Category: About Myself

2025 Months, About Myself, August 2025, Self Care

A New Journal: Writing, Survival, and Healing

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

I’ve been reflecting on how to share my writing journey more openly—the messy, beautiful, complicated path of being a writer while also surviving the weight of family abuse trauma and navigating life with chronic illness. Writing has always been my way of making sense of chaos, but now I’m taking a step further.

I’ve created a new journal on Ko-fi: A New Journal: Writing, Survival, and Healing
.

This journal will be a dedicated space for:

✍️ Behind-the-scenes of my writing life—the victories and the struggles.

🌑 Reflections on how living with trauma shapes my creativity and my sense of self.

🌿 The realities of managing chronic illness while still chasing dreams.

Stories are powerful—they hold space for pain, growth, and transformation. My journal is not only about survival, but about showing up anyway, finding light in dark places, and honoring the creative spark that refuses to go out.

The first post is open for everyone to read. After that, the journal will be a subscriber-only feature, so it can remain a safe, supportive space for those who truly want to walk with me on this journey. By subscribing, you’re not only supporting my writing, you’re stepping into a more intimate, honest space with me.

If you’ve ever felt torn between pursuing creativity and wrestling with the weight of your past or your health, I hope this journal resonates with you. Together, we can create space for vulnerability, resilience, and creativity without apology.

💜 Thank you for reading, for supporting, and for being here.

👉 Click here to read the first post

About Myself

Facing Hardships: Navigating Tough Times with Hope

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

Life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges our way, and right now, I’m navigating one of those difficult times. As many of you know, financial struggles can feel overwhelming. Between mounting bills, everyday expenses, and the looming possibility of losing my car, I’ve found myself in a place where I’m trying to keep my head above water, but it’s been a real struggle.

In the spirit of honesty, I wanted to share where I’m at with all of you—because, as writers, we know how powerful it can be to support each other through shared vulnerability. It’s never easy to admit when we’re struggling, but there’s strength in reaching out and asking for help.

Right now, the stress is real. Losing my car would make it harder to get to appointments and manage everyday tasks. Add to that the general financial stress, and it’s easy to feel like I’m drowning. But I’m determined not to let this moment define me, and I’m leaning into my community for support.

How You Can Help

If you feel moved to help, I’ve created two ways for you to support me during this tough time:

  1. GoFundMe: I’ve started a GoFundMe campaign to help raise funds. Every little bit counts, and your donation will go directly toward keeping my car and getting back on my feet financially. If you can spare anything, it would mean the world to me.
  2. Buy Me a Coffee: For those who prefer a simpler way to support, I’ve also set up a Buy Me a Coffee page. It’s a great way to send a small donation if you’re able to help, and it’s also a fantastic platform where I can continue connecting with you, my wonderful readers and supporters.

Why I’m Sharing This

This isn’t easy for me to do. Asking for help is never comfortable, but I know that the power of community and connection is real. I’ve always believed in the importance of lifting each other up, and right now, I’m hoping that by sharing my situation, I can give others the opportunity to do just that.

Whether you can donate or simply share my story, your support means more than words can express. I’ll continue to give my all to my writing, my blog, and my community, and I promise that this hardship won’t stop me from doing what I love.

Where to Find Support

If you’re interested in supporting me, you can find both of my support pages below:

And if you’re unable to contribute financially, sharing this blog post with others is a tremendous help. Every share, every word of encouragement—it all makes a difference.

Thank you for reading, for supporting me, and for being part of this journey. It’s times like these when I truly feel the strength of the community we’ve built together, and I’m so grateful for every single one of you.

Let’s get through this together. ❤️

About Myself, June 2025, Self Care

Why I Keep Showing Up to the Page, Even When It’s Hard

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

An Honest, Heart-Centered Encouragement for Fellow Writers

There are days when writing feels like breathing—natural, necessary, almost effortless. And then there are the other days. The ones where I stare at the screen, fingers hovering over the keyboard, unsure of what I’m even trying to say. Days when self-doubt creeps in, whispering, “What’s the point?” or “You’re not good enough.”

Still, I show up.

Not because I always feel inspired. Not because I’m bursting with creativity. But because writing is a part of who I am, even when it’s difficult. Especially when it’s difficult.

