“Time to be Me”, by Máire-Rós O’Rahilly
Why did you write this book?
I hope that sharing my story will inspire others as it is a story of growing awareness and full of personal anecdotes that may be helpful to others. I intend to show that there are some things I have learnt which are vital not only for physical and mental health but especially for spiritual growth. I hope everyone understands that it’s particularly important to keep going even when it’s tough (this too will pass), that reaching out for help is not shameful,
that being vulnerable is a strength not a weakness.
What surprised you the most as you researched or wrote it?
As I share the impressions and perceptions that make up my story, paradoxically it feels like this process is assisting me to let it go. Through writing, I came to see many patterns, especially those of fear and anxiety that have been part of my life and I have come to know that self-understanding is exactly that. It cannot be taught by anyone else.
What do you think will surprise readers the most?
I am not sure. I hope that each individual reader will take what they need from reading. Some will balk at the idea that, as souls, we choose every aspect of our lives – including who our parents and family will be, so that we will grow. My training and interest in family constellations work has confirmed this knowing to me. Some readers may be surprised at the truth that despite all these years, I am still working on myself and that my mind is still not tame and I can be fine even if it never is.
I tend to be optimistic and fun-loving when I am with others, but this does not mean I am in denial of the challenges that living in this material world presents. I am articulate and have been told I appear to be self-confident. Paradoxically, the more truthful I can be about my experience in the moment, the easier it all gets. By sharing some of the more difficult feelings I grapple with, the less power they have over me. And this has to be the same for everyone.
What’s the most important lesson or message readers will get from it?
The title “Time to be me” is meant for everyone. It is up to each one to ask “where have I been holding back?”, “how do I long to show up in the world?”, “what makes my heart sing?” “how can I belong?” Personally, I feel now is the time for everyone. The need of the day is to stand up and be present in whatever way resonates and if this seems impossible, then it is time to reach out for help to do so. I would like to think I am leading by example.
Did writing this book change your life in any way?
Yes. Writing this book and being as transparent as I have been is my way of “putting myself out in the world”. It has been five years of completing a project despite internal fears and obstacles. It represents a huge achievement for me and despite the many successes, I would say that this is the one of which I am the most proud.
What do you hope will come from others reading it?
I hope that the people I can assist would be drawn to work with me through my being visible. And personally, that I will be drawn to write another book (after the play! See next question)
What are you working on now?
I have just started a blog and I am continuing my training in family constellations over the next 18 momths. I would love to turn my hand to playwriting.
