I don’t know if you fully realize how far your words reach. I am different from you in so many ways, have none of your circumstances, and yet...You helped me this morning to see my life differently, to appreciate it more deeply. Thank you. Keep writing. For all of us.
Thank you for saying that. I think you are right. In a sense, I know my words travel far. And yet, so much of where they travel and how strongly remains hidden from me, perhaps in a good way. I love how writing can create a confluence between my pain and yours, between one kind of endurance and another. Art really is a form of magic.
“Art shivers across our souls…” that last bit all of it, I read and re-read. Needed those words. I cannnot wait to read this memoir that you’ve poured yourself into. 🩵
“The most magical part of being chronically ill might be the way weakness transforms my relationship with time. I do not have the same 24 hours that you have. Seven days are not seven for me.” 😮💨 Love learning from you!
This is the same quote that resonated with me. I live with chronic pain and I’m hard on myself when I can’t do what some people my age are doing. Most days I accept it, but I have times when I wish for my healthy self before cancer. I have a strong faith in God, and a very supportive husband, so I am very grateful for that. KJs book This too Shall Last, was very helpful to me.
The yellow sticky note. It GOT me. I wrote it into my Common Place journal. "The body is a place where wisdom sits." The first five words of that arrest me. I'm mulling it over and over, tumbling in my mind like sharp rocks in a tumbler until the edges are smooth and the shine is permanent.
Hearing that makes my day. That’s a central piece of the book, one I had to work hard to integrate well into the story. It’s so encouraging to know that line and concept is compelling for you. It’s been world changing for me.
It's inspiring. Sitting with those 5 words I feel compeled to take better care of "the place" that houses me. Why is this particular expression of a commonly known reality (my body is where I live) taking me by surprise? I do not know. But I must linger with it. And be kind. To me.
As a fellow writer and someone with a special immune system… dang. I needed this. I’m trying to write my next book that technically isn’t a memoir but memoir is all that comes out. 🤣 you my friend are stunning. Thank you for being such a beautiful light. 🥰
Eager to read your memoir. And please let me know whether there’s ever anything I can do to help, whether it’s whispering kindnesses privately or getting the word out publicly.
Joon! You know I love hearing that we have a new book from you on the way. I love your writing fiercely. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need an understanding ear as you write. I know how hard the task can be. 🫶🏼
I'm extremely excited to hear you have a new book coming out.... I devoured As Long As You Need and I immediately wished that I could work with you and learn from you personally, but I'm grateful for your work! I'm a licensed minister pursuing hospital/hospice chaplaincy, I lead GriefShare, I've lost my mom, grandma, and 4 babies in the past 4 years, I've had 15 surgeries since 2015 and have several difficult chronic illnesses, so your work is deeply resonant to me.
I will be returning to these words as well! I took lines of it and put them in my Todoist app as to-do items so I see these reminders alongside my exhausting to-do list, my writing project board, and all of my to-do items associated with completing my CPE application due May 30th, including many essays, for my first CPE in October at the same hospital I was just released from. My room was 4 doors down from the chaplaincy center in which I'll hopefully be working! I'm equal parts motivated and drained by the confluence of these events. This last hospitalization has fueled my drive for chaplaincy more than ever, to empathize with my patients and know what it's like to be trapped in that bed, but I'm contending with my exhausted body that is so battered from 8 days in the hospital, a procedure, a serious kidney infection, 5 ER visits, being bedridden in 10-10 pain for 3 weeks, and sepsis all in the past month. It's just a lot... but I know that there is purpose and wisdom in the pain that will allow me to sit with people in a way that's unique to me. I won't let this stop me!
K.J., thank you for this. I read it with voracious body-hunger. I posted it in my writing group noting that it felt more like an invitation to life-editing. You did say that this wasn't just for fellow writers.
I am not naive enough to say that I have found a friend, but definitely a kindred spirit. I too embody several serious life threatening illnesses and struggle to have enough energy to feel productive in my day. Yet, rest and recuperating is perhaps all I need for those days. I also
loved your description of time. It does often feel fleeting, like it is running out. Of course I am nearly twice your age and have been gifted with many miracles beginning with my birth with a congenital heart defect. I am a living miracle in a challenged body and I am grateful. I too, have a strong spiritual base and am recovering from some religious trauma, which was devastating with wide ripples, concentric circles that intended to destroy, but instead have been replaced by love and hope and the ability to go on. Not without scars. But scars can be badges of courage.
