I am writing a memoir. Some key aspects of my journey include some darkness and potentially controversial topics. I don't think I can tell the full and real story (or have an interesting story) without including these details. I think the healing process for me is about exposing the secrets, about not being ashamed, embracing myself as I am and accepting the dark with the light.
Everything I read about online privacy says, "Never use your real name for anything but professional connections." "Never mix your personal/social identity with your legal/professional identity." The things I think that most people would be trying to keep private from their professional associates... are exactly what I will be putting in my book. A book I hope to publish for the world to read. Nothing is private if it's published. So I am in a quandary as to whether it makes sense to keep things private. I am seeking transparency, but right now I am feeling fuzzy as to the potential negative consequences. I am not sure they matter. This book is important to me. If I can't write the truth, there is no point in writing it.
I think the key for me will be in the editing process. I will need to make sure that I am REALLY clear what I am sharing with the world, and that the context is exceedingly apparent. There will still be many who condemn me. I may even lose out on some professional opportunities. That said, I guess I am an optimist (and hopefully not a Pollyanna) , because I just have an underlying faith that it will all work out ok.
