Becoming Willow

Who Am I?

I'm just an ordinary working class woman who has lived through more than I ever imagined possible.

For many years, I believed there was nothing particularly special about me. I simply thought of myself as a kind, caring person who had survived a lifetime of challenges that could easily have broken me. Looking back now, I realise those experiences didn't define me. They shaped me into the person I am today.

I'm not here looking for recognition or sympathy. I'm here because I want to help.

If you've found your way here because life feels overwhelming, because you've experienced trauma, loss, illness, abuse or circumstances that have left you questioning yourself, then I hope you'll find something here that reminds you you're not alone.

For many years I carried emotional wounds that refused to heal. Like invisible scars, they were always there beneath the surface, affecting every part of my life. Time passed, but I wasn't moving forwards. I was simply surviving each day, held together by determination, medication and the unconditional love of my children.

Everything changed when I was introduced to a wonderful volunteer counsellor through the charity Survive. I'll always know her as my Angel.

She patiently helped me understand what had happened to me, why it had affected me so deeply, why some people behave in ways that leave lasting emotional scars and, most importantly, how healing was possible.

Without her guidance, kindness and belief in me, I honestly don't know where I would be today.

This website, my books and everything I write are my way of giving something back.

No amount of money could ever repay what was given to me through compassion and understanding. My hope is that by sharing my own experiences openly and honestly, someone else may find the strength to keep going when life feels impossible.

I'm not a psychiatrist, psychologist or qualified counsellor.

What I do have is lived experience.

I've faced trauma, chronic illness, emotional pain and some of life's darkest moments. There were times when I wondered whether tomorrow would ever feel brighter than today.

Thankfully, I discovered that healing is possible.

Writing has become part of that healing.

As a child I struggled with English, spelling and numbers. Years later, when my daughter was diagnosed with dyslexia, I recognised so much of myself in her. It finally explained why I had always found reading and writing more difficult than many other people.

I've never claimed to be a perfect writer.

What I promise is honesty.

Every word I write comes from my heart, and if those words help even one person feel understood, then they've achieved exactly what I hoped they would.

One morning I realised something that completely changed my thinking.

I had spent years believing my book had to be finished before it could help anyone. Then it suddenly dawned on me that life is never really finished. We're all still learning, still growing and still writing new chapters every day.

So instead of waiting for the perfect ending, I've decided to share the journey as it unfolds.

My dream is to build a kind, supportive community where people can share their experiences without judgement. A place where people feel safe, heard and understood, wherever they are in the world.

Please read my story from the beginning.

Each chapter explains not only what happened, but how those experiences changed me and helped shape the person I've become. As you read, perhaps you'll begin reflecting on your own story too.

Life can be incredibly difficult, but I truly believe it can also become beautiful again.

Always remember...

You are a sunflower. Turn your face towards the sun, and the darkness will fall behind you.