living out loud: table of contents
A collection of stories, lessons, and moments that made me, well… me.
Welcome to Living Out Loud—where things get raw, a little wild, and weirdly beautiful. This isn’t some polished highlight reel.
Nope.
It’s more like stumbling through the wins, wiping out on the losses, and tripping over lessons you never saw coming—until, bam, they hit you right in the gut.
These stories are chaotic, unplanned, and packed with the stuff that makes life interesting. You’ll find the mess, the moments that broke me wide open, the joy that snuck in between cracks, and all the hard truths that smacked me sideways.
Growth isn’t gentle, and neither are these pages.
This isn’t a guidebook.
It’s not some self-help checklist or Instagram wisdom wrapped in a neat bow.
It’s just life. Lived. Written out loud.
And if any of these stories feel familiar…
Well, maybe we’re both right where we need to be.
Skim it, savor it, sit with it. Take what lands, leave the rest.
This is Living Out Loud—messy, unfiltered, and always a work in progress.
Scroll down to explore each chapter. Your story might just begin somewhere in mine.
an introduction to my story—We aren’t shaped by what breaks us, but by how we choose to rebuild.
discipline, damage, and defiance—Some gifts are wrapped in trauma. Unpacking them is the real work.
where bullet casings and dreams collide—It’s not the weight of the past that drags you down—it’s how long you hold on to it.
hollow wallets, heavy hearts—Sometimes, it’s not the lack of money that breaks you—it’s the absence of something to hold on to.
the devil in the schoolyard—The world is full of wolves, but when you learn to survive, you stop being their prey.
the weight of an empty home—Sometimes, it’s not the silence that’s deafening—it’s the absence of the ones we wish were there.
the betrayal behind closed doors—Home isn’t four walls; it’s where love lives. Without that, it’s just a well-decorated cage.
the long road to myself—Getting lost is just part of finding the version of yourself that’s worth knowing.
letting go of yesterday—Memories don’t vanish, but they soften—like jagged glass turned smooth by the tide.
every scar a story, every step a choice—There’s strength in letting go—but more in deciding what’s worth holding onto.
roots, rivers, and second chances—In the stillness of the trees, I found a louder truth—one that didn’t need words to speak.
the weight i carried, the fear i faced—I thought surviving meant staying small. Turns out, it means showing up, fear and all.
pixels, pages, and pieces of me—Expression is less about making sense and more about making space.
the shadow that shaped me—Found my shadow self. He’s messy, complicated, and unapologetically hanging out. Guess I better set him a place at the table.
tear-streaked pages, soulful reflections—The best conversations happen between you, your thoughts, and a blank page.
the art of healing, one stroke at a time—Not every battle is loud. Some victories are silent—like getting out of bed on a hard day.
leaves fall, pain fades, and we rise—Turns out, some ghosts aren’t here to haunt—they’re just waiting for a proper goodbye.
anchor in the present, dream for tomorrow—Some mornings, I rise with the sun. Other mornings, I negotiate with it.
waves, winds, and what comes next—Change doesn’t knock—it kicks the door wide open, drags you outside, and dares you to dance in the rain.
Life doesn’t wrap up in neat little bows. Neither does this series.
Living Out Loud is still happening—moment by moment, curveball by curveball.
Maybe these words will linger. Maybe they’ll hit you sideways one random Tuesday morning or sneak into your thoughts on a restless night.
And when you find yourself off course—because you will—just remember: the messy middle is where the good stuff brews.
Growth isn’t a smooth climb; it’s jagged, weird, and unpredictable. But moving, no matter how wobbly, is still progress. And that’s the beauty of it.
If something here sparked an idea, gave you a chuckle, or reminded you that you’re not as alone as you thought—then, yeah, it was worth the ride.
This isn’t just a look-back. It’s an open door. A nudge to sit with your own messy, wild story. No secret formula. No “right” way to do life. Just ways to show up. Fully. Loudly. Imperfectly.
Thanks for sticking with me through this tangled ride.
Catch you when the next chapter hits.
Whenever, wherever.
Until then—keep going. Keep growing.
And don’t be afraid to make a little noise along the way.
—Ryan Puusaari
P.S. Your time and engagement with this edition mean a lot. Every reader adds value to our journey together. Thank you for being here!
P.P.S. "Broken doesn’t mean finished—it just means there’s more story to tell."
Healing Thoughts — A Journey of Reflection, Poetry, and Healing, Made Possible by You
Healing Thoughts isn’t just another book—it’s a living, breathing collection of reflections, inspiring quotes, and poetry, all pulled from the heart of this community.
Through the highs and lows, the moments of growth and vulnerability, your support made this book a reality.
Each page is a step toward healing, filled with wisdom, introspection, and emotional insight to guide you on your personal journey.
This book is more than just words—it’s our story.
Before You Go
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