Are you reinventing yourself because of trauma in your life? If so, you and I can relate.
My bucket list, for example, didn’t include writing a blog or creating a website. Although fiction writing topped the list, stories remained elusive. But a single moment rocked my life. Earlier this year, I retired from my paying job, and now write about real and fictional people who’ve faced tragedy and are working to get to the other side.
I’ve learned a lot on my journey, and hope my discoveries resonate with you. I’ve discovered that:
- Tragedy comes in different forms and often in the blink of an eye.
- Reactions vary wildly, from disbelief and anger to deep sadness and regret.
- Many people struggle with moving on and often re-experience the tragedy.
- Tragedy can change or challenge your belief in God.
- Life is forever changed.
From Trauma to Purpose
The weirdest thing for me was how I began measuring time. Events are now remembered pre- and post-tragedy, my own Gregorian calendar. Maybe my mind wants to compare the old me against the new and mark my evolution since the event no one would want to experience.
My attitudes certainly changed. Instead of obsessing over trivialities, like whether my house was clean, I started thinking about life’s meaning.
Everyone has a purpose. No one is random. All have a job to do. That’s why news of suicides—something happening far too frequently today—upset me in ways they never did before. The mourning of strangers has become commonplace. These despairing people denied us their special gift.
No one could have stopped the tragedy that happened to my family. That may be true of you, too. However, we can learn from them and make a difference in someone else’s life.
Promise to You
The goal of this blog, The Accidental Blogger, is to introduce you to others who’ve been traumatized in one form or another. (I’m not an expert on the topic, and don’t pretend to be.) Through their stories, perhaps you can find hope. In addition to interviews with ordinary people and experts, the blog will highlight worthy organizations dedicated to helping people find a place of peace.
The other goal is giving you a platform to share your stories and successes. Someone will likely benefit.
Why the Title?
Before closing, one last word on the blog’s name. Before this journey started, retirement included traveling, gardening (yeah, right), reading five books a week, and cooking. You know the list. Blogging never factored into the equation, but It looks like God had another plan.
The name fit.
Stay in touch. Give me a shout. Contact me.
P.S. The Portal is the working title of my first novel. It isn’t ready for publication, but work continues. If you subscribe to my newsletter, I can update you on its progress, send freebies and share my short stories about ordinary, often colorful people, who push through obstacles and become unheralded heroes—just like you.
It is with an abundance of love and joy I embrace this opportunity to have a ringside seat to watch you amaze others with your story telling talent . I am blessed to have shared life’s events with you for so many years and wish you success beyond the moon.
Thank you so much. I’ve been blessed with friends like you, and appreciate your good wishes. Love you to pieces.
I am very excited for you and the unexpected journey you are on! I think the name is perfect. My cousins girlfriend started a blog after meeting him and entering his world of sailing and water travel. Her’s is “the accidental sailor girl”.
I wish you much success in this wonderful new endeavor, a niche that will comfort many.
Thank you so much. Your support means everything to me. Please sign up for the newsletter. I would love your reactions to the short story. Also, let me know if you encounter any glitches. Love you.
So exciting, Lori, I’m not surprised at all that God has this plan for you. I’m very glad to be invited to come along on your adventure. I wouldn’t miss it!
Thanks, girl. I hope you signed up for the newsletter so that you get a copy of my first short story. I’d love your feedback on that.
I just signed up for your newsletter and can’t wait to read your first issue.
So proud of you as a writer and what you have accomplished. With determination there are endless possibilities.
Beautiful website! ❤
Maureen Baumgaertner
Thanks, Maureen. BTW, I saw your beautiful face all over one of my favorite apps. Way to go!
Sweet Friend – you have SO much to offer and I cannot wait to read all of what God lays on your heart! Thank you so very much for the invitation, your life, testimony and smile are such an inspiration to me. Your tragedy was great and it could have destroyed you. BUT GOD! I pray that the impact you have on the lives of others will be even greater! “Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:7-9) Love you!
You’re the inspiration! Thanks so much your loving guidance. You were instrumental in helping me see past the grief. Please, never forget that. If you know of someone who might benefit from my musings, forward my link or whatever you feel comfortable doing. Also, I would love your reaction to the short story offered by signing up for the newsletter. God bless you.
Lori, I can’t wait to take this journey with you. Your words are coming at a very important time for many, including me. ❤️
Thanks, Teri. I appreciate your support. Let me know if you have a topic I could address in the blog.
Wow……you go girl! Cant wait to read more from you.
Thanks, Diane. Your support means a lot to me. Hope you’re well! Love ya.
Loved the story! Looking forward to reading more. I love how God uses us in ways we never could imagine
Thanks, Janet. Really appreciate that. It’s kinda unsettling putting yourself out there, worried people won’t like what you write. Thanks for the boost. Yes, it is amazing how God turns bad into something good. You’re the best.
Can’t wait to see where your journey takes you. God definitely has a plan. Enjoy the journey!
So proud of you!
Thanks for taking the time to comment. So grateful for your support and kind words. Take care. Theta love to you, too.
I just signed up for the newsletter, congratulations on your new enterprise! You’ve always amazed me, look forward to reading what you write.
Thanks, Val. I appreciate your kind words. Can’t say where this is going, but I’m giving it my best shot. Hope all is well in your neck of the woods. Love ya.
Thanks, Val. You’ve always amazed me! Hope you’re doing well.
Thoroughly enjoyed your engaging first short story! Loved the way it unfolded. Looking forward to more, as well as The Portal. You are SO SO talented! Good for you, going after this new endeavor.
Lorna, thank you soooo much for your endorsement. I’ll keep you posted on the Portal, but that’s not near done. You’re the best.
Only God know what his plan for each and everyone one of us.
Love you Lori ❤️
Johnny, isn’t that the truth. You wake up and in the blink of an eye your plan has changed. Hope you’re doing well. Miss your wonderful smile.
I am so glad we reconnected. I always found you a fascinating person that I admired very much. Can’t wait to read your work. Hope that we can meet up for a visit when you are back in MD. You are an amazing woman! Dorph
Dorph, I’ll never forget our daily commutes into D.C. back in the day. I’m happy we reconnected as well. Hope all is well in Maryland.
Not surprised at all you have always been able to see a different side to all stories, you can always make Mike and I laugh! Can’t wait to read more!
Thanks a lot for checking out the site. I’m glad I’m making someone laugh. My husband may beg to differ. Take care and give my best to Mike.
Since we were neighbors from 8-14 years old and best of friends thereafter, I always knew you would be a successful author. I am so enjoying your stories and blogs. Love you girl!
And I knew you would be a never-ending source of inspiration. You are fearless, the best friend anyone could ever want or need. Thanks so much for everything.
So proud of you! I love that you’re handing God the reins! Looking forward to celebrating all your success with you!!
Gayle, thanks so much. Can’t do anything without God and the people He puts in my life. Glad He put you in mine.
You are an amazing writer!