Step 16: Shelly’s Story

Dr. Richards once worked with a 35-year-old woman, Shelly, whose husband had left her. After her divorce, Shelly struggled with depression and feelings of worthlessness, and identity confusion. Shelly’s whole sense of purpose and meaning in life had been wrapped up in being a good wife and mother. Now that she was a single parent, Shelly felt a huge void in her life. Although she still felt joy and satisfaction in her role as a mother, Shelly felt like “half of her” was missing. She struggled to discover a new sense of life purpose and direction for this part of her identity.

During therapy, Shirley learned to listen to the quiet intuitions and impressions of her heart. She also spent time in quiet contemplation and prayer, seeking insight and direction from God regarding her life purpose and mission. On one of these contemplative occasions, Shelly had a spiritual sense of clarity and direction about her talents and the contributions she could make. Shelly had always enjoyed writing but had never made time to pursue this interest. Shelly’s vision and new heartfelt desire was to become a writer - a writer of children’s literature. Shelly felt and knew in her heart that by developing her talent as a writer, she would grow and develop personally and that she would be able to comfort and inspire children and parents who would read her books.

Shelly made a commitment and promise to God and to herself that in addition to loving and raising her own children, she would also do all in her power to develop her talent as a writer. She began arising early in the mornings to write before her children awoke. Many evenings she stayed up late after her children were in bed to write some more. She read books, took classes, and attended workshops about creative writing. She began submitting short stories to magazines. Despite rejection letters, she kept writing and submitting her work. Before long, her first article was accepted for publication.

Several years later, Shelly called Dr. Richards with the exciting news that her first book had been accepted for publication. Shelly has now had many of her books published by a major publishing house and has many opportunities to meet with children and parents. She is living her heartfelt desire to be a writer and to comfort and inspire children and parents through her writing. Although she has never remarried, Shelly experiences satisfaction and joy in her life through her relationships with her children and God, and through her writing career.

In the box below, share your reflections on Shelly’s story - do you think any particular characteristics helped her overcome her challenges?