Healing Thoughts: Quotes, Poems and Musings

© 2024 Wood Island Publishing. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Paperback: ISBN: 978-1-998830-30-5

Hardcover: ISBN: 978-1-998830-32-9

Digital: ISBN: 978-1-998830-31-2

Edition: 1st; Revision: 1st

Published: July 1, 2024

Text Messaging: 1-256-685-4443

Author: https://www.RyanPuusaari.com

Publisher: https://WoodIslandBooks.com

USAGE: No part of this journal may be modified or altered in any form whatsoever, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any informational storage or retrieval system without express written, dated and signed permission from the author.

WARRANTIES: Although the publisher of this work has used their best effort in preparing this book, they make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy of the information contained within the contents of this book. Not all advice or strategies may apply or resonate with you. You should consult a professional when appropriate.

DISCLAIMER AND/OR LEGAL NOTICES: The information presented herein represents the view of the author as of the date of publication. Because of the rate with which conditions change, the author reserves the right to alter and update his opinion based on the new conditions. The book is for informational purposes only. While every attempt has been made to verify the information provided in this book, neither the author nor his affiliates/partners assume any responsibility for errors, inaccuracies or omissions. Any slights of people or organizations are unintentional. If advice concerning legal or related matters is needed, the services of a fully qualified professional should be sought. This journal is not intended for use as a source of legal or accounting advice. You should be aware of any laws which govern business transactions or other business practices in your country and state. Any reference to any person or business whether living or dead is purely coincidental.

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: I am not a doctor or mental health professional like a registered therapist. The information that I provide is from my own personal life experiences and is not a replacement for these services.

Dedication

To my Daily Text Community,

This book is a homage, to all of you.

Your stories and willingness to share have brought these pages to life.

Those of you who shared your challenges and triumphs have shown me the power of vulnerability and the importance of community. Through your words, our conversations have evolved into empathy and mutual understanding bonds.

This book captures our journey, embodying both our shared successes and struggles.

As you read its pages, remember that they mirror the path we began together. May you find fragments of your own story within them. May they inspire you with the same inspiration that you have inspired me.

With deepest gratitude and love,

Ryan Puusaari

Welcome

If you're holding this book, it's a small miracle. Healing Thoughts is a testament to defiance, a work that, by all accounts, shouldn't exist.

From the outset, the odds were stacked against it.

Born from a journey marked by setbacks and disbelief, this book is a celebration of perseverance.

I'm Ryan Puusaari, stepping out from the shadows as your ally on a journey filled with introspection and humble wisdom, traversing the complex maze that is life.

My path to becoming a writer was twisted, looping like a pretzel.

I've always had my struggles, both socially and professionally. I've dealt with childhood trauma, anxiety, and depression. I failed Grade 12 English. I've been fired from jobs, I watched a business I built from the ground up crumble to nothing, I owned a home, twice, and then lost everything, twice, winding up homeless.

Yet, here we are—I stand before you, book in hand.

Surprise! Defying rigid expectations and well-worn paths, I've made it.

This book is not your average self-help manual.

It's a revolt.

A daring venture into the dark to snatch hope from the jaws of despair.

This book originated from a flurry of daily texts sent to an amazing community eager for a dose of hope each day. ¹ Over the years, these messages have built a robust foundation of inspiration and resilience.

Initially, the goal was simply to gather my favorite quotes into one place, but the project quickly grew into something more significant and meaningful.

This book has become a rich blend of motivational messages and deep poetic thoughts. Each page crafted to not only provide comfort but also to fortify and elevate the spirit.

Now, pause for a moment.

Do you sense the book's weight in your hands?

That feeling of the cover's texture, the excitement for the anticipation of the words inside—it's all part of our plot.

Feel the pages beneath your fingers, the crisp sound they produce as you flip them. Each word, each line is an act of rebellion against the monochrome backdrop of conformity.

Imagine a world where every no is a stepping-stone, every rejection a redirection.

That's the world this book has navigated.

It's not just a collection of pages; it's a symbol of resilience.

Against the backdrop of doubt, your hands now cradle a story that refused to be silenced.

I invite you to share your thoughts on this unexpected journey.

Your review is more than just feedback; it's a ray of hope for others who seek comfort in these words. It's a reminder that the underdog story isn't just a trope—it's a reality for those who dare to dream.

