MY BOOK: A NECESSARY PART OF ME

Several years ago I had some time on my hands. I was trapped in working in a mental health agency that was not functioning well. I was merely one of many therapist’s trying to make a living – but I was unhappy. The overall business environment was struggling and I was apart of it.

Since I was a part-time provider, I began to think of ways that I could manage my time between patients. I remembered that my Uncle Eddie had written a manuscript, but never had it published. I recall my parents talking about “the dream that never materialized.”

I always loved to write, and as long as I can recall (like Eddie) I had a desire to write a book. I felt that it was a “calling”, a passion, and apart of my legacy to accomplish the publication of a book.

So, in those lonely moments in my office that I despised, I started writing. This was a journey of self-discovery. I wrote about the nature of what I do best – help people manage their problems. Not only did I write about others’ problems, I chose to write about my own. I felt that it was only fair that my patients and readers knew the “real me.”

My writing was a pilgrimage that took me through the wilderness of human suffering and healing. I tapped into the resources of my clinical expertise, and wrote about how life looked for those who struggled and confronted everyday challenges. I wrote about the courage, the risk, and the passion that is necessary for personal growth and development to occur.

Redeeming my time was important to me. I began to build confidence in my writing and sensed the emergence of a manuscript. I put the finishing touches on my work and submitted it for publication. Rather than endure the long wait for a traditional publisher, I decided to self-publish through http://www.booklocker.com.

I am grateful that I did not wait. The rewards of self-publishing have been worth it. Many now know the story of who I am as a therapist and some of the issues that I have overcome in my struggles with life. I am so thankful that this aspect of my legacy is now complete. Stepping Out of the Bubble: Reflections on the Pilgrimage of Counseling Therapy is finally a reality.

I am now self-employed as a private practice counselor in a new office and I have never looked back. I continue to write frequently. I am pleased that I had the time during a gloomy season in my life to finish a necessary part of my personal and professional history.

Often people play out their lives without ever completing their dreams. People will live in the world of their regrets – “if only”, “I should have”, or “why didn’t I?” But life is too short. The fear of passing time may create an urgency about finishing the tapestry of our life. We must listen to that urgent voice and complete our unfinished business. It is imperative that we don’t wait, don’t procrastinate, or make excuses, but act on our inner convictions to accomplish all that we are capable of being.

James P. Krehbiel is an author, a contributing writer for familyresource.com and a therapist practicing in Scottsdale, Arizona. He recently released his first book, Stepping Out of the Bubble: Reflections on the Pilgrimage of Counseling Therapy. His book can be purchased at http://www.booklocker.com/2242.html. James can be reached through his website at http://www.krehbielcounseling.com.