Karma is… Writing as Therapy

Writing has always been more than just a hobby for me; it’s been a lifeline, a way to navigate the complex emotions and experiences that shape my life. From the pages of my childhood journals to the drafts of my current book, I’ve found that writing as therapy helps me process, heal, and grow. In this blog post, I want to share some of the recent challenges and transitions my family and I have faced, and how the act of writing has guided me through these moments.

At times, I struggle to decide where to begin my story. Every piece feels connected to the others, which makes it difficult to know where to start. Perhaps I should write a memoir, even if just for myself. Writing has always been my safe space, a gift my mom gave me at a young age. She encouraged me to journal and, as far as I know, never invaded that sacred privacy. Thankfully, she didn’t—she might have gotten her feelings hurt because I don’t hold back when it’s just me and the blank page.

This dream of being a writer sometimes feels like it’s meant for someone else, as though I missed that boat.

However, I remind myself that my ship hasn’t arrived yet, and when it does, it will be perfectly on time. The truth is, I already have a complete first draft of a book I started a few years ago. Now, what do I do with that? Although I don’t really identify as a Christian anymore, the book is written for Christians. Maybe I could become the ex-Christian sex coach…

Recently, I’ve been working on setting boundaries for the kids around TV and game time. Typically, I’m fairly strict, but I’ve let a lot slide these past few weeks. It’s always hard to climb this hill and fight these battles. Evan, for example, seems to think I’m a crazy control freak because I enforce boundaries. Ah, teenagers—they really do think they know it all!

Tomorrow, we have an appointment to view a two-bedroom apartment rental in Long Beach. Can you imagine my family of five in a small two-bedroom apartment? I can, because I have to. The housing situation isn’t ideal and is far different from what we expected. Nevertheless, we’re making it work. We all adjust each time life throws something new our way.

Through all of this, I’ve leaned heavily on my writing.

Writing as therapy has been more than just an outlet—it’s been a way for me to make sense of the whirlwind of emotions and events we’ve been navigating.

Whether it’s dealing with the frustrations of parenting or the uncertainties of our housing situation, writing gives me the space to reflect and find clarity.

What really matters is that we’re together, on this journey arm in arm. We’re not a perfect system—we fight and feel the tensions we all bring to the table. But the important thing is that we all continue to choose to sit at the table, even Evan. Sometimes, I think it’s hardest on him.

When Mr. Sexy accepted the job with Rocket Lab, I envisioned a cute little four-bedroom, two-bathroom house with just enough grassy backyard for our pool and a few chairs. Maybe that dream gave me the courage to make such a huge move with nothing but a new job waiting for us. We’re also trying to buy a three-bedroom condo, but, as usual, there are extra hoops to jump through. We hoped qualifying for the VA loan would be smooth and simple. Now, I’m starting to think it makes sense to look at rentals we can reasonably afford while we take our time to buy the right place.

As I continue to write, I realize that this journey isn’t just about putting words on a page—it’s about uncovering deeper truths and finding solace in the process. “Writing as therapy” has been a constant companion, helping me to explore my identity, navigate family dynamics, and embrace the uncertainty of life’s twists and turns. I hope that by sharing my story, others might find their own path to healing through the written word.