Earlier this year, I presented at the MoM Annual Academic conference on emotional support and mindfulness in motherhood. I left those soul-full days among such dedicated and respected humans with several take aways. One of which being the transformation of how I have always wanted to write a book turning into how I am going to write a book.
When I returned home from the conference, I was processing externally with my friend. Sharing my thoughts of, “I don’t know what I’m waiting for— I just need to do it,” and, “I’ve always wanted to publish stories, like since I was a kid, so I’m going to write more.” In our exchange, I proclaimed to the universe that this was indeed something I was going to do, but did not know how given I was not connected to any network of writers and didn’t know anyone personally who had written a book and published their work.
As the months went by, I found myself writing outside of my daily journaling practice. I was welcoming creative inspiration and honoring its flow by sitting down to move my ideas and story to the page. My writing continues to explore what I’ve learned from my relationships, the secrets of family and how they’ve impacted me, the childhood trauma and mental health struggles I’ve overcome, experiencing loss and how I’ve come to know grief, my spirituality and the process of becoming a mother to my son ((to name just a few areas of exploration)). All of which has felt like a deep honoring of myself— my ancestors— and my life purpose.
On a Sunday morning in the middle of the summer, I found myself perched on the porch at my dear friend’s house. The sunshine was coating my skin in warmth as I was enjoying my coffee and pruning the flowers she had recently potted. Surrounded by women I’ve known for nearly my whole life and have a limitless love for, I was listening to what the next couple of seasons are to bring to their lives… professional commitments, expected visitors, travel plans, health and wellness goals… when my friend shared how she was excited to be taking a trip to Italy for a women’s writing retreat guided by a group of published writers. As quickly as the words fell from her mouth, her eyes found mine
and she said, “oh my god… you should come.” I noticed all eyes shift to me, as I responded, “ok.” While there was a bubble of laughter starting to surface from inside me in disbelief that this opportunity presented itself ((thanks universe)), a smile formed on my face in all sincerity, I said, “ok…I’m actually coming.”
The planning of this trip has been easy. Like, strangely easy… after coming out of these past couple of challenging years of life, I almost can’t believe this is my reality. But daily I ask myself, why would I go through the things I have gone through if it isn’t to inspire others with my story?
So, BRB! I’m going to Italy to workshop my writing.
In gratitude,
Brittany DeNucci
((Pictured: Books I’m reading on the flight. Shout out to Zenith Bookstore in DLH, MN for always having the hook up!))
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