The Trust of a Writer and a Reader

Tears are God’s gift to us. Our holy water. They heal us as they flow. ~ Rita Schiano

Writing has always been the most authentic way I express myself. It is how I communicate best my feelings and emotions with others. When I began to open up about my struggles with body dysmorphia and grief, it was through writing so that others could truly understand. It was one of the scariest things I have done, to hit send time and time again on posts or emails. When I had my writings struggles published in a broader forum, I was absolutely petrified.

The beautiful thing about writing is the connection between writer to reader. It creates a bond, but also a trust. As readers they trust me, not just with their intimate thoughts, but honor me with their stories. I love receiving messages from readers. Nothing has touched me more, then those who have taken me into their confidence whether it be over body image, eating disorders, the heartbreak of grief or something else entirely.

Many times it has brought me to tears. But as a very wise man once told me, they are healing tears. Those tears and stories have brought us all together. They make the world smaller and, no not because of social media. They make us realize that we are not alone. We are in this together. We all walk down paths of pain. But together we can come out of it stronger.

Sharing my story hasn’t always been easy. The shame and emotional pain at times has been so overwhelming, I have felt like I am literally drowning. Ironic, huh? Mermaids don’t drown. The worrying of public opinion creates it own set of panic attacks.

But it is because of my incredible friends, family, and readers who have made me realize their is no shame. They have taught me, I am not alone in this incredible journey of highs and lows. None of us are.

To get High School Musical cheesy, “We are all in this together.” It is true. We are.

I am honored and humbled by those who have opened up and graced me with their confidence. Telling others is one of the bravest things you can do and I am touched that you would grace me with that trust. It is where the healing begins and the shame ebbs away.

I am honored and humbled, by those who have stood by me, who have offered me peace and been my pillars. Being a mountain is its own form of strength and love. We are all connected and that is such a powerful thing. As you heal, I heal, and that is a truly powerful emotion. It is also a gift. Thank you.