:48
Awwww…….thanks Daleen! You are so very sweet!
Yes! To Health & Wellness of all kinds!
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Sep 03, 2014 @ 08:41:20
Denise, you truly are an inspiration! I love your candid transparency…your willingness to talk about deep painful issues in the hope of ministering to others.
I’m glad this blogging community has allowed us to become friends.
Looking forward to reading your books! 🙂
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Sep 03, 2014 @ 21:06:20
The feeling is mutual, Joe!!
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Sep 02, 2014 @ 16:49:15
I just subscribed to your three bloggers. Not because I have any of those challenges now, but simply, because you suggested them. And I am interested in hearing those stories.
You have been a healing and bright and shining light in my life, in my inbox…
You have allowed us, with challenges, to talk about them, expound on them, heal from them.
You have an amazing following, and I know why. You talk true from the heart. You share your inner-most challenges. You make us question our situations.
You have an amazing blog, Denise. Each of your blogs makes me look at my life and begs me to question the decisions I made.
And I know your novel is going to be just as awesome (please let me edit!).
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Sep 02, 2014 @ 20:43:54
Karen, I am so honored by your comments here. Thank you so much for always being such a great supporter and encourager. You were one of the earliest bloggers to reach out to me. You shared your valuable insight and helped me when I thought I didn’t really have much to offer. You have a heart of gold and are a wonderful example of how to treat others. I’m so glad we ‘met’!!
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Sep 02, 2014 @ 15:03:58
What an honor, Denise. Sometimes I just smile and shake my head about God’s grace in bringing us together. Your blog has been a source of hope and truth and deep connection for so many of us, and it’s a joy every time I see a new post from you in my email. I know whatever you write, it’s going to be the real deal.
Ok, so when you publish your first novel, will you please add my name to the list of buyers? I can’t wait to read it.
Looking forward to many more phone calls and texts. And one day an in person visit. 🙂
Cheering you on,
Lori
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Sep 02, 2014 @ 20:40:05
It certainly was a good day when we got connected! I’m forever blessed because of it. Nice to be there for each other -online and off! 😉
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Sep 02, 2014 @ 07:49:57
It is good that we’re part of a mutually healing and inspiring community. All the best with authoring!
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Sep 02, 2014 @ 11:48:54
It sure is, Eric! Thanks so much!
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Sep 02, 2014 @ 07:40:47
Hi Denise, Our online community of bloggers has been wonderful for me too. Thanks for sharing yours and congrats!!! on a book in progress. 🙂
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Sep 02, 2014 @ 11:49:58
Hey Brad -seriously! 🙂 In ‘real life’ what are the chances all of us would have crossed paths? What a wonderful technology to be a part of!
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Sep 02, 2014 @ 13:47:52
🙂 !
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Sep 02, 2014 @ 06:56:30
I know I join lots of other writers and bloggers in hearing you say you don’t have a process. I think it’s overrated :-). I’m so glad Karen introduced us and I’m always inspired by the love you put into the world through your words. I’m looking forward to “meeting” the bloggers you’ve introduced.
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Sep 02, 2014 @ 11:51:04
Hi Elizabeth, thank you! I’m so glad for Karen connecting us, too! She is good at that! 😉
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Sep 02, 2014 @ 06:38:54
With regards to why you write and sharing your journey with us. You’ve been an inspiration for me, your straight forward honest way of saying it like it is has helped me see things in myself. Thank you. Another great post and nice to you to give a shout out to those other bloggers. ❤
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Sep 02, 2014 @ 11:52:39
Paulette, thank you so much for saying so. It sure warms my heart to think my posts have touched you that way. (grinning now!!) 😉
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Sep 02, 2014 @ 04:49:05
Thanks for including me Denise! I am so grateful that we’ve connected. You bring such presence into my life. xo Thanks for being you and for opening your heart to all of us. ♥
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Sep 02, 2014 @ 11:53:53
Thank you, Misifusa, for being part of the wonderful world of blogging I’ve come to love and appreciate!!
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Sep 02, 2014 @ 04:30:36
I’m working on another thriller. Good to hear you’re writing a novel. I hadn’t realized that. Good luck with it!
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Sep 02, 2014 @ 11:54:43
Hey Carrie! I admire your tenacity how you’ve kept up the writing. And I enjoy the excerpts you’ve shared on your blog.
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Sep 02, 2014 @ 12:47:34
Thank you. 🙂
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Sep 02, 2014 @ 03:21:57
Good morning – writing has helped me clarify my vision… As for the process – I am not sure it is a process but it begins with an idea related to what has happened in my life and how it’s relavent to how I am making the days count. Sometimes what I begin to write morphs in the middle of what I am writing. Like you, I am not the samen person since. Keep at it and keep working – peace.
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Sep 02, 2014 @ 11:55:31
Hi Clay -the name of your blog definitely drew me in initially. I love that you do focus on making each day count. A rarity these days!
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Sep 02, 2014 @ 01:22:53
i’m happy you’ve found support in the blogging community, i’ve been pleasantly surprised to find the same. there has been such an outpouring of caring people who do not judge, just accept us, the bad with the good. best of luck on your book – hugs ) beth
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Sep 02, 2014 @ 11:56:35
Thanks, Beth! It was one of the biggest surprises when I jumped into the blogging world 😉 Thanks for the encouragement on my book, too. I will keep everyone posted -though I’d caution you not to hold your breath LOL
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