As I was saying, nearly six years ago, I faced a serious health challenge when I had a massive pulmonary embolism that stopped my heart. I was without a heartbeat for about forty-three minutes, which unfortunately led to an anoxic brain injury that still affects me today. Despite these physical challenges—such as speech difficulties, constant hand shaking, and contracted fingers—I am grateful that my mind remains sharp. Whether I consider myself lucky or just stubborn, maintaining my mental clarity became a top priority for me once I emerged from the two-week coma I was in.

I pushed myself to stimulate my mind as much as possible, even reciting multiplication tables from fourth grade—starting with nine times nine equals eighty-one—and working backward. I visualized the numbers as a branching tree, expanding outward with each step.

I’d also play word association games in my head and force myself to remember things like song lyrics, as well as book and movie quotes. I even went back to the very first play I did in high school and started silently speaking all of the lines I had to memorize as an understudy. For anyone curious, the name of the play was “Three Murders and it’s Only Monday,” with the first line I was to memorize being, “…and has the dubious distinction of being my uncle.”

And the whole time, all I could think about was getting better so I could eventually go home where I would finally get some meaningful sleep and snuggle with my cat. I walked out of the hospital after almost sixty days, grateful for having such an incredible boyfriend (who is now my husband), grateful for all of the doctors and nurses who didn’t give up on me in the emergency room, and grateful to be alive.

I don’t just have a story to tell: I have hundreds, perhaps even thousands.

For me, writing is not optional—it’s something that I have to do. Daily. With intention. Each time I open up my iPad, I feel a sense of purpose and clarity that guides me through every sentence. The process is both challenging and rewarding, pushing me to discover new perspectives and express my thoughts authentically. Writing gives me a space to explore ideas, share stories, and connect with others in ways that feel meaningful and true to who I am.

Each experience, challenge, and fleeting moment inspires my work, fueling an endless supply of narratives waiting to emerge. Whether I’m reflecting on the smallest details of daily life or the profound shifts that have shaped who I am, my writing has become a channel through which I can document, process, and celebrate my ongoing journey.

It’s not only about recounting what has happened, but about uncovering meaning, discovering beauty in resilience, and inviting readers to see the world through my eyes. In this way, every story I share is an act of connection—an offering of myself, in hopes that others might relate to, understand, or find comfort within my words.

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Thank you so much for reading.

Julie