I must admit after sending off last week’s newsletter about my mom, I was seriously considering taking a long break from writing.
My husband’s surgery, my mom’s passing away and the frenetic pace of publicizing my book,The Secret Life of a Weight Obsessed Woman, had literally drained me. I was yearning for a quiet mind – one that wasn’t always sniffing out the next idea and then finding just the right words and tone to express and convey it. I envisioned lazy days TV binge watching, going to gentle yoga classes on a regular basis and leisurely lunching with long-neglected friends.
But I’ve changed my mind.
Why?
Comments from readers on the passing of my mom made me realize the power of connection and the importance of telling and sharing our personal stories.
“Your Mom always had hugs for me, smiles that went from here to the ends of time, and always time to listen…the woman had chutzpah and never stopped being who she was. I’ll miss her spunk, ideas, and voice!”
“When I think of your mother, one word in particular comes to mind: creativity! Sleeping at your house when we were kids, reflections of her creativity permeated your house. What stands out most in my mind was her paintings on your bedroom walls, which conveyed feelings of beauty and positive energy, although I don’t have a clue what they really were!”
“Having been there (My mother died in 2003), I can tell you some things that might help: Set boundaries if needed. The death of a parent can at times bring out the not so good. She might be gone, but her memories will always remain as long as you speak of them. Never disparage the departed. We are human beings after all.”
“It will never be the same, but I (and my siblings) take comfort that our parents are back together and we get some good laughs about the good times and some of their distinct character traits that made them who they were and helped us to become the people we are today.”
“Iris, your post about your mother is a “four tissue” article.”
The outpouring of comments I got from my honest post about loss was so unexpected. And it reminded me why I started writing my slice-of-life column over thirty years ago and why my fingers will still keep pounding on the keyboard:
- To connect
- To tell my story so that you can also share your story
- To make a difference when it’s dark and to celebrate when it’s light
Not only am I continuing with my newsletter uninterrupted, but I’m also going full speed forward with my newest venture – a podcast series called Preserving Your Bloom.
There are four podcasts to begin with – three centered on eating disorders. One is from a trend setting professional heading a premier eating disorder organization. One from an anorexic Australian woman who battled her disease for decades and one a therapist treating those in the trenches. And the fourth is from a wise woman from on getting along with your adult children. Below are the links and relevant information:
June Alexander suffered with anorexia until age 60 when she found a weapon to effectively fight back and help others in the process.
Elissa Myers is the head of the Academy of Eating Disorders and provides perspective on the growing field of Eating Disorder research and emerging trends in treatment and recovery.
Dr. Nina Savelle Rocklin is a Los Angeles based therapist who advocates for an anti-dieting stance when fighting the food monster within.
Ruth Nemzoff is the author of “Don’t Bite Your Tongue: How to Foster Rewarding Relationships with your Adult Children” and shares her wisdom on maintaining stable and loving family relationships.
Once again, I’m presenting you yet another way of taking care of yourself. It’s Preserving Your Bloom through connection and by sharing our personal stories as we journey through life.
You can subscribe to the podcast in iTunes here.
Keep Preserving Your Bloom,
Iris