Jason A. Muckley

New Book of Poetry Idea #Poetry #AmWriting #WIP

I have a new book idea and I need your input.

I have a lot of mess in my life right now. My wife and I are divorcing after almost ten years together. We had some fun, three kids together, made some memories, but never really established good boundaries. Things went South and we both feel like this is what is best for us and our kids. It’s a completely new experience that has been a very difficult, stressful, expensive mess.

I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone unless it’s absolutely necessary. In our case, it was absolutely necessary. That’s a hard place to be.

Life goes on. And I digress.

Part of how I came to this “revelation” for my next book of poetry was the ongoing therapy I am receiving as I work through the grief and restoration to get back to a healthy place with myself and my relationships.

What I would recommend if you have relationship problems is counseling and therapy first, before getting in a committed relationship, while in that committed relationship (both individually and as a couple), and if that long-term relationship ends.

I have been doing a lot of soul-searching through my past and someone I’ve found inside there is my childhood self. He has been leading me to wounds from my past that need some attention.

The thing about an internal wound is that it doesn’t really heal on its own. These types of wounds need to be uncovered and explored. They need to be dealt with, almost like if you had cancer.

Cancer isn’t like a cold that your body recognizes and white blood cells fight off the germs. Usually cancer has to be found and then treated with a remedy outside of the body.

This is the same for internal emotional wounds. Without dealing with them they only get worse. It might be a gradual process, but one thing is for certain, ignoring or avoiding the wound doesn’t make it go away. Usually, that type of behavior makes it worse and is exacerbated when you enter into relationships with others. You begin developing unhealthy ways of communicating and relating. You develop complex defense mechanisms that may work for a little while but end up leading to more destructive patterns.

I am probably oversharing so thanks for hanging with me.

My idea for a new book of poetry would be poems and letters to “Little Jay” my childhood self as I process through my past up to now. It would be some conversations and some things I would want to go back and tell myself.

The reader would get a unique look into the healing process I am experiencing as I delve into these wounds and my past, connecting (hopefully) with their own past life and struggles and history.

What do you think? Share any comments below.

– Jason

24 comments

  4. I would guess others who’ve experienced similar journey themselves will read their own stories within your thoughts and words and perhaps a springboard to those identifying with you. If doing this heals you, this is a must-do project! Gifting others along the way is icing on the cake.

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  5. I believe it sounds healing. I ignored a huge issue from my past and it is biting me in the butt now. Almost 43 years later in fact. I write to deal but seek counseling too. Good luck to you!

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  6. I think it’s an excellent idea. My poetry book explored the mental health problems that negatively impact relationships, so the idea definitely appeals to me, and your concept of letters to your childhood self is a great theme. Go for it!

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  10. There’s no such thing as over sharing, especially if what you’re saying will help you, and others, feel less alone. 🙂With that said, a book sounds like a great idea! So, I say…go for it. 🙂

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  11. I think it’s a great idea, Jason! Having weathered some of my own issues in my marriage and also having been through a divorce, it is surprising to find how much of my previous pain contributed to some of what I brought into the marriage. This could be light-bulb moments for many. Go for it!

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