I live with chronic health issues, and honestly, that makes everything harder—physically, emotionally, even creatively. Some days my energy is low, my body aches, and brain fog makes it tough to focus. Add to that the fact that I don’t always have a lot of support, and it could be easy to stop trying. But I don’t. I keep showing up, purely for the love of writing and reading.

Writing has seen me through grief, anxiety, pain, and loneliness. It’s been my quiet companion in the messiest moments of my life. When everything else felt like too much, writing gave me something to hold onto—a place where I could be fully myself, no filter, no expectations. Just words on a page, slowly helping me breathe again.

I don’t always produce something worth sharing. Sometimes I write a sentence and delete it five times. Sometimes I write pages of things I’ll never read again. But the act of showing up matters. Each word is a promise to myself that I won’t give up on my voice.

If you’re reading this and you’re struggling to write—whether it’s because of stress, illness, burnout, fear, or life just getting in the way—I want you to know this: it’s okay to have hard days. It’s okay to rest. But when you’re ready, come back to the page. Even if all you have is a whisper of an idea. Even if all you write is, “I don’t know what to write.” That still counts.

You are a writer, not because you write every day, but because you keep coming back.

And I’ll keep showing up too—messy, tired, unsure—because writing reminds me that I’m still here, still growing, still creating. I write because I love it. Because I love stories. Because books and words helped shape who I am. That’s reason enough to keep going.

So if today is a hard day, let that be okay. The words will return. The magic will find you again. In the meantime, showing up is enough. You are enough.

Keep writing,
Sara 💛
Founder of Sara’s Writing Sanctuary

Happy Writing ^_^

About Myself, May 2025, Self Care

What May Taught Me About Writing (and Life)

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

This May didn’t go the way I thought it would. I had plans. Big creative goals. Projects I wanted to finish. But somewhere along the way, I got caught up in other things—life, responsibilities, the unexpected. My writing ended up on the back burner.

At first, I felt guilty about that. Like I had let myself down or fallen behind. But as the month winds down, I’ve realized something important: sometimes we need to step away to see clearly.

When I finally opened my story drafts again, something happened that always surprises me. I felt the story again. I read the words I had written weeks ago and remembered why I loved them. Even better, I saw things I hadn’t seen before—new details, emotions, ideas. It was like my characters had been waiting patiently, knowing I’d come back when I was ready to listen.

This month reminded me that creative blocks aren’t always about being stuck—they’re often about needing space. Space to live, to breathe, to gather new energy. And that’s okay. Writing doesn’t have to be a constant push forward. Sometimes it’s about stepping back and letting the story bloom again when the timing is right.

So what did May teach me?
– That rest is part of the process.
– That creativity doesn’t vanish, it waits.
– That coming back with fresh eyes can open up new paths.

If you’ve been struggling to write lately, I want you to know you’re not alone. Your words will wait for you. Your story will still be there when you’re ready to return.

Here’s to stepping back, starting again, and finding joy in the quiet rediscovery of what we love. 💫

Happy Writing ^_^

About Myself, March 2025

Writing Through Chaos: Balancing Creativity, Chronic Illness, and Big Life Changes

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

Lately, life has felt like one big whirlwind of change. Between moving, managing my chronic pain, juggling work, and finishing my degree, writing—something that once felt like second nature—has become a struggle. My creativity feels buried under the weight of exhaustion, and some days, it’s hard to even find the energy to open my laptop, let alone pour my thoughts onto the page.

I used to believe that writing was my escape, a safe space where I could retreat from the chaos of the world. But what happens when the very thing that brings you comfort starts to feel like another task on an ever-growing to-do list? When pain makes it hard to sit at a desk, when mental fog makes words slip through my fingers, when anxiety whispers that I’m falling behind—how do I find inspiration?

Giving Myself Permission to Pause

I’ve had to remind myself that creativity isn’t something I can force. Writing, like healing, requires patience. Some days, my body demands rest, and instead of fighting against it, I’m learning to listen. I give myself permission to take breaks without guilt. Writing isn’t about churning out words on demand—it’s about honoring the process, even if that process means stepping away for a while. But it is hard sometimes..

Finding Inspiration in Small Moments

When I can’t sit down to write long pieces, I turn to smaller creative outlets. A few scribbled lines in a journal, voice notes on my phone when ideas strike, or even rereading old works remind me that my creativity is still alive. Sometimes, inspiration isn’t about grand ideas—it’s in the quiet moments, in the way the sunlight filters through my window, in the snippets of dialogue I overhear at a coffee shop, in the way my body carries me forward despite everything.