As a self-published author, I'm plunging headfirst into the deep, sometimes daunting sea of storytelling. Please, help me disturb the waters, create ripples, and perhaps, just perhaps, even create a wave.

If a flicker of recognition lights up within you, if you find yourself nodding in silent agreement, or if the words within this book ignite joy in anyway, why keep it to yourself?

Your review isn't merely feedback; it's a signal, lighting up the night sky, guiding others on their own quests for meaning and healing.

Thank you for joining this adventure, for unraveling the essence of my story, and for considering the idea of leaving your own, distinctive mark by leaving a review at the retailer of your choice.

Your voice, your viewpoint, is invaluable.

Together, we're not just leafing through a set of pages; we're beginning on a journey of growth, rebellion, and the hint of hope for brighter days just over the horizon.

See you on the inside.

1. If you wish to connect with like-minded individuals, or if you're simply curious to learn more, you’re invited to join our community. Visit RyanPuusaari.com to connect and discover how you can be part of this thriving group that finds joy and support in our shared daily messages.

Word on the Street

"I don't know if you get these texts.

I'm too old and out of the loop to figure out websites and whatever you said we needed to do to let you know what these texts mean to us. So I'll say it here, knowing you probably won't even see it. But I'll have said it.

They saved my life.

They save my life every day. Every fcking day. Thank you."

"Thank you!!! love the positivity you spread!

The world needs people like you more than ever!!"

It's crazy how you know exactly what I'm thinking about when you send these texts.

Btw. Thank you for these. Every day..I know u may not understand… but most the time they come at the perfect time.

maybe all I needed to make it one more day... thank you

"I really needed this right now.

Thank you. you just saved my life I'm serious"

Thank you!!! I love the positivity you spread! The world needs people like you more than ever!!

You're an amazing person! Thank you for texting me everyday Ryan!! Makes me realize I can make it everyday and that means so much to me—thank you

You enlighten my soul everyday just being you, your journey really hits a special place with me!! You have made me realize I can do this, it won't be easy, but i can do it. Thank you for each and everything you do Ryan i really do appreciate you

I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart Ryan for these daily text messages. You have absolutely no idea how much they have meant to me and how much they have helped me. Even on my darkest day I smile when they come through.

Thank you. These messages have been life saving in such a dark place.

I appreciate you and your daily texts more then I can even put into words. Some days I feel invisible as a single mother with two jobs ad then I get your messages and I smile.

Honestly, these little daily messages are something I look forward to. I know it can be difficult if you're not feeling amazing yourself, so I want to let you know that I am grateful to share spins with you on this planet.

You give hope in a world that has given up on hope.

The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.

—Carl R. Rogers, On Becoming a Person (1961)

Embrace your hot mess and watch it transform into a masterpiece. Acceptance is the first step to fabulousness!

Contents

Purpose and Expectations

Introduction

1.In the Beginning

2.Blessings in Disguise

3.Vulnerability Ventures

4.Desolation to Hope

5.Behind the Veil

6.A World of Words

7.Deepening Dialogues

8.Planting Seeds

9.Lasting Reflections

10.This is the End

11.Me, Myself, and I

12.Scars to Stars

13.Now and Zen

14.Bouncing Back

15.Crown Thyself

16.Serenity Spectrum

17.Hearts Aflame

18.Lens Shift

19.Joy's Recipe

20.Valor Vignettes

21.Turning Pages

22.Inner Pleas

23.Lines in the Sand

24.Shadow's Lessons

25.Social Fabric

26.Olive Branches

27.Action Avenues

28.Mirror Maze

29.Dawn's Promise

30.True North

Change

Final Thoughts

Acknowledgements

Afterword

About the Author

Your Opinion Matters

Together

Don't Miss Out

Purpose and Expectations

A Glimpse into Healing Thoughts

Welcome to Healing Thoughts . This is more than a book. It's a journey in words. A blend of experiences, emotions, and insights. Crafted to comfort and guide.

It connects you with your inner world. An exploration of finding yourself.

Purpose of This Book

This book shares the beginning of my story—from deep despair to healing. It turns tough challenges into strength and wisdom.

Here's what it offers:

Comfort: Words that will touch your heart—bringing understanding in hard times.

Healing Inspiration: My story serving as a reflection for anyone healing from their past.

Self-Discovery: The opportunity to explore your own story—understanding your darkness and your light.

Connection: It highlights our shared human experiences and connection.

