Stephanie Harper

A collection of travel related articles all centered on Colorado and surrounding areas.

I did not set out to write any kind of pandemic novel.

I’d had a headache for a little over 18 months when I decided to try acupuncture.

Through bibliotherapy I’ve learned that books can offer greater insight and healing than I ever imagined, as long as I pay attention.

I also didn’t want to call any of this abuse because I didn’t want to admit to myself that I had stayed in this relationship for so long, for so many years, that I couldn’t see it before things got to this point. How did we stay friends after that night on my birthday? Why did I even want to begin a relationship in the first place? He perpetuated the idea for years that no one would want me, but that was okay, because he would always be there for me. And this gave him the right to treat me however he wanted.

Discovering Unexpected Truths
Winter/Spring 2023 Number 86
KALEIDOSCOPE EXPLORING THE EXPERIENCE OF DISABILITY THROUGH LITERATURE AND THE FINE ARTS

Pain has taught me a lot about who I am. My contemplative practice has been an important part of my journey into knowing myself.

The shape and size of my body affect my healthcare.

Years into my chronic illness journey, through much trial and error, I have finally found a reading rhythm that works for me. It isn’t a perfect system, and I still feel sad seeing the books that go unread on my shelves. But overall, my reading life has actually been enriched in many ways.

I may never experience the typical trappings of adulthood due to my chronic illness, but I won’t be ashamed about it, writes Stephanie Harper

Every time I sing, I feel this juxtaposition of delight and sorrow, suffering and solace.

’ve been told I share too much online. I probably do. Since I woke up with a headache on October 28th, 2013 that’s never gone away, I’ve posted many of the details of my ongoing journey with chronic pain, diagnosis, and treatment. My symptoms have increased to affect my whole body and I have become systemically ill, so I’ve continued to share the ups and downs of my situation, as well as some of the wisdom I’ve gleaned along the way.

Meeting someone new is hard—especially when you're the 'sick girl'

As a poet, I often root my verse in the natural world. Every poem in my debut collection, Sermon Series, engages with creation in some way. During the two years I spent writing it, I wrestled with both my sense of vocation and a debilitating chronic illness. Through poetry, I could step outside of my struggles and better understand my place in God’s earth. Poetry taught me to engage my work and life through an ecocentric lens.