How My Journey Started: From Heartbreak to Repair

This is me and this is my journey.

I live in Aotearoa New Zealand. I am middle aged, happily married with grown up children. For now, I am writing under a pseudonym. I am self employed working part time from my home, with my husband as our primary breadwinner. During my healing period this has afforded me the luxury of being able to, for the most part, choose the hours I am able to work. This, I will never take for granted. It has enabled me to concentrate on getting better.

I am in the middle of rediscovering myself after experiencing an episode of depression. It took a year for this diagnosis. Before that I called it a traumatic break. I didn’t know how to name it any other way. That term described it perfectly for me.

Prior to having that break I would have described myself as a completely different person. My hobbies and interests have changed. And no doubt they will continue to change. Currently, I find comfort in being around my husband and children, in my home which is surrounded by nature, and with my dogs. I enjoy reading and listening to podcasts. I’m in a season of consuming self care and healing content. Yoga is a regular morning activity that sets me up for the day. I am passionate about supporting Kiwi artists whether that’s their books, music, art, theatre, film or TV. I don’t call myself an artist but I do love the art of combining words and imagery. I have also discovered a new creative outlet in digital media and art, which I have found nourishing and healing.

This blog was birthed from the writings and art I have been creating. My hope is that they express what I find so difficult to speak aloud, and that they help others understand themselves or a loved one experiencing similar challenges.

Call it an existential crisis, a moment of awakening, an inner reckoning. Whatever it was it completely undid me, and I am in the process of rebuilding a new me.  An improved me.