Writing a book
Every time I met with my supervisor-mentor – to talk about myself, my clients, my growth as a therapist – I brought my notes. But my notes weren't long texts, no boring analyses. They were sketches. Drawings. Images that arose during sessions.
Every time I received the same comment:
"Marie, you really should do something about this."
At first, I didn't do anything with it. Or wait, I did. I started with stop-motion videos. Why? Because I preferred to make figures talk rather than put myself in front of a camera. Not that I don't like seeing myself on screen, but I really don't have an attention-seeking side.
After that, I collected all my sketches. I asked Roman – one of the best illustrators I know – if he could make them more beautiful. And he did. The result? 220 drawings. And each drawing came with a story. A moment from a session.
And so, slowly but surely, I rolled towards a book.
But why did I keep writing?
Because I've learned so much from my clients, and their knowledge shouldn't be lost or remain solely with me. It's too good not to share. It doesn't belong to me!
Because I can't stand how often psychological insights online are rubbish. Google "Do I have borderline personality disorder?" I bet you'll recognise yourself in everything you read. Society labels and mainly looks for what's wrong. But if you look at it that way, there's something "wrong" with everyone.
That's NOT how it works for me.
My anarchistic side couldn't resist being contrary. To create something that doesn't fit into existing boxes. I didn't want a manual full of labels, diagnoses, and how-it-should-be advice. I wanted a book that starts from the person, not the problem.
A book that shows you're not broken, but maybe you're just not in the right place.
I believe we should amplify what's healthy. Make what DOES work more prominent. I believe people shouldn't have to fight to survive in the wrong environment, but that they deserve a place where they DO belong.
An elephant feels at home in the savanna but becomes desperately unhappy in a city. Similarly, I need a place where I can be myself. Just like you. Just like everyone. But we don't always find ourselves there automatically.
And then the writing began.
People often think that writing a book is all sunshine and roses. I thought so too at first, haha. Just writing leisurely with a cup of coffee, profound waves of inspiration, and an effortless creative process. Believe me, that romance quickly fades.
It was a tough process. A process in which I challenged myself in every way. In which I stumbled, cursed, and got back up again. In which I got to know my craft inside and out.
A process through which I started seeing patterns, looking deeper... and learning to look more keenly.
But it was also lonely. Fucking lonely sometimes.
Doubting whether the words are not too soft, or too hard. Hoping they will touch, but not break.
And then, after all those hours, days, months... even years... slowly seeing something emerge. Something that feels right. Something worth sharing.
Not because it's perfect. But because it's real.
My heart is in it!
I believe every person has the right to understand themselves better – in a simple, accessible way.
And that's exactly what I hope to achieve with this book.
It will be ready in a few weeks. Today, my super cool and awesome graphic designers from Stardust and I are setting up the pre-sales.
It's not the cheapest book, and I apologize for that. But I chose a price that truly reflects what I've invested in it. Believe me, it's worth it!
If all goes according to plan, the book will be available in about four weeks!