Writing Through the Hard Days

There are days when I feel overwhelmed by everything I have to do—assignments, deadlines, work, doctor’s appointments. On those days, I remind myself that writing doesn’t have to be perfect. It doesn’t even have to be good. It just has to be honest. Even if all I write is, “Today was hard,” that’s still something. My words don’t have to carry the weight of the world; sometimes, they just need to exist.

The Power of Community

One thing that has helped me immensely is leaning on others who understand. Connecting with other writers, students, and people who deal with chronic illness reminds me that I’m not alone. I’ve learned that it’s okay to ask for help, to talk about my struggles, to share my frustrations. Creativity doesn’t have to be a solitary journey—it thrives in connection.

Redefining Success

I used to think that being a “successful” writer meant producing a certain number of words every day. But life doesn’t always allow for that. Success, for me, is showing up when I can, giving myself grace when I can’t, and recognizing that my worth as a writer isn’t measured by productivity.

Embracing the Journey

This season of life is challenging, but it’s also shaping me. My experiences—both the painful and the beautiful—are all part of my story, and someday, they’ll find their way into my writing. Until then, I’ll keep showing up, in whatever way I can, knowing that every word, every pause, every struggle is part of the process.

If you’re struggling to write through change, pain, or self-doubt, know that you’re not alone. Be gentle with yourself. Your creativity will always be there, waiting for you, even on the hardest days.

How do you find inspiration when life feels overwhelming? Let’s start a conversation.

Where do you find your inspiration during hard times?

Happy Writing ^_^

About Myself, February 2025, writing-tips

Lessons from a Work-in-Progress

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

While working on my story today, I realized that as a pantser, writing often takes me down unexpected paths. Even if I didn’t plan for certain twists, my characters seem to have something to tell me. Whether it’s about the depth of their relationships or the future they are meant to have, the story reveals insights I hadn’t considered.

Beyond plot and character revelations, writing teaches in many ways. It challenges patience when scenes don’t flow as expected and fosters resilience when rewrites are needed. It deepens understanding of emotions and human nature, as characters’ struggles often mirror real-life experiences. Sometimes, a story teaches by exposing personal fears, hopes, or desires, forcing a writer to reflect. Other times, it’s in the research—uncovering historical details, mythology, or psychological truths that expand both the story and the writer’s knowledge.

Even the scenes that get deleted serve a purpose. They help explore a character’s voice, test different emotional beats, or develop backstory that may not make it into the final draft but still enriches the worldbuilding and character depth. Those discarded moments are never wasted; they contribute to the journey, guiding the story toward what it’s truly meant to be.

Writing is always a journey of discovery, uncovering lessons that weren’t planned but were waiting to be found.

Tell me in the comments—how does your writing speak to you? Have your characters ever surprised you with a direction you didn’t expect?

Happy Writing ^_^

About Myself, February 2025

Writing Through Chronic Illness – Balancing Health and Creativity

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

Writing through chronic illness isn’t easy. I live with chronic pain and other long-term conditions caused by trauma and prolonged stress from events in my twenties. I don’t share this for pity but to show that even in the hardest times, some things can still bring joy.

For years, I struggled to be believed—by both family and doctors—about what I knew was wrong with my body. Eventually, I found the help I needed and learned how to live with my illness. While I still have bad days, I do my best to make time for the things I love. Unfortunately, writing isn’t something I can do every day, but I’m always thinking about stories and planning how they will unfold.

When I’m not able to write, I try to read. I’m working toward getting a new Kindle so I can get back to reading more books. I usually listen to audiobooks while working, but I think it’s time to go back to reading and allowing myself a break from my phone, free from the distractions of social media and other apps. Growing up, long before e-readers existed, I always had a paperback book or two with me. Even now, I carry a notebook wherever I go, just in case inspiration strikes. I don’t use my phone for notes—I guess I’m a bit old-fashioned when it comes to jotting down ideas. However, most of my stories are written on the computer, with my handwritten notes serving as a place to store ideas I can always revisit.

Fatigue and pain make it difficult to sit and write, especially after a long day of work and full-time studies. Still, I’m determined to pursue my passion. I’m also working on creating and selling digital tools for writers, which excites me. Helping other writers bring their stories to life would be incredibly rewarding. Writing has always been my escape, and when I do get the chance to write for hours, it’s pure joy.

