Then Vs. Now
When I first started my journey as an author, I poured my heart and soul into my books—using them as vessels to share my truth, my growth, and my faith. Each book has marked a different era of my life, capturing who I was in that moment. As time passes and I continue to evolve, I find myself drawn back to my past work—not to criticize or change the essence of what I wrote, but to reflect on how far I’ve come.
Reflection is a powerful tool. It allows us to see our progress, honor our journey, and acknowledge the wisdom we’ve gained along the way. Lately, I’ve been thinking about revisiting my earlier books, Twenty7 Reasons and She Who Lives, with fresh eyes. These books tell stories of transformation, resilience, forgiveness, self-discovery, faith, and I believe that revisiting them now, from the perspective of who I am today, could bring new depth and meaning.
With Twenty7 Reasons, I originally structured it as a poetic/journal format, using 27 words to describe age 27 for me. Now, as I am closer to stepping into a new decade, I see the potential to expand on those words—to turn them into full chapters that reflect not only where I was but also where I am now. It would be a way to bridge the past and present, showing the continued evolution of my journey.
She Who Lives is deeply personal—a short memoir that outlines key lessons, transparency, and moments that shaped me. The chapters, each tied to a letter in my name, holds truth that still resonates, but I wonder: What new insights could I bring? How has my understanding of those lessons deepened? I see this as an opportunity to expand on my story, to offer more depth and vulnerability, and to further connect with those who have found pieces of themselves in my words.
Revisiting past work isn’t about rewriting history; it’s about honoring growth. It’s about acknowledging that the words in one season of life can still hold weight in another, even as we expand upon their meaning. And for me, this process is about gratitude—for the younger version of myself who was brave enough to write, and for the woman I am today, who continues to embrace reflection and evolution simultaneously.
So, as I take a break from creating something entirely new after my release of Twenty Something: Navigating Your 20s, I’m embracing the beauty of looking back. Sometimes, the most powerful stories aren’t the ones we have yet to write—they’re the ones we’ve already told, waiting to be seen in new light.