Congratulations on completing your edits on your memoir. I look forward to reading it and reading more of your writing soon. I was referred to you by one of your followers in A Writing Room, where I hope to continue my journey.
My first two book are a lyrical blend of narrative, psychology, and theology. My third book is a collection of poems and prayers. This fourth book is my first real memoir. 💛
I can not know your diseases but I know my own! The part on rest resonated with me. Getting out into the healing balm of Creation, noticing and receiving grace, peace and rest. And yes, I have experienced the expansion of time, after rest. You truly have a gift with words, can’t wait to read your memoir!
Thanks for sharing your creative core with such gutsy candour! I'm currently editing a memoir in verse and feel like discarding it, but would feel like failure if I did. So your piece is timely and relevant. It poured courage and common sense into me. A writer needs both. Bless you.
A memoir in verse! Yes please! I’m imagining Clap As You Land style novel meets memoir and my goodness, it sounds gorgeous and also so challenging to craft. Keep going!
I don’t know if you fully realize how far your words reach. I am different from you in so many ways, have none of your circumstances, and yet...You helped me this morning to see my life differently, to appreciate it more deeply. Thank you. Keep writing. For all of us.
Thank you for saying that. I think you are right. In a sense, I know my words travel far. And yet, so much of where they travel and how strongly remains hidden from me, perhaps in a good way. I love how writing can create a confluence between my pain and yours, between one kind of endurance and another. Art really is a form of magic.
“Art shivers across our souls…” that last bit all of it, I read and re-read. Needed those words. I cannnot wait to read this memoir that you’ve poured yourself into. 🩵
Thank you so much. May art continue to be such a refuge for you!
“The most magical part of being chronically ill might be the way weakness transforms my relationship with time. I do not have the same 24 hours that you have. Seven days are not seven for me.” 😮💨 Love learning from you!
I have a feeling you *know* this dynamic with time too!
This is the same quote that resonated with me. I live with chronic pain and I’m hard on myself when I can’t do what some people my age are doing. Most days I accept it, but I have times when I wish for my healthy self before cancer. I have a strong faith in God, and a very supportive husband, so I am very grateful for that. KJs book This too Shall Last, was very helpful to me.
So glad this resonated with you, Ruth!
The yellow sticky note. It GOT me. I wrote it into my Common Place journal. "The body is a place where wisdom sits." The first five words of that arrest me. I'm mulling it over and over, tumbling in my mind like sharp rocks in a tumbler until the edges are smooth and the shine is permanent.
THE BODY IS A PLACE.
wow
Yes it is, Honeybee!
Hearing that makes my day. That’s a central piece of the book, one I had to work hard to integrate well into the story. It’s so encouraging to know that line and concept is compelling for you. It’s been world changing for me.
It's inspiring. Sitting with those 5 words I feel compeled to take better care of "the place" that houses me. Why is this particular expression of a commonly known reality (my body is where I live) taking me by surprise? I do not know. But I must linger with it. And be kind. To me.
I'm a retired RN and this still hit me between the eyeballs! Why didn't I think of this before now?!?!?
As a fellow writer and someone with a special immune system… dang. I needed this. I’m trying to write my next book that technically isn’t a memoir but memoir is all that comes out. 🤣 you my friend are stunning. Thank you for being such a beautiful light. 🥰
Listen to that flow. It's telling you something. ❤️
Hahahaha the perennial problem of being a storyteller. Wishing you joy in your process!
Eager to read your memoir. And please let me know whether there’s ever anything I can do to help, whether it’s whispering kindnesses privately or getting the word out publicly.
Jeff, your kindness means so much to me.
And btw, yours was the second memoir I referred to in #4! I’ll keep myself from gushing, but ooof. Your book has stuck with me in a way few do.