Lately, life has been hectic—family drama and major changes have kept me from having many writing days. With an upcoming move to a different state, my writing has taken a backseat. Despite these challenges, I’ve been fortunate to meet people who encourage and support me. My friends, especially, are my greatest source of motivation when it comes to my writing.

Balancing health and creativity is a challenge, but writing remains a part of me, even when I can’t physically put words on the page.

Happy Writing ^_^

About Myself, January 2025, writing-tips

The Connection Between Wellness and Creativity: My Personal Journey

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

Have you ever noticed how your body and emotions can affect your ability to be creative? I’ve found that my physical health and emotional well-being are deeply tied to how much I can write or come up with new ideas. It took me some time to realize this connection, but once I did, it changed the way I approach my creative work.

The Physical Side of Creativity

When my body feels good, my mind works better. Over the years, I’ve learned that doing things I enjoy or that make me happy often helps my creativity. However, there are days when I feel sluggish or in pain—and on those days, my brain feels foggy, and it’s harder to focus. That’s when small, intentional actions make all the difference. Simple things like sitting outside to enjoy the day or relaxing with a good book can be enough to recharge my mind.

The Emotional Side of Creativity

Emotions are tricky. When I’m feeling overwhelmed, sad, or anxious, my creativity often takes a hit. But I’ve also noticed that when I lean into those feelings instead of fighting them, they can inspire my work. Writing becomes a way to process what I’m going through.

Some things that help me emotionally include:

  • Journaling: Writing for myself—just to get thoughts and feelings out—often makes me feel lighter.
  • Self-compassion: Reminding myself that it’s okay to have off days helps me bounce back quicker.
  • Connection: Talking to a friend or loved one about how I’m feeling eases emotional stress and helps me refocus.

Emotions can have a huge impact on creativity, both blocking and inspiring it. When I wrote poetry, my emotions were often the fuel. But when writing fiction, strong emotions sometimes stop my inspiration—especially for certain scenes. For example, going through a breakup can make it hard to write a love story or romantic scene.

How Wellness Fuels Creativity

When my body feels good and my emotions are in balance, creativity flows more naturally. I’m able to sit down and write without struggling as much. But I’ve also learned that creativity isn’t about being perfect; it’s about showing up. Even on tough days, taking small steps—like jotting down ideas or writing a few sentences—keeps me moving forward.

My Tips for Balancing Wellness and Creativity

If you’re looking to boost your creativity through wellness, here are a few tips that have worked for me:

  1. Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how you feel and take breaks when you need them.
  2. Create a Routine: Having a regular schedule for writing, even if it’s just 10 minutes a day, helps build consistency.
  3. Find What Inspires You: Whether it’s music, nature, or a favorite book, surround yourself with things that spark your creativity.
  4. Be Patient with Yourself: Creativity has its ups and downs. It’s okay to take time to recharge.

A Final Thought

Taking care of your physical and emotional health isn’t just about feeling good—it’s also about giving yourself the best chance to create. When you’re well, your creativity has the space to thrive. For me, the journey to balance hasn’t been perfect, but it’s been worth it.

What about you? Have you noticed a connection between your wellness and creativity? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Happy Writing ^_^

About Myself, January 2025

A Habit That Changed My Life

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

When I was young, I often found myself writing down my thoughts in a journal or on scraps of paper. At the time, I didn’t realize how transformative this simple act would become. What started as a way to organize my thoughts soon evolved into something much deeper. Over time, I began to write poetry, using it as a creative outlet to express my emotions and make sense of the world around me. Writing became a way for me to release my thoughts without having to speak them aloud.

As the years passed, writing transformed from a mere habit into a source of joy and exploration. I found myself drawn to creating characters and weaving plots. Initially, I wrote about topics I knew or understood, and anime served as a significant inspiration during that time. Its rich worlds and complex characters fueled my imagination, helping me envision my own stories and explore ways to expand on the narratives already created in those shows. Despite this shift into fiction, I continued to write poetry, which remained a deeply personal and introspective form of expression.

One of the most significant influences on my writing journey came from an old friend who supported and encouraged me for years. Their belief in my abilities gave me the confidence to push beyond my comfort zone and explore the vast possibilities of fiction writing. With their support, I began to take my storytelling more seriously, finding purpose and excitement in crafting narratives that resonated with others.