What to Expect

Inside Healing Thoughts you'll find:

Personal Stories: Insights into my own life. From initial childhood struggles to finding my path after hitting rock bottom.

Inspirational Quotes: Powerful quotes from my daily text's community. ¹ Each comes with reflections for deeper insight.

Community Voices: Stories from our daily text community—showcasing diverse journeys of healing.

Practical Guidance: Insights for coping and growing—please note though: this is a companion for your journey, not a therapy replacement.

Healing Thoughts invites you on an adventure.

It's about overcoming your struggles and finding your light. It connects you with others on similar paths.

Within these pages, you will find words that resonate and inspire.

Welcome this journey of healing and self-discovery.

Open your heart and mind.

Let Healing Thoughts guide you to inner peace and renewed strength.

1. Ryan shares daily messages of hope and healing with a community across the USA and Canada, offering inspiration and support through each text. To discover more about this heartfelt service, explore RyanPuusaari.com.

Introduction

Alone in my car, homeless, I managed to stumble upon a spark of hope. In these moments of introspection, I laid the groundwork for Healing Thoughts—a journey that transformed me from a state of despair to becoming a symbol of determination for many.

This story isn't about my personal growth—it is about the connections we all share and the indomitable spirit within each of us. This book is a testament to transitioning from feelings of isolation to standing united as a community bonded in solidarity.

It signifies stepping out of darkness and into the brightness of unity.

I am so happy that you found these pages.

There is a surreal sense of excitement in the air as I think about our two souls being able to connect through time and space, no matter where you are or even when you are. There is such satisfaction in knowing that our paths can cross through the power of the written word.

As I try to imagine the hands these pages will find themselves in, it almost feels magical. The realization that we can share this moment—just me and you.

But before we get too intimate here, I should properly introduce myself—

Hi. I'm Ryan Puusaari.

This book is more than my story. It's an exploration of healing, hope, and growth for every person who finds comfort in my texts.

It's our shared story, a blend of all our voices.

My life was tough—a broken home, childhood neglect, drug addition, poverty and countless betrayals. The breaking point was an affair that shattered my heart. It left me homeless and alone in my car. There, under the moon, I released my frustrations into my journal. Each word was a step toward healing.

Within those pages, I found strength I didn't know I had.

The daily text community ¹ was conceived on those lonely nights.

Inspired by my once-busy phone, now in a constant state of silence, I began to ask myself…

Why do I even have this thing?

I knew there must be others out there who felt the same way.

Knowing the comfort a simple message could bring, I wanted to reach out to them.

So, I began sending daily messages.

They were filled with hope and empathy. Each message was a light in the darkness—an offer of comfort and understanding.

The responses were incredible!

Every reply showed our shared struggles, our search for meaning, and our need for connection. People from all walks of life responded, sharing their stories and finding hope in my words.

What began as a thought quickly turned into a community. We became a family, not through blood but through healing and sharing.

This book is more than just quotes—it's a Pandora's box of possibilities.

One where we explore life's ups and downs, the lessons learned along the way, and offer support for those going through challenging times.

The first ten chapters act as a brief introduction to my story.

They cover my initial struggles during childhood, my awakening in my mid-30s after my life fell apart, and how this book came to be. You'll read about how and why I started a daily text community, ventured onto TikTok, and began creating journals. 

This isn't just a chronicle of some life events.

This is about change. 

It shows how we can grow and rise once we genuinely decide to.

Where my story ends, the heart of the book begins. 

The following twenty chapters bring you quotes, reflections, and thoughtful questions.

These aren't just simple messages. These are deep thoughts that have significantly moved people in our community. They've sparked reflection and helped us to understand ourselves better.

Each one is a guide and a reminder. We're all in this together.

As you read through these pages, remember that you're not alone. You are part of a community that cares.

That understands. 

We're all searching for acceptance.

Healing Thoughts is more than words. It's your companion in tough times.

It's hope for when you're feeling down.

This book shows that there's a promise of light and comfort even in the darkness.

1. Ryan sends out daily text messages filled with hope and healing to a community across Canada and the USA. To learn more about this inspiring service, visit RyanPuusaari.com.

In the Beginning

Early Life and Background

The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.

—Maya Angelou, All God's Children Need Traveling Shoes (1986)

Iwas born into a world that was far different from the carefree childhoods we often imagine. My earliest memories revolve around living in a small apartment dominated by my father's absent presence. His focus was divided between work and alcohol, leading to an unreliable demeanor.

