Daylight
To begin with, I wanted to explain why I chose to create this blog...
The journey began during the pandemic, a time that granted me plenty of opportunity for reflection. I realized that my daughters were growing up quickly and would soon be leaving home. My oldest was set to graduate in 2020, while my youngest was preparing to enter high school. This realization sparked a wave of anxiety about what life would look like once they were gone.
One day, as I was pondering the future, an unexpected thought came out of nowhere and I heard, "Start a blog". This notion was surprising, as I had little experience with blogging—I could barely manage a Facebook post and had always felt intimidated by social media. The idea of starting a blog had never crossed my mind. However, I had learned to trust those spontaneous insights, so I took the plunge and began researching how to create one.
The very next day, a close friend shared an article from Introvert Dear, something she often does since we both identify as introverts. This article discussed how writing can be a cathartic experience for introverts, which struck me as ironic. I had never particularly enjoyed writing and often felt guilty for not maintaining a journal, especially given the emphasis my religious upbringing placed on documenting personal histories. Nevertheless, having just contemplated starting a blog, I decided to pay attention.
The article encouraged readers not only to write but specifically to consider starting a blog. Coincidence? I think not. This affirmation compelled me to think about what I could write about. The suggestion was to focus on topics that ignite passion, and during this phase of my life, my predominant thought was my departure from the church I was raised in. Growing up in Utah as a member of the Mormon faith, I had experienced numerous thoughts and events that ultimately led me away from this religion toward a more fulfilling path. This felt like a good start and off I dove into the world of blogging.
Little did I know that this initial writing prompt would evolve from leaving my religion to leaving my problematic marriage to face an unknown future, ultimately guiding me to safety and peace in ways I never anticipated. I named my blog "Welcome to the Daylight" to symbolize the profound transformation I experienced moving from darkness into light. I now feel liberated; the world appears larger, and the possibilities seem endless. I've come to embrace a conception of God that differs significantly from the one I knew in Mormonism, discovering a more authentic love along the way. While I am still uncertain about the nature of this God or how everything fits together, my experiences have led me to believe there is a guiding force steering me toward the life I am meant to live.
Surprisingly, I have found immense joy in writing this blog. Not only has it served as a cathartic outlet, as the article suggested, but it has also allowed me to witness my life unfold in real time—the ups and downs, the twists and turns, and the heartbreaks and miracles that have shaped the last decade. This blog has instilled hope for a brighter future, reassured me that I'm not alone in this journey, and opened the door to a new beginning filled with love, joy, and peace.
We all have unique life experiences, and no two stories are identical. You may find something to relate to in this blog, and I hope you do, but if not, that’s perfectly fine as well. Regardless, this is my story.
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