Displaying items by tag: struggles

I have always been an avid reader. The books that captured most of my attention were the ones where the characters experienced problems when something or someone got in the way of their goal. I loved it when the characters defeat whatever monstrosity that tried deterring them from their desires. The problems were frustrating, but I kept reading to see how the characters would overcome them. Most of us enjoy reading a good story, especially the kind where despite all odds, somehow our protagonist comes out relatively unscathed. These were the best stories because the reader was on the same side as the characters, rooting for them every step of the way. The reader felt they had as much stake in the outcome as the people on the page. 

Two years ago, in December of 2021 I spent the Christmas and New Year’s holidays by myself, exploring the countryside and cities of North Carolina, searching for places to feel like I belonged, for a place I could call my home. It was a tumultuous time for me. I was still grieving and trying to heal from the loss of my husband and my life in an unexpected divorce. My heart leaked with failure, depression, and pain. My mind urged me to run far away from the pain and memories of my past.