Writing

I’ve gone by a lot of titles in my career: marketer, salesperson, counselor, non-profit leader, and coach, but “writer” was the moniker that took me the longest to accept even though it’s one activity I’ve been doing most of my life.

We adopted our kids in late 2012 and, to accommodate my new life as the lead parent, I was lucky enough to choose to be a stay-at-home mom. I adore my children, however after a couple of months, I realized I needed something that was all my own and had nothing to do with our house or my family.

On a wintry December day, I sat at my desk, searching online for classes. Did I want to learn Spanish? Rekindle my passion for playing piano? Take flying lessons (again)? I’m one of those life-long learners that are always signing up for classes, mostly because there are so many interesting things!!!

I sensed something was different this time. I didn’t want to re-visit a lost hobby or start a new skill from scratch. I racked my brain, asking myself, what do I really like to do?

And the answer came to me — I love to read and write!

I’d always wanted to write a book. It was on the same bucket list as running marathons, doing the Ironman, and going back to grad school, among other things. By that point, I’d been journaling for thirty-plus years and, while my journals are NOT literary masterpieces (or even literary), I had a writing habit that could not be ignored.

I’m proud to say that I found one class, then another, and another….and so on. StoryStudio, Yale Writer’s Workshop, Ragdale House, Writer’s Digest, Women On Writing, Writer’s Digest, and Creative NonFiction are all places where I’ve been educated on the craft of writing.

Years later, my writing is beginning to be recognized and I’ve finished a memoir about losing my mother and adopting my kids (currently agent shopping…anyone?) Below are a few samples of my writing and awards:

Essays

Featured

A Mother’s Whale Song

Runner-Up for WOW Women on Writing, Top Ten winner, Personal Essay contest, Q3 2021

The underside of the whale’s pectoral fin emerges from the water like an iceberg, a white triangle tinged with blue, craggy around the edges. The massive fin waves and slaps the water resoundingly while the crowd of whalewatchers, including me, gasps with delight.

“That’s the mama,” the Captain says, “maybe we’ll see Baby too!”

Podcast Appearances

Episode 73: Recharting Your Life With Hope -Get Unstuck and Discover Direction, Purpose, and Joy for Your Life

Betsy Armstrong: She kept following her passions and curiosity from one thing to the next not realizing all the pieces would eventually form a beautiful masterpiece.

Mothering Ourselves

Whether or not you still have your mother, and whether or not you are a mother, mothering ourselves isn't necessarily obvious or intuitive or demonstrated... that's why we've put together a 90-minute virtual workshop event to remind you about the mothering skills and practices we can all bring to our lives... in order be our best selves for everyone else.

A mother, her teen daughter, depression and suicide prevention

A mother's story of her teenage daughter's struggle with depression and suicide attempts early in the Covid 19 pandemic. https://betsyarmstrong.com/ (Writer Betsy Armstrong) reads her essay about her daughter's suicide attempts, with her daughter's permission. In spite of having a background in crisis counseling a mom discusses the difficulties of treating depression when its in our own homes.

Follow Daring to Tell or listen below.

BONUS Suicide Prevention with David O'Leary and Betsy Armstrong

Boston radio morning guy David O'Leary also is a passionate suicide prevention activist with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and joins writer Betsy Armstrong and Michelle Redo for a follow-up discussion about her essay and suicide prevention.

Follow Daring to Tell or listen below.