Writing has profoundly impacted my life in countless ways. It has taught me patience, discipline, and the importance of embracing creativity. Writing offers me a way to process emotions, connect with others, and continually challenge myself. What began as a childhood habit of jotting down thoughts has blossomed into a lifelong passion and a meaningful part of who I am today.

Looking back, I’m grateful for the moments I spent scribbling in journals, the poetry that helped me find my voice, and the friend who believed in me when I doubted myself. Writing has not only changed my life but also become a gift that continues to shape it. Even now, it drives my career. I aspire to inspire others and help writers in any way I can. For a while, I dreamed of becoming an editor, but due to health challenges, I have been searching for a different path to connect with new and aspiring writers while still doing something I love.

Happy Writing ^_^

About Myself, January 2025, writing-tips

Balancing Writing with Health Challenges: My Personal Tips

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

Writing can be such a fulfilling and creative outlet, but when you’re dealing with chronic health challenges like fibromyalgia, chronic inflammation, chronic pain, or mental health issues like depression, it’s not always easy. These challenges can make even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming. I know firsthand how tough it can be to keep going when your body or mind feels like it’s working against you. That’s why I want to share some simple, personal tips that have helped me balance writing with managing my health.

1. Go Easy on Yourself

Some days are harder than others, and that’s okay. Instead of pushing yourself too hard, try to:

  • Write when you feel your best, whether that’s early morning or late at night.
  • Set small, doable goals, like writing for 10 minutes or just a few sentences.
  • Remind yourself that every little bit counts. Progress is progress, no matter how small.

2. Make Your Writing Space Cozy

Your environment can make a big difference when you’re dealing with pain or fatigue:

  • Use a comfortable chair and set up your desk so you’re not straining.
  • Add things that make you happy, like a favorite candle, a soft blanket, or photos you love.
  • Keep it simple and clutter-free to reduce stress.

3. Take Breaks and Move

Sitting too long can make pain and stiffness worse, and it can also make you feel more down:

  • Set a timer to remind yourself to get up and stretch every 30 minutes.
  • Do some light stretches, take a short walk, or even just stand and shake out your arms.
  • Use these moments to reset your mind and body.

4. Be Kind to Your Mind

When you’re struggling with depression or anxiety, writing can feel overwhelming. Try to:

  • Break tasks into tiny steps. If starting feels hard, focus on just opening your notebook or document.
  • Keep a journal to let your feelings out—sometimes writing about what you’re feeling can be freeing.
  • Take the pressure off. Your writing doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be yours.

5. Listen to Your Body

It’s easy to ignore pain or exhaustion when you’re in the flow, but it’s important to:

  • Drink plenty of water and eat foods that make you feel good.
  • Rest when you need to. Writing will still be there tomorrow.
  • Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness to calm your body and mind.

6. Celebrate Small Wins

Chronic illness and mental health struggles can make it hard to feel like you’re accomplishing anything, but:

  • Celebrate every small step, like finishing a sentence or even just sitting down to write.
  • Remind yourself of the progress you’ve made over time.
  • It’s not about perfection; it’s about showing up.

7. Use Tools That Make It Easier

When your energy is low or your body’s hurting, let technology help:

  • Try voice-to-text if typing is hard.
  • Use apps to organize your notes and ideas so you don’t have to rely on memory.
  • Editing tools like Grammarly can save you extra effort.

8. Lean on Your Community

You’re not alone, and there are people who understand what you’re going through:

  • Connect with other writers online who deal with similar challenges.
  • Share your journey with friends or family who can support you.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help, whether it’s feedback on your writing or just a listening ear.

9. Write What Feels True

Sometimes, your health struggles can inspire your writing in unexpected ways:

  • Use your experiences to create characters or stories that feel real and relatable.
  • Explore themes of resilience, growth, or hope—or just write to process your feelings.
  • Your voice matters, and your perspective is important.

A Final Thought

Living with chronic conditions or mental health challenges isn’t easy, and neither is writing. But together, they can create something beautiful. Be gentle with yourself, take it one day at a time, and remember that every word you write is an achievement. You’re not alone, and your story is worth sharing.

What about you? How do you balance writing with health challenges? I’d love to hear your tips and experiences in the comments!

Happy Writing ^_^