Let's Get Personal: Part I

I've thought about writing this post since before I created my blog. And, up until now, I've avoided it. I've avoided it because writing it puts me in a very vulnerable position. Writing this post exposes me, and uncovers some of my truths, which, let's be honest here, is kind of hard for anyone. I will put a disclaimer that there will probably be some dirty words, so if less-than-lady-like language offends you, you've been forewarned.

My last few posts (okay, all of my posts) have been pretty vanilla and lighthearted. Which, don't get me wrong, I think have their own place and which I adore writing. I take a lot of joy in sharing recommendations for things I love, whether it be good novels, yummy recipes or effective fitness routines. But, at my core, I also know that I want to be more than that. Hell, I am more than that. And that's the inspiration for this post; which, I am going to break up into parts because it turns out that I have a lot to say.

There are topics I want to talk about that aren't always pretty - that are raw and real and...human. Heartbreak; divorce; being a parent and then a single-parent; being a mom to a beautiful little boy who happens to have ADHD; working through toxic relationships; ones sexuality; struggling with and recovering from an eating disorder; working through body image issues; overcoming fears; realizing and pursuing goals; pushing oneself outside of ones comfort zone to pursue the terrifying. Fuck man, life is hard, right? And I'm here to write about it. This post is the spice to all the sweetness that I've posted thus far. I want to show you that life can be a real royal bitch and yet you can still get through it, and you can come out the other side even stronger. I know because I've been there. I'm not claiming to be special - I haven't done anything that a million other people haven't already done. But I am here to tell my story and, if my story touches and inspires even one person, then that's all that matters to me.

I am inspired to share my struggles and my joys with all of you (god, that's intimidating to write) in hopes that it will help at least one person. A good friend of mine recently said to me, "Now pay that inspiration forward." (you know who you are and I love you dearly)

So, I've been thinking about writing this post (and the ones that will follow) for a long time now. I've been inspired to share my heartaches and joys and life lessons. It's just now that I'm finally able to pay that inspiration forward. Stay tuned.