Yesterday we were on the road driving to Gatlinburg and I started a new book called "Turn your Pain into Art" and it's written by one of my favorite artists, Ariel Bloomer. For about five years I've been listening to icon for hire's music and it resonated with me in a way that most people can understand. She sings about pain, sadness, depression and suicidal thoughts. She sings her heart out on stage and it's obvious when you watch her perform. 

The first time I saw her was at warped Tour. I was with a couple of friends and I had been listening to their album Scripted for almost a year. It was my chance to see her live for the the first time. To see this band that I loved and adored. 

I remember it so clearly. Seeing her singing, looking at everybody in front of her and rocking her performance like her life was depended on it. Like she was reaching into our souls and leaving a mark of her own. 

From then on I knew that there was more there then just an "artist" and ever since I have been listening to their music. Now she has written her own book and as I was reading I began to think and compare our lives. They were very different but the way she describes self hatred and loneliness is something I can understand all to well. She describes things that I never thought others knew and I quite honestly have struggled with my own self hatred and self love. Even now I'm still battling it but everyday is a new day. 

I'm only half way through the book but I can tell you that it definitely has given me something to think over. Taking your Pain and putting it out for others to read...well that's something that not very many people can admit and own. Many hide behind masks and pretend it doesn't exist. They think by hiding the pain and sadness they feel that it will go away. 

Unfortunately many are wrong 

If you feel like giving something new a try and reading how someone describes how they feel and putting themselves out for others to recognize and resonate with. I suggest this book. I may be half way through but it has opened a new insight to how I think about my self hatred. Maybe it can open up your eyes to how you feel and maybe start you on a new path to loving yourself and who you are.