From Forgiveness to Self-Love: My Writing Odyssey

On Monday, November 27th, I had the honor of joining Rise and Thrive Together as a guest—a conversation that deeply resonated with me.

We talked about my unique way of teaching writing—grounded in introspection, sensory awareness, and personal storytelling. It reminded me of how far I’ve come in my journey… a journey where writing for self-love and forgiveness became my anchor.

Writing Helped Me Heal

Eight years ago, I started writing. Not to be published, but to be free.

Through every journal entry and page, I began to forgive—others, yes, but mostly… myself. I learned that forgiveness is not forgetting; it’s choosing to grow rather than carry the weight of pain.

I let go of perfectionism, the false belief that I needed to be flawless. And with that release came something unexpected—self-love.

From Forgiveness to Self-Love

Self-love wasn’t instant. It took unlearning what I’d been taught—especially as a woman: that taking care of others was noble, but caring for myself was selfish.

But I found the opposite to be true. Loving myself more made me better at loving others. And my children? They watched me grow—and learned more from my actions than any advice.

Whether it was small self-care rituals or chasing bold dreams, writing became the mirror that showed me who I truly am.

Why Self-Respect Seals the Journey

Forgiveness and love are powerful, but self-respect is the fuel that keeps them alive.

It’s knowing when to say no.
It’s honoring boundaries.
It’s accepting life’s unpredictability while staying rooted in your worth.

During the interview, I realized: not everyone starts with forgiveness. Some begin with love or boundaries. And that’s okay. But for me, forgiveness was the doorway to it all.

A Personal Truth

In a past marriage, I once believed that love meant enduring pain. That I had to earn affection, even if it came wrapped in abuse. My self-esteem was so low, I convinced myself I deserved it.

Then came Sharon—my now husband—who taught me that real love comes from self-worth. His love wasn’t just kind; it was grounded. Through him, I saw how loving someone else begins with loving yourself.

Final Reflection

Writing isn’t just a tool—it’s a lifeline.
It’s how we process.
How we heal.
How we transform pain into purpose.

No matter where you are—start your story.
Because the answers are already inside you.

With love and light,
🌸 The Legacy Writing Guide 🌸