I have always been inclined to reinvent myself, with each new iteration feeling like a phoenix rising from the ashes. I've probably lived a 1,000 lives. Adopted, biracial, and sexually fluid, I reject labels and strive to be an individual who stands apart from the masses. I've always been one to stand out. Sort of a trailblazer kind of woman. I do not fit into society's construct of the everyday woman, that's for sure. And the thing about life is you never know what you are capable of until you are faced with it.
The onset of the pandemic offered me an opportunity for self-reflection and inner work, but as the months passed, loneliness set in and the world grew increasingly chaotic. It was then that I realized the importance of empathy and compassion, recognizing that we are all unique and facing our own challenges. I found myself in a new space of not only trying to survive my own depression but also witnessing everyone's emotions in the forefront. The need to belong and fit in never felt so loud. Then I had to remember we were all created differently and instead of trying to fit in, I redirected my energy. I could no longer compare my problems or think that my problems were better or worse than the next person. We were all going through something, and life started to feel brand new.
Writing has always been a source of comfort for me, and during the pandemic, I found solace in penning a book and a half, television treatments, countless journal entries, and hand-written letters to loved ones. Re-reading my work, I was reminded of the glimmer of hope that exists even in the darkest of times. As humans sometimes that is all we need. That glimmer of hope. Something to push us to keep going. Something to motivate us and pull ourselves up out of the ashes. This realization led me back to my roots, reviving a show I created in 2009 called The Bittersweet Show, where I interviewed guests about their bittersweet experiences. It motivated me and it was my glimmer of hope.
This time, however, I have decided to share my own bittersweet journey with the world. Join me as I delve into topics that may challenge and inspire, and welcome to The Bittersweet Life, where I invite you to kick off your shoes and stay awhile.
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