I’m Lisa Duchene, a writer who created this growing collection of my stories for fellow seekers of peace.

My ongoing search for wholeness, healing and peace is at the core of the love stories you’ll find here. 

Earlier in my writing life, I sought and reported truth as a news and magazine feature journalist and editor. My quest for truth continues — just in a different style and format — I write these stories to discover and share truths about what I’m learning in my own search for peace. To learn more about my magazine feature writing and about my communications services company, Polished Oak Communications in central Pa., please visit lisaduchene.com

All families are complicated

I’m a tender yet resilient woman who grew up within a complicated family.

Aren’t all families complicated?!

No matter how you think of family — biological, family-of-origin, our cherished “family of choice” friendships, our communities, our country or even our whole world … complicated.

In my 20s, before I found a family of my own, I found healing in the wild places — the rugged Maine coastline, the forests and mountaintops.

Later, Thanksgiving in February, my core personal story demanded to be written. I could not write any other personal essays until I wrote and shared that story.

The story is about finding peace with my dad and sharing a peaceful, magical makeup Thanksgiving dinner with our broken family smack-dab in the middle of February.

I’ve re-written it too many times to count, over the last 10 years. I told it from the TEDxPSU stage in February, 2019. A new version launched here in November, 2021.

Tell Your Story

This story …

Well, it comes from my bones. It’s the most painful, twisty-est part of me. And it’s interwoven with so many themes: Gratitude, peace, estrangement, family, gathering, healing, hope, second chances, connection, fathers & daughters, reconciliation — and love.

It holds many messages for me, and they are all messages worth sharing.

But here’s the coolest thing that happened: The more I told the story, the less power the painful parts had over me.

So — tell your story. It doesn’t have to be public. Tell your friends. Tell your family. Tell it in your private journal. Tell your dog. Tell your stories.

Trading stories is how we live fully and make meaning of this life.

Then, I kept going with these personal stories, enjoying the discovery of writing and the comfort in connection.

I hope you enjoy them, and that they give you some inspiration for your own journey. Borrowing a beloved quote from my husband’s ancestors: “My peace I give unto you.”

All my best,

Lisa

P.S. I’d love to hear from you. Please leave a comment or send me a message. Connect in whichever way suits you!

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