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September 16, 2025 18 mins

“I recognized at that moment, without having the words to name it, a sense of my own will. It was exhilarating. Over my mother, I chose my grandmother. Over emotion, I chose self-control. I chose choice itself.”

In this episode of Bounce Back Stronger, Donna Ferris talks with Kim Adrian—author of The Twenty-Seventh Letter of the Alphabet, editor, and teacher—about reclaiming agency through writing. Kim shares how she used “micro-memoir” to process a childhood with a mentally ill mother, the freedom that comes from telling your own story, and how creativity can be a path to healing.

Listen to learn:

  • How writing helps us reclaim our freedom and autonomy
  • Why short, fragmented writing can unlock difficult memories
  • How creativity intersects with the healing process
  • Practical advice for anyone ready to tell their story

If you’ve ever struggled with family trauma, considered writing your own story, or wondered how yoga and creativity can support healing, this conversation offers inspiration and practical wisdom.

To learn more about Kim Adrian's books and classes, visit kimadrian.com. She can also be found on Substack and Instagram.

If you enjoyed this episode, you might want to listen to Episode #19 “A Master Class in Memoir” with Melanie Votaw and #Episode 53 “From Panic to Peace” with Rita Zoey Chin. Also, please consider subscribing to this podcast, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with others. Thank you.

If you would like to join Donna’s free weekly centering group, email https://insighttimer.com/donnayferris

Donna’s latest book, Bounce Back Stronger—Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens, can be purchased here. Follow Donna on Instagram and YouTube @donnayferris or Facebook @donnayatesferris.

And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). If you are transgender, the 24/7 Trans Lifeline is 1-877-330-6366.

#BounceBackStronger #Podcast #DonnaFerris #Memoir #HealingThroughWriting #YogaAndHealing #KimAdrian #BounceBackStronger #DonnaFerrisPodcast #MotherStories

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