The environment I grew up in was more about-facing challenges than enjoying life.

Being an only child left me feeling isolated within the walls of our home. ¹ The air was filled with a heaviness from words unspoken. What should have been a cheerful household, instead became an observer of my father's frustrations and the silence that followed his outbursts. The walls, adorned with his tobacco stains alongside my unwelcomed crayon drawings, reflected this neglect—representing the solitude and unease that characterized my days.

Tension lingered, constantly casting an unpleasant atmosphere over every corner of our home. It affected me deeply, reminding me to tread lightly at all times. I would move cautiously, pretending that I was a ninja or cat, gliding silently through our apartment with precision. This wasn't merely a child at play; it had become my way of self-preservation—a desperate attempt to avoid disrupting the fragile peace that hung precariously in the balance. ²

Loneliness and the feeling of being unwanted is the most terrible poverty.

- Mother Teresa, Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speech, 1979

Loneliness became a companion never far from my side. ³

The quietness in our apartment wasn't the comforting kind; it felt like an emptiness, lacking connection and warmth. The dining table, meant for family gatherings, instead highlighted our disconnection. ⁴ I often dined alone—my dad, would be occasionally present there but lost in his own troubles.

At night, the house took on a different persona. The shadows stretched longer and darker, reflecting the loneliness I experienced. My tiny room, with one small window nestled in a corner, became my sanctuary. Surrounded by books and drawings, I found refuge in my imagination—creating worlds and sketching visions of a future for my father and I that was far different than our current reality.

These activities weren't simple pastimes, they were my escape—a place where I felt secure. ⁵

A World Beyond the Walls

My school, supposed to be a place of fun and learning—quickly turned out to be another environment I didn't feel safe in.

At the age of six, a time when I should have been enjoying first-grade adventures—I instead found myself face-to-face with some pretty nasty bullying from my fellow classmates. ⁶

The classroom, which at first felt lively, decorated with bright posters and cheerful alphabet displays, now felt cold and unwelcoming. The neatly arranged desks only emphasized the loneliness I felt. Instead of the joyous atmosphere it should have had, school filled me with fear. The playground, meant for fun under the sun, only brought me worry and dread.

Every school day seemed more like a challenge than an escape from home. In place of playful yelling and laughter, I faced mean comments and teasing from the other children. The bullying at school added to the struggles I faced at home, making me feel vulnerable wherever I went. ⁷

Then came the day that changed everything for me—confirming all my fears in a single moment.

The Day That Solidified My Reclusiveness

Trauma creates change you don't choose. Healing is about creating change you do choose.

—Michelle Rosenthal, Heal Your PTSD (2015)

The school bell rang, signaling the arrival of Halloween festivities. Laughter echoed through the halls as children in costumes paraded around, bringing an air of excitement. The walls decorated with hand-crafted pumpkins and ghosts added to the atmosphere.

Dressed in a devilish costume sporting a red cape, horns and a plastic pitchfork, I joined in the fun alongside my peers.

The schoolyard transformed into a sea of colors as superheroes and monsters came to life through the lens of childhood imagination. The scent of candy danced through the air, mingling with the sounds of laughter that hinted at a day filled with amusement.

However, among the cheerfulness a dark undercurrent was beginning to rise to the surface.

As I walked through the schoolyard, my eyes made contact with a familiar group—the tormentors who had been making my school days unbearable. Their faces light up with excitement when they saw me, but it was not the kind that matched the days energy—there was a malevolent gleam that flickered in their eyes as they fixed their gaze on me with predatory intent. ⁸

A shiver ran down my spine as they stepped towards me, overshadowing the jovial sounds around us. Tension hung heavy in the air, intensifying my escalating anxiety and causing the decorations to blend into a blur as my heart began to pound erratically. Paralyzed by fear and the feeling of vulnerability, what started as a day brimming with excitement morphed into one fraught with apprehension in a matter of seconds.

As they approached me, reality sank in.

I found myself in a situation that was a far cry from the normally playful tricks and treats of Halloween. I was on the brink of a sentencing without trail that would forever test my beliefs about relationships and trust.

Then without warning, one of the boys clenched his hand.

Time seemed to slow down as his fist came towards me—each millisecond feeling like an eternity. Then the punch landed. The impact was jarring. The pain that followed matched the hostility in his eyes.

