My Journey as a Writer 
Co-authoring the book I’m So Glad You Left Me published by Soul Purpose Publishing https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinamarais/?originalSubdomain=za was one of the most personal and transformative experiences of my life. This project gave me the space to confront and share one of the most painful chapters of my journey—a story of abandonment by divorce that reshaped my identity and purpose. The book launch, where I revealed my chapter titled “Beyond Pain,” was a culmination of deep introspection, healing, and the courage to inspire others through vulnerability.
Deciding to Share My Story
When I was invited to contribute to I’m So Glad You Left Me, I hesitated. Writing about being abandoned—again—felt like peeling off a scab to expose a wound I had worked so hard to heal. But as I reflected on the invitation, I realized how important it was to share my story. Abandonment is a universal pain that so many people experience, yet it’s often cloaked in shame and silence.
I knew that sharing my journey could help others find solace and strength in their own struggles. My chapter wasn’t just about revisiting the pain; it was about showing how I reclaimed my power, rebuilt my sense of worth, and found beauty in the ashes of abandonment.
Writing My Chapter: “Beyond Pain”
Writing my chapter was both cathartic and challenging. I revisited moments that had left me feeling broken and questioned whether I’d ever be whole again. I wrote about the betrayal that left me questioning my value and the deep loneliness that followed. But I also wrote about the turning points—those moments when I decided that my story wouldn’t end in despair.
Through the process of writing, I came to realize that abandonment had given me a gift: the chance to rediscover myself. It forced me to confront my deepest fears and rebuild my life on a foundation of self-love and resilience. I learned that being abandoned wasn’t the end of my story—it was the beginning of a new chapter, one that I could write on my own terms, and be glad that they had left me.
Lessons from My Journey
Co-authoring this book and sharing my story taught me several profound lessons:
- Vulnerability is Strength: Sharing your pain doesn’t make you weak; it makes you brave. By opening up about my experiences, I found strength I didn’t know I had.
- You Are Not Alone: Abandonment can feel isolating, but sharing my story reminded me that many people have walked similar paths. We find solace in our shared experiences.
- Pain Can Be Transformative: The moments that break us can also be the moments that make us. Through abandonment, I discovered my resilience and learned to rebuild with purpose.
- Your Story Matters: Each of us has a unique story that holds the power to inspire and heal. Sharing your journey can create ripples of change in ways you might never expect.
Reflections on the Journey
Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to co-author I’m So Glad You Left Me. The experience allowed me to turn my pain into purpose and my story into a source of inspiration for others. It was a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is light to be found and shared.
Co-Authoring in the book was not just a celebration of the book itself but a celebration of healing, resilience, and the courage to rise above life’s challenges. It was a moment of connection and empowerment—for me and for everyone who heard my story.
