Reflections from Book Launch Week

Yesterday, after I got home from the gym, I found my incredible husband Henry curled up on the couch. He was reading my new book, ALIVE IN THE FIRE.

"How is it?" I asked, setting my stuff down on the table. I felt a surge of excitement thinking about him diving into the book, a project I've poured so much love and time into.

I looked over and realized Henry had tears in his eyes. I knew in my heart in that moment that he must be reading Part 2 of the book, which has some of the more intense chapters.

"It's a triumph," he said. "The writing is really, really good."

We went on to talk about the chapter about drinking, and both of our journeys into recovery from alcohol use. He shared how he was learning new things about me in reading the book, and how other people are going to get to know me better by reading it, too.

It's hard to capture in words just how meaningful this moment was to me. How deeply I felt seen, known, and loved, just hearing him talk about what it felt like to read scenes from experiences I've been through.

"It's heavy," he said. "And so powerful. It's gritty. This book will change your life!" I smiled, agreeing with him, tears welling in my own eyes. I could feel deeply that the emotional resonance I've been working so hard to create in ALIVE IN THE FIRE was there. "You can really FEEL it as you're reading it," Henry said.

The whole conversation was so affirming and confidence-boosting for me, not just from the perspective of feeling like I'm on track with what I wanted to create IN the book but also in realizing the trajectory I've created with my life.

A trajectory that now includes our marriage, my most important relationship. Our partnership adds stability to everything I do... and having that stability is one of the reasons I was able to write this book at all.

What a gift, to write a book that helps my husband know me better. To share raw stories from my life that I know will help other women like me who have been through dark, heavy moments in life.

What a memorable, wonderful moment, on the day I launched my eighth book. I feel so seen, and so loved.

here’s me and henry when we got married last fall. i’m so grateful for all the love and healing our relationship brings my way every single day.