My body surrendered to the force of the blow, and I collapsed to the ground.

The world spun around me as I tried to make sense of what had transpired. While lying there shook and hurt, they continued their assault.

A storm of kicks descended upon me.

Their laughter was icy and heartless. The pain was excruciating.

But it was the sense of helplessness in that moment that truly shook me.

This wasn't a game; it had turned into a violent ordeal—a stark lesson in the cruelty lurking within others. ⁹

Then, in a final act of horror, one of the boys grabbed my plastic pitchfork from the ground. Our gazes met briefly as he lifted the pitchfork above his head. In that instant, a sinister darkness manifested before me—seemingly transcending our years. A wicked grin spread across his face as he brought down the pitchfork, striking my eye with precision. My sight blurred into swirling shades of red and black, a pool of blood forming around me. Shock and disbelief washed over me as I struggled to comprehend the horror. My reality had become a nightmare—one I couldn't escape from. Desperate cries for help pierced the air as fear gripped my heart with the thought of losing my sight.

This harrowing moment shattered my world violently, leaving me feeling exposed and defenseless. It drove me deeper into isolation, constructing walls around my soul to shield myself from pain. ¹⁰

From that day on, opening up to others would forever be a chore—entering my life would no longer be an easy task.

I transformed myself into a figure cloaked in an aura of unapproachability, masking my vulnerabilities in a desperate attempt to protect myself from further suffering. ¹¹

The Formation of Shadows

My early years were quite challenging. Those experiences, filled with obstacles, deeply influenced me. There are so many more I could share but that's not the point of this book. You can always read more in my newsletter, at HealingThoughts.com.

We cannot change anything unless we accept it. Condemnation does not liberate, it oppresses.

-Carl Jung, Modern Man in Search of a Soul (1933)

Reflecting on the past, I now realize how I used defense mechanisms such as repression, denial, and projection to shield myself from pain. ¹² However, this approach also led to shadows masking my emotions. These unresolved shadows impacted my relationships and decisions, often resulting in difficulties and self-destructive behavior. ¹³

The neighborhood where I spent my childhood played a role in shaping who I am.

It was a place where the harsh realities of life were starkly evident. Showing vulnerability was considered a weakness, so I learned to conceal my feelings and put on a façade to blend in. This became my survival strategy within the street culture. ¹⁴

It influenced my inner world as well. Juggling between staying true to myself and meeting others' expectations proved challenging. ¹⁵

These childhood issues persisted unnoticed, causing me to repeat patterns throughout my life. It wasn't until my mid-thirties, when my life fell apart, leaving me homeless, that I finally woke up to these tendencies. It was then, that all of my pain and problems would be abruptly forced to the surface—leaving me with no choice but to face these long-ignored emotional challenges. ¹⁶

1. Being an only child or experiencing isolation in childhood can have long-term effects on social development and mental health. See: Polit, D. F., & Falbo, T. (1987). Only children and personality development: A quantitative review. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 49(2), 309-325.

2. Emotional neglect in childhood can lead to difficulties in forming secure attachments and managing emotions in adulthood. See: Webb, N. B. (2007). The impact of trauma on child development. In N. B. Webb (Ed.), Working with traumatized youth in child welfare (pp. 21-36). Guilford Press.

3. The lack of family connection and warmth can contribute to feelings of loneliness and emotional distress. See: Repetti, R. L., Taylor, S. E., & Seeman, T. E. (2002). Risky families: Family social environments and the mental and physical health of offspring. Psychological Bulletin, 128(2), 330-366.

4. Children of alcoholics often face unique challenges, including an increased risk of developing emotional problems and substance abuse issues later in life. See: Kelley, M. L., & Fals-Stewart, W. (2002). Children of alcoholics: The impact of parental substance abuse on psychosocial development. Substance Use & Misuse, 37(11), 1429-1448.

5. For children facing adversity, imagination and creative activities can serve as important coping mechanisms. See: Singer, J. L., & Singer, D. G. (1990). The house of make-believe: Children's play and the developing imagination. Harvard University Press.

6. Bullying in early childhood can have significant impacts on mental health and social development. See: Arseneault, L., Bowes, L., & Shakoor, S. (2010). Bullying victimization in youths and mental health problems: 'Much ado about nothing'? Psychological Medicine, 40(5), 717-729.

7. The