Unfinished Story

(cont. from October)

Sharing more of my life’s journey would be easier if I hadn’t shredded all my journals. This mastication took place after a conversation with the English Department head.

Upon telling him of the provision in my will ensuring my journals (very private writings) would be destroyed, he laughed out loud & said something to the effect of, “How do you think the less than glorious, controversial personal details and secrets of famous authors and others get published?”

“They too had provisions ensuring destruction of their personal writings, journals, letters, etc. Their wishes were completely ignored and the great treasure trove of salubrious intrigue published and disseminated. “

Now, here’s the thing for me: I don’t see an advantage in re-living the excruciating details of my past. Thus, I finally succumb to the realization that I just can’t, won’t, don’t have what it takes to publicly bare my life and soul in a manner which would make for “page-turning” reading.

A bit stymied as to how I could proceed, I ran across a suggestion for writers in my exact predicament: “Start with the epilogue. What do you want people to say about you at the end of your life?”

And, here is what I’ve come up with: “She determined not to live her life in bitterness & she succeeded–mostly.”

One of my “life verses” follows, and I will explore the theme of “Forgiveness” in future editions.

“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others” (Colossians 3:13)

[In her retirement, CJ Austin continues to read, write, publish and share insights from her professional background (marriage and family therapy) with others. Contact: cjaustinauthor@gmail.com]