Hi friends,
If you’ve been here a long time, you may have noticed that this space has been quiet…really quiet. I haven’t posted regularly since 2021, and I want to take a moment to speak honestly about that.
Life happened. In ways I didn’t plan for, didn’t anticipate, and couldn’t rush through.
The years since 2021 have brought profound changes, including shifts in identity, relationships, health, and direction. There were seasons where survival came first, and creativity, writing, and sharing had to take a back seat. Stepping away wasn’t something I announced at the time, but it was something I needed.
Now, I’m in a different place.
Heart & Stripes was created during one chapter of my life, and that chapter shaped me deeply. But I’ve grown, healed, and changed since then. I’m currently revamping this site so it can reflect who I am now…someone learning how to live after the military, after trauma, after estrangement, and while navigating life as a disabled veteran.
This pause wasn’t a failure. It was a becoming.
Behind the scenes, I’m reworking the direction of the site, updating content, and creating space for more honest conversations about healing from toxic family dynamics, rebuilding identity, and moving forward when life doesn’t look the way you thought it would.
I’ll be back to regular posting soon — not picking up where I left off, but moving forward with intention and clarity.
If you’re still here after all this time, thank you. And if you’re new, welcome. I’m grateful you’re here for what comes next.
XOXO,
Christina 🤍
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