Welcome to the newest post in Writing While Healing, a series where I speak with indie authors who’ve found light through writing during their darkest times.
Please introduce yourself!
Hi, I'm Melissa. Canadian by birth, Trinidadian by blood, sabbath-keeping by conviction. I'm comfortably religious and against forced evangelism— meaning I'll talk about my faith if you ask, and I promise not to slide a tract under your door. I live with complex sickle cell disease and manage it well. My body teaches me to adjust to what the day brings and it’s a skill I take through life. I went back to school in my 30s when I got healthier mentally. I have a Master's in Applied Disabilities Studies, a deep passion for belonging and inclusion, and several autistic family members who've taught me more than any degree ever could. Professionally, I recently walked away from a field I used to love, because conscience beat out years of investment. I'd make that decision again, despite how hard starting over has been. These days I'm investing in what I actually love: training, coaching, writing, and public speaking. In fact, I've almost completed a 10-category training curriculum and can't wait for it to launch! I’m a straight-talker and have been told I lead with integrity. Those are important parts of me. Several dinner guests have also said I could do Stand Up. Who knows. Personally: I eloped at 42 and now live in Colorado with my Texan husband. I didn't learn to cook until I got married — now I genuinely enjoy it, which surprised everyone. I'd rescue every animal on the planet if my house (and my husband) would let me. I've sung since I was a kid and have a musical credit or two worth bragging about, quietly.
Please tell us a little about yourself and the kind of stories you write.
I've written exactly one book so far — my testimony (at least, part of it), told through a 30-day devotional. I entitled it Posting On Purpose, and just did a 2nd pass on it. It's available on Amazon now! I was encouraged by several people (most of whom I’d never met) to write a book, so I listened! The book takes 30 of those original posts, keeps them faithful to what I actually wrote online, and adds context, follow-up, and reflection questions. I'm proud that I wrote it before AI took over the writing world — these days you can never be quite sure if what you're reading is real. Mine, for better or worse, definitely is.
Eventually, I'd love to turn my first book offering into a deeper look at how I survived that many years of trauma. I also feel a podcast is coming. I already have the name picked out.
Please share a bit about your mental health journey, as much as you are comfortable with :)
I started journaling around age 12, when it became clear that no one in my family was interested in my thoughts or feelings. I journaled every day — even sometimes writing "nothing to report." I was always very disciplined about writing out my feelings. They had to go somewhere, and I personified my diary into a listening ear, of sorts. It helped me reflect, even at that age.
The real mental health journey began in my late 20s. I started journaling online in 2010, after finishing therapy for a traumatic event that included the filing of a police report. I'd already grown up in an abusive home, and by the time this latest trauma hit, I had genuinely bottomed out. I sought treatment for depression, because I was at a point where I was contemplating not being here anymore.
Do you find writing to be healing, challenging, or a bit of both?
The e-journal became how I found meaning in the ordinary, sometimes seemingly unproductive, day-to-day work of healing. I left out the heaviest details on purpose, but I journaled as often as I could in case my writing could help someone else. Back then, "online" mostly meant friends and family reading along — those circles have widened considerably since.
Are there any writing routines, boundaries, or self-care habits that help you stay grounded?
Other self-care avenues for me included having music on (almost 24/7), and check-ins with my closest people. Even if I just sit outside with my animals, the change in scenery can sometimes lift my mood. Oh! And I love a good face mask! Even if it's not helping my (almost) 49-year-old skin, the whole process, texture, and mild touch are soothing.
What advice would you give to other writers who have similar struggles as you?
My advice for others who've survived abusive pasts or traumatic events is to seek support wherever you find it — safely. For me, that was therapy and removing myself from certain circles. Interestingly, it was not the church; my church options simply weren't equipped for what I brought to the table. But staying in the Word, particularly the promises GOD gives of being ever-present, was crucial for me.
Have you ever taken breaks from writing to focus on your mental health?
I've not taken a break from writing to focus on my mental health, because writing, for me, is therapeutic. It has always helped. There's actual research showing that putting names to feelings and words to emotions supports healing. That said, I encourage anyone on the journey toward mental wellness to do whatever works best for them.
Is there anything else you'd like to share with the readers?
Your life matters. It's never too late. There's beauty if you look for it. Integrity is everything. Your purpose is worth pursuing.
Where can readers connect with you and your work? (Socials, website, books, etc.)
Instagram/ Facebook: @Posting_on_Purpose/ Posting on Purpose
LinkedIn
Email: postingonpurpose@icloud.com
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Thank you for reading!
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