I’ll be returning to this one a lot. Thank you. My draft is due in August and all this hits very, very close. Can’t wait to read your next one. :)
Joon! You know I love hearing that we have a new book from you on the way. I love your writing fiercely. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need an understanding ear as you write. I know how hard the task can be. 🫶🏼
I'm extremely excited to hear you have a new book coming out.... I devoured As Long As You Need and I immediately wished that I could work with you and learn from you personally, but I'm grateful for your work! I'm a licensed minister pursuing hospital/hospice chaplaincy, I lead GriefShare, I've lost my mom, grandma, and 4 babies in the past 4 years, I've had 15 surgeries since 2015 and have several difficult chronic illnesses, so your work is deeply resonant to me.
I will be returning to these words as well! I took lines of it and put them in my Todoist app as to-do items so I see these reminders alongside my exhausting to-do list, my writing project board, and all of my to-do items associated with completing my CPE application due May 30th, including many essays, for my first CPE in October at the same hospital I was just released from. My room was 4 doors down from the chaplaincy center in which I'll hopefully be working! I'm equal parts motivated and drained by the confluence of these events. This last hospitalization has fueled my drive for chaplaincy more than ever, to empathize with my patients and know what it's like to be trapped in that bed, but I'm contending with my exhausted body that is so battered from 8 days in the hospital, a procedure, a serious kidney infection, 5 ER visits, being bedridden in 10-10 pain for 3 weeks, and sepsis all in the past month. It's just a lot... but I know that there is purpose and wisdom in the pain that will allow me to sit with people in a way that's unique to me. I won't let this stop me!
K.J., thank you for this. I read it with voracious body-hunger. I posted it in my writing group noting that it felt more like an invitation to life-editing. You did say that this wasn't just for fellow writers.
Thank you for sharing it with your writing group!!
I am not naive enough to say that I have found a friend, but definitely a kindred spirit. I too embody several serious life threatening illnesses and struggle to have enough energy to feel productive in my day. Yet, rest and recuperating is perhaps all I need for those days. I also
loved your description of time. It does often feel fleeting, like it is running out. Of course I am nearly twice your age and have been gifted with many miracles beginning with my birth with a congenital heart defect. I am a living miracle in a challenged body and I am grateful. I too, have a strong spiritual base and am recovering from some religious trauma, which was devastating with wide ripples, concentric circles that intended to destroy, but instead have been replaced by love and hope and the ability to go on. Not without scars. But scars can be badges of courage.
Congratulations on completing your edits on your memoir. I look forward to reading it and reading more of your writing soon. I was referred to you by one of your followers in A Writing Room, where I hope to continue my journey.
With much love and thanks for sharing your life.
I’m so glad you are here and that you resonated with this piece so much! It’s an honor to read some of your story, Wendy. 🙏🏼
Thank you. I also look forward to hearing more of your story. Are your first 2 books memoirs as well?
My first two book are a lyrical blend of narrative, psychology, and theology. My third book is a collection of poems and prayers. This fourth book is my first real memoir. 💛
They all sound interesting. I will look them up. Thanks!
"Being the best is none of your business. Doing your best is." I loved this line and this whole post, KJ!
Thank you, Stacy!!
I can not know your diseases but I know my own! The part on rest resonated with me. Getting out into the healing balm of Creation, noticing and receiving grace, peace and rest. And yes, I have experienced the expansion of time, after rest. You truly have a gift with words, can’t wait to read your memoir!
The expansion of time is such a beautiful mystery, right? 🥹🙏🏼
Just really proud of you. The grit. Unreal. Screams L I F E!!! Good on ya!
🥹 LIFE. It’s so worth fighting for!!
Keep fighting!💪
Nodding in agreement along with you! 🙏🏼
Thanks friend 🫶🏼
Oh my KJ - what a journey. Your raw writing here is going to help my season, especially your words about time. I look forward to this memoir. ❤️
I’m so glad this connected with where you are!
I want to return to the page supple!! I read that over and over. This essay inspired me to stop avoiding writing because I think it’s no good.
Thanks for sharing your creative core with such gutsy candour! I'm currently editing a memoir in verse and feel like discarding it, but would feel like failure if I did. So your piece is timely and relevant. It poured courage and common sense into me. A writer needs both. Bless you.
A memoir in verse! Yes please! I’m imagining Clap As You Land style novel meets memoir and my goodness, it sounds gorgeous and also so challenging to craft. Keep going!