Hi Friends. I’m feeling a little timid and scared, but wanted to let you know that I wrote a memoir. It is called Starving. It was something that I needed to do for myself and my healing process. As many of you know, I have struggled since the age of ten with debilitating anxiety and depression. So many of you have reached out with a warm hug and told me your own stories.
You also know that my relationship with my mother is very strained and has caused me such sadness and heartache for me.
At the beginning of COVID I felt so emotional, as most of us did. I sat on the edge of my bed and wrote and wrote and wrote. It was a release and it came out quickly. Since then I’ve been doing all the things writers need to do and man, is it a ton. It really is like birthing a baby. A book-baby.
Well, she is arriving on April 12, 2021 and I’m going to celebrate her and have a real birthday party. You will be able to buy it on Amazon or whoever books are sold.
I really hope you see my quest for connection and vulnerability in this memoir. I am very transparent, as I always am with you, beloved readers. AND – YOU ALL ARE IN THE BOOK!
You all have helped so much in my healing; healing through paint and connection. I have thanked you before, but I thank you again now.
I hope you don’t mind that I do a little countdown until my book-baby’s birthday.
Until then you can keep up with me at my author site christenbensten.com and follow my instagram author site @christenbenstenauthor and Facebook page Christen Bensten Author Page
Thank you for your love and support for all these years.
xo
Christen
Cristen, how wonderful that you have been able to accomplish this memoir as part of your healing! I congratulate you for your perseverance and courage in writing this book. I know, , personally, what depression and anxiety are and how debilitating they can be. I wish you great success with your book and will certainly check it out. Love and blessings to you and your family.
Thank you, Naomi, for being a constant source of support for me. I love seeing this picture of you in your glasses because I know that I am going to get a word of love or encouragement. I am sorry that you too have struggled with anxiety and depression. It is such a process everyday, isn’t it?
Thank you for being in my life,
Christen
Congrats on the book! 2020 was certainly the year to take stock of thoughts, feelings, goals, memories, etc. I’m glad writing was a healing process for you. I look forward to reading your memoir.
Yes it was, Tammie! Thank you so much for the support. It’s definitely a process.
xo,
Christen
Christen there is no rule that you must have a “relationship” with relatives. If a person is toxic in your life for your own mental well being, eliminate the toxicity’. It sound bad I know but I know personally of which I speak My mother never liked me much. . If the toxic person insists on coming around you need rules a strong backbone. You can be the opposite to your children, my kids love to be here. Children are affected by negative people too. If it a medical issue, someone can take the lead for you. I’m sorry you have to struggle with anxiety and depression. It is so rough. You can get better I have. Of course there are days but in general I am a happy person. May you find total joy and your family also. We are strong women and nothing will ever cause us to fail!
Prayers
Brenda
Hi Brenda!
Thank you so much for the email. There is nothing I love and need more than hearing from others that have been through it. It feels like water in the desert. Truly. Maybe we can chat off-line? You bring up such a good point because my parents are aging and that puts a very difficult spin on boundaries and self-care.
Thank you for your encouragement and reminders.
xo,
Christen