Looking for Glitter in the Muck

Caitlin Bangsund

Bonjour, I’m Caitlin

I’m not French, but I dream of going to Paris. And of a world where we find delight even in the hard moments of life. I would like to invite you to meet Marvellous Macey, my daughter. She is the girl I didn’t know I always needed.

Love is dangerous and beautiful. I write to understand it. And to unravel grief and search for hope. I want to encourage you to press on, one tiny step at a time. The tiny steps count.

About

From My Diary To Your Inbox

Someone once told me that I "reek of authenticity." While I'm not quite sure how to patent that fragrance, I can promise you this: I'll be showing up sporadically in your inbox with stories that will make you laugh, cry, and often sigh with relief because you'll think, "She does that too?!" or "Good, I'm not the only one," or even, "She's WAY worse than I am!"

And, always, I'll be the whisper that reminds you just how much the tiny steps DO count.

What Others Say

"I can honestly tell you that when I feel defeated or am struggling through something I think of you and all your family has overcome and I find so much positivity and inspiration. I feel like I should thank you for that - you are simply just a very bright light and as you say in your story - you were meant to have Macey as yours - you were built for it!!!!"

~DD

"Caitlin will be releasing a children's book soon that is not only based on my niece's incredible journey to date, but adds representation that is much needed in children's literature. Teacher and educator friends, you're going to want this in your library.”

~ LC

"Macey is a remarkable girl with a miraculous story.”

~ TH

"Thanks for the inspiration Caitlin. Our family thinks of all of you often and we talk about Macey a lot. Whenever the kids feel like things are too much, I just say, ‘Remember Macey -- if she can be strong, so can you’ and it always pulls them through. She is indeed an inspiration to so many - and as her courageous Mama, by sharing your writing, you help us find our way forward too.”

~SR

Blog

The Shadows Are Better Shared. You Are Not Alone.

by Caitlin Bangsund | Jan 28, 2021

Be Who You Are I hope my writing is encouraging and inspiring. But even more I’d like it to be comforting. We want the voices in our heads to feel ‘normal’ and to know that we are not alone in our fears. It is comforting to hear someone else express something you’re...

11 Treasures of Trial and Trauma ~Glitter in the Muck~

by Caitlin Bangsund | Nov 26, 2020

We need to know ~to remember~ that treasures don’t usually lay on the surface. It is called “treasure hunting” because sometimes they are hard to find. The Grinch couldn’t really steal Christmas because in Whoville it wasn’t about what lay on the surface. Macey’s...

Slashing The Oxymoron “Guilt-Free Mom” 10 Tips At A Time

by Caitlin Bangsund | Oct 6, 2020

(1) Get rid of all the ‘shoulds.’ There are things that need doing, but very little is urgent and the way you are programmed to think of mothering does not need to be the way you actually do it. (2) Comparison helps ... never. If you’re caught in the hamster...