Preparing for Launch…

Over the past year many people have asked me why in the world I wanted to write a book on such a personal topic like Crohn’s disease and mental health.

My answer is simple: because I had to.

I knew in my gut that there were other women struggling to come to terms with living and thriving under the shadow of chronic illness. I knew there were other women who were struggling to accept something inside that made them feel different or afraid. And I knew that unless more women started speaking up, the shame and fear that can accompany life with a chronic illness would continue to grow stronger in all of us.

I started writing Chronic in the waiting room of a doctor’s office last August. I told myself to write the most authentic, true, unfiltered version of my story. My gumption lasted all of 3 minutes! I immediately got all hot and sweaty and deleted everything I wrote. At the time, Fear kept telling me things like if anyone reads this they’ll think you’re a disgusting, messed up human. Don’t share this stuff! It’s too much. YOU’RE too much. Keep it under wraps and hidden so I can grow bigger.

I took a breath and paused just long enough to hear my Spirit. She kindly whispered Chris, you know that’s not true. Begin again and don’t hold anything back. Share your story so others feel permission to do the same and you will all grow stronger together.

So I just kept writing. I also started reaching out to other women who I knew struggled with chronic illness. I found new women too. And slowly but surely these women lifted me up and gave me the courage to own my story. What I learned from countless discussions and interviews was that I was never alone in my feelings and experiences…I just thought I was because Fear and Shame had a chokehold on me for years.

Let’s be clear…I’m still terrified of putting my story out there. Chronic is scheduled to launch on Amazon on August 30 and once it’s out there—there’s no going back. But honestly, why would I ever want to go back anyway? Chronic is just the beginning and I look forward to starting this new journey with you.

I’m also curious what topics interest YOU. Drop me a note in the comments section below and let’s get started!

Chronically yours,

Christine