Stumbling Upon Joy

How Writing My Memoir Brought Me Joy

Hi, y'all! 

Sorry it's been a while, I got tied up with the launch of my memoir! It went better than I could have dreamed, and I'm very grateful for the support and love I received! Thank you all! If you haven't had a chance to pick up a copy, click here to purchase an eBook or paperback. 

I began writing October 29, 2020 and finished my first rough draft on May 31, 2021. It changed my life. I found myself, through writing about myself. I understood and forgave myself. It was an extremely rewarding experience, and allowed me the chance to cope with my trauma in a way I'd yet to explore. I have made breakthroughs in my recovery by writing about the depths of my depravity. And I now understand why my counselors and therapists so often advised journaling.

But you see, I never actually journaled, unless I was locked in a psych ward, hidden in a rehab or living in a sober house. I poured my emotions into a notebook for a few days, then promptly tossed it in the closet. I was far too busy chasing a vodka bottle to continue with such pursuits. And while it brought much relief and was super therapeutic, I never implemented its practice without being confined, without being forced. This was foolish of me to do, y'all. 

So, I am sharing this information with all of you, since it took me a decade to figure it out! Writing our emotions can free us from their power. Once I have written something, I am no longer weighed down by its gravity. I recognize its place, its motivation, and I release myself from it, moving on with my life.

And maybe writing isn't your thing, but I would encourage you to try. Write how you feel; write your dreams and aspirations; write a five year plan; write a to-do list; write your memories. Just write and get it out of you. I've known a couple people who draft emails of their emotions or experiences, then delete them. You could try recording yourself with your phone, and then listen with empathy and sympathy? Anything that relieves the pressure and weight of living in this modern age. Paint a shitty picture, or maybe an epic one, if you're fancy that way!

Writing brought me joy, something we all deserve. It also give me an outlet for my creativity and mental health. I implore you to find something that brings you sheer joy, so that you begin to see it does exist outside of a bottle. Or needle, or pipe. Or Pornhub, whatever it is, y'all! There's joy outside of it, this I know for sure.

Again, thanks for all the support and love! I'm so humbled by this! Please leave a review on Amazon, it helps me so much! Until next time, have fun and happy reading!


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Post For Those Just Finishing My Memoir

Did you randomly come across my memoir? Who is this Charlie Gray dude? Why did he write a memoir? I am so humbled by the response to my story, and would like to take the time to explain a few questions I've received regarding my journey. Q: Why did you spend so much time on Palm Beach Retreat and Reflections? Over the last 11 years, the only time I had true sobriety was in a detox or rehab. I don't count my stints in psychiatric wards, as I was quite adept at manipulating the doctors and nurses for pills I didn't need. Detox and rehab were the only places I found sobriety, and my time spent in those facilities felt like years. Because I was sober. Because I was contained. Because I was forced to come face-to-face with the depravity of my actions. Also, I learned some of my most valuable lessons, experienced some of the most impactful moments of my life, and formed some of my greatest friendships during my visits to rehab. I am not ashamed of rehab, and clearly I support i...
Read more

2021, Or A Full Calendar Year Sober

Reflections Of My First Calendar Year Sober Well, isn't this something?! My first calendar year sober—and what a year! I've said it many times this year, but I never knew my life could be this grand without a vodka bottle. I never knew I could experience so many wonderful moments and events without the “aid” of alcohol. And, on those days when I would dream of sobriety, I never thought I'd be this grateful to be sober! Of course I imagined I would be happier, healthier, with better finances, but I never knew I’d feel whole. I never knew I’d feel right, after spending years feeling wrong. I don’t think of myself with regret or shame any longer. I don’t view the future as ominous and bleak.  In fact, the future seems limitless and full of potential, which lead me to reflect on the paradigm shift I experienced this year, where I noticed three major pillars: sustaining my sobriety—coping with urges/cravings, publishing At Least I’m Not The Frog , and reconnecting with ...
Read more

Reflections of A Sober 2022

 Aren't years spent sober just better all around?! What a year! Not only did I remained sober, but I published a short story,  It Happened One EDC , traveled to Switzerland and France, published my second quit lit memoir,  The Frog's Bottle , welcomed the birth of my nephew, celebrated my great-granny's 104th birthday, and continued of my journey of spiritual enlightenment and enjoyment. I am beyond grateful to have built a life of such purpose and prosperity, and I'd like to share a few lessons I learned along the way. Time is the great healer. Mindfulness is key. Positive self-talk is absolutely powerful. Green tea makes you feel better. Chocolate chip cookies are way better than vodka. Reading is safe escapism. Travel fuels my soul. Music is healing.  Relapse isn't the end. Nature is calming. Drinking lots of water makes you feel better. Sobriety is challenging, but worth it. Family is precious. I am worthy.
Read more