If you perform a simple search of #trainwreck on Instagram, like numerous other posts, most of what you see is filtered, edited, and staged. One post is an edited headshot with Kardashian finished lighting and flawlessly applied bright red lipstick captioned: “I think I’m finally ready to tell you about my rollercoaster hot mess life.” 

If she is a hot mess and still looks that put together, then I am really f*cked up.

What you don’t see in the picture grid are the failures, struggles, and imperfections of real life. What is lacking the most is the deep emotions behind these events. Most people aren’t talking about their emotional bags of shit. Even in real life, we wear masks because we want to seem like we have it all together because, if we don’t, we put ourselves at risk to be rejected and unaccepted. We compare ourselves to fake lives and, as a result, feel disconnected. Society is craving authenticity in a world full of veils.

If people see the real me, they will reject me.

Running in Slippers is a story about how Angie plummeted into despair after a failed relationship and the death of her father, taking the reader through the cringe-worthy adventure of misguided attempts to fill the voids. It’s not all dark, because there is humor sprinkled in as well. With the voice of her inner critic constantly barraging her throughout the book, Angie slowly learns to heal and navigate life through a series of mistakes and lessons.

I f*cked up. This is why I don’t deserve to be loved.

We all suffer from childhood trauma, low self-esteem, insecurities, grief, depression, anxiety, anger, and resentment. Most of us feel alone in these struggles, but nobody is talking about it because we are all dissociating with our vices, comparing the real shit that goes on in our lives to an influencer frolicking through a field of sunflowers in her designer dress on a Monday afternoon even though behind the edits she probably goes home and cries on the couch because she feels lonely and not good enough. 

I’m not enough.

The COVID pandemic further increased loneliness and depression. Running in Slippers is part of the new wave of books that explores the emotional struggles of the pandemic. In this continued widespread state of disconnect, people are craving connection. 

Wow, I didn’t know other people felt this way too.

Growing up, having her own voice meant being dismissed and criticized, equaling disconnection from love. Learning to use her voice, Angie has been rejected and on the receiving end of criticism, but despite the obstacles, she now speaks her truth no matter what. By being completely raw, she’s connecting with herself first by being unapologetically authentic and not giving one single f*ck what people think. