I love to write romance. But
I also like to read romance. Sometimes
it’s entertaining. Sometimes it’s just
fun to let myself flow into the world of fiction, falling in love with the
characters I read about, feeling their feelings, rejoicing in their commitment
to love. There is a precious
appreciation of that moment when all is right with the world, and the future
shines bright.
Real life is not always like
that. Today is one of those days. I’m going through a deep grief thing, and as
we learn to accept in life, it is what it is. I've been in a lot of pain.
I’m well aware that grief is
real, and full of stages, and takes time to process and get through. I’m also aware that when it’s raging, it is
exhausting, and painful, and makes even the most normal daily activities and
responsibilities seem almost impossible.
And here I am.
So what helps? I don’t seem to be able to work on my current
manuscript this week. But I know the
words will return, so I’m letting it go for now.
I’m staying in “gratitude”,
mindfully remembering how many things are beautiful and happy and positive in
the world, even though there is the pain of loss in my heart.
But I’m also giving myself a
break from “reality”. I am reading. I’m so grateful for the bevy of writers who
pen the warm and inspiring stories of love and joy. My reading is a break for
me, an escape from those current overwhelming emotions, a focus on something
other than my own pain. It's working.
Those fictional characters face challenges,
climb over hurdle, heal from past loss. But they have hope. I can cheer for them, and realize that real
life is thorny too.
I come back to the “real
world”, and face my feelings again, and do the “next right thing.” It will get better, I know. It takes time. The sun will shine again. But for now, I’m sure grateful for this
magical world of fiction that is helping me through. Thank you, my
friends! Keep writing!
How about you? Does reading
romance help you sometimes deal with life’s trials? I’d love to hear about the hope.
Christine Bush is the
award winning author of many books and novellas of sweet romance and romantic suspense. She also writes Middle
Grade Fiction. When she isn’t writing, she can be found working with clients as
a Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice, or teaching Psychology at
a local college. She lives with her
family and two crazy cats in northeastern Pennsylvania, and loves to hear from
readers and aspiring writers.
Her now romantic suspense, “Almost Anonymous” can be
found at
http://www.amazon.com/Christine-Bush/e/B001KHSLRG/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1392688497&sr=1-2-ent
Beautiful post, Christine. I'm sorry that you're going through such grief right now. That's good that you're immersing yourself in books. These wonderful authors can transport you to magical worlds of adventure.
ReplyDeleteChristine, reading helps me through hard times, too. As does gratitude. Blessings on you, friend!
ReplyDeleteChristine, I, too am grateful for all the lovely romance stories out there that allow us get caught up in the characters and their stories. I love reading stories where everything works out as it should, because real life isn't always like that. It's refreshing to have that escape.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your season of grief, Christine. Hoping the sun shines through again, soon. And yes, reading is a wonderful escape when life seems hard and challenging. Take good care!
ReplyDelete