Today we’d like to introduce you to Brita Peterson.
Brita, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
When I was in Junior High I wrote my first song, and I spent much of my childhood singing and being creative. Not only did I love music and writing, but growing up I was also an athlete, playing as many sports as I could. I was active and full of energy, pushing my body to the limits.
I grew up, graduated college, in Industrial Design, and have done graphic design for years while I pursued my other passions. I am happily married to an amazing man and fulfilled my dream of becoming a mother to five wonderful children.
In my thirties, I started getting sick and found myself in bed more than I was out of it. Struggling with fatigue and other frustrating symptoms, I went from doctor to doctor getting diagnosed with celiac disease, Hashimoto’s, Lyme disease, a heart defect, and more, I fought for my life as I struggled to find answers to all my health issues, while also battling depression and anxiety.
I am about to publish my first Memoir called “Getting Through Today” a book about my journey with chronic illness and all the trials that came with it. I am excited to share my story and show how I found beauty in being broken while being rebuilt into a stronger version of myself. I am also getting my music out to go along with my book. It is deeper, more personal music that I hope will help others own their story and find hope on their journey.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has definitely not been a smooth road! I had a lot of health issues that kept me in bed feeling bad for a lot of years and interrupted my pursuing my music and books professionally. But I did continue to write while I was feeling down, and music and writing became part of how I coped through life. I struggled with depression which made doing anything pretty difficult. There were many years I felt my life was on pause as I navigated a sick body.
But I continued to get up each day even when it was very hard. Looking back, I wasn’t very nice to myself, feeling like a failure because I couldn’t do all the things I wanted to do. But now that I am starting to feel better, I am more kind to myself and have promised to give myself the grace I have always given others. I am no longer defining myself by what I can do, but instead, by the kind of person I am. It’s a process but I am getting better at accepting where I’m at while also gently pushing forward.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
The music I write, especially the new stuff I will be putting out soon, is meant to lift others. I am most proud of myself for continuing to be creative, even when it was hard to get out of bed every day. I have found that there is beauty in the struggles and I am so proud of myself for being vulnerable enough to share my story.
Writing my book has been a long process of rewrites and multiple edits, creating a story I can be proud to share. Through my journey, I am most proud that I have found hope and healing and I plan to spread as much hope and light to those around me as I possibly can.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I have many cheerleaders in my life, my husband and children who are my biggest supporters. They are constantly listening to my new songs and have read through multiple versions of my book and anything I am writing. They encourage me to continue to pursue my creative passions and I’m so grateful I have them in my life. My parents, siblings, other family members, and a few close friends have also been a huge support to me as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.britapeterson.com
- Instagram: @brita.peterson
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/britapeterson
Image Credits
Alli Reid, and Katie Hill
