An excerpt from my book, This is what it feels like:

One of the hardest parts of a breakup is filling voids. It’s been said that a healthy way to fill the void is through loving yourself, finding yourself, and fulfilling happiness in ways where you are alone. Sadly, it's easier to fill the pain with substance, rebounds, or distractions. Ultimately, distractions die out- partying gets old, drinking is expensive, and rebounding is only hurtful to you. Filling a void only brings temporary happiness. Trying to find a cure for loneliness is the same feeling of walking into the store when you’re sick.

There are so many options that are sure to ease the symptoms, but nothing really takes away the cold. The cough syrups, cough drops, and nasal drip medication make that clear on the label. It’s not the same when you’re lonely though. Friends insist that you go out so that you can forget about the misery, but you don’t. You end up missing them even more. I guess that’s why the only real cure to a cold is to let it pass on its own time. You can aid the symptoms all you want, but the virus has to pass so that you feel better.

And when it does, “You likely got the bug out.”

Have you read my book? I talk about Battle Wounds and the journey of healing and how it's not pretty. How you go through moments of sincere belief you're getting over it then feel your heart has shattered all over again. Healing is not something you just temporarily fix with a bandaid to stop the bleeding or hold it down so it doesn't bleed through. My God, if I did that- I would have never grown from the pain. I let that shit bleed out of me all the time. I cried, wrote, then cried some more- but I also became stronger.

 There'll always be a battle wound on my heart, but it's a scar that reminds me of where I've been not where i'm going. If there is someone you know who is healing, don't rush their process or let them skip steps. These growing pains will get them back on their feet again.

Have you purchased "This is what it feels like," yet?

Purchase my book and follow the year- long journey of healing after a breakup....Write about what hurts

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 In a few weeks, it will be the year anniversary of my breakup. This year has had many ups and downs of growth, healing, and change. My original plan was to publish this book on the exact day of, but I finished sooner than I imagined and I’m proud to share with you all my book- This is what it feels like.

 My hopes are that through this book and my story, you will find that you are not only alone, but will find the strength to continue as I have. Thank you all for the support.

If you would like to purchase the book for yourself or for a friend currently dealing with a breakup, please click on the book link above.

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“You were created for a purpose and this just happens to be a part of your story. I ask that you look yourself in the mirror today and begin to love yourself. Decide to make more of your life than this and do something that the world will remember. Let your pain birth your purpose. Let your mess become your message. Let this be a stepping stone and not a stumbling block. Change the way you see yourself and it will change the way you see the world and the way the world sees you. There are some young girls who only you will be able to reach. You’ll be able to reach them because you lived through this and now is the time to start walking in the purpose and living out your calling. This is not your calling; this is a distraction from your calling. Refuse to lose and go on and do great things!” –Tony A. Gaskins Jr

This book is dedicated to those young girls.

The ones who only I will be able to reach and I’m here to tell you, you’re going to be ok.

With love,

Shima Razipour