A Personal Journey to Happiness
Inside Out
adventure essay collection
Photography by Sarah Norvell Conway
the prologue
I fiercely believe there's a strength within each of us to overcome whatever it may be that's pulling us in the wrong direction. Life can sometimes stop us in our tracks, so it's important to take that moment, regroup, and make sure you choose the right path to begin again.
You get it. It's about beginning again from where you are at this very moment. It's reaching out over your life and grabbing hold of all that is worthy of you: people who bring out your very best, places and things that brightly paint your soul, and moments that make you tearfully happy. As you hold on tight to the goodness, take a deep breath and let go of everyone and everything else that's bringing you down.
These essays are my journey of doing just that. I'm not saying the weather was always perfect, or I never got lost. And I tripped a few times, fell flat on my face, and even went back in the same direction from where I came. And I'm not necessarily talking about my adventures.
It took great effort to regain control of my life and discover my true self again - but worth every step. It will always be a process, but I do hope you enjoy my very personal reflections on life, love, and finding my way back to happiness!
first novel debut
I am over the moon to announce that I have completed my first novel!
It was overwhelming, emotional, transformational, and extremely rewarding. The book is a work of fiction but interlaced with actual events from my life and memories of those I have loved.
I can close my eyes and smell freshly plowed dirt, hear the sounds of a Lowcountry marsh, and see every character like I have known them forever. Perhaps I have.
Click the title above for a synopsis and an excerpt from Chapter 11. The publication is forthcoming, so please check back for updates or send me a note on the Be In Touch page.
Enjoy!
Sonya
get to know me
I grew up in rural South Carolina, then chose Charleston as my home for over 40 years. As a children's portrait artist, I am honored that my work still graces the walls of homes from the Lowcountry to Southern California.
Later in life, I began a personal journey that took me deep within some of the South’s most beautiful landscapes, inspiring this series of essays, Inside Out. The writings document my adventures and offer encouragement for other women to find beauty within and outside of themselves.
But most importantly, it propelled a love of writing that fuels each mile in my sanctuary of nature. It replenishes my soul and keeps me on life’s trail.
I am now making my home near the Tennessee River Valley and the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. I am a mother to Sarah and Will and a life partner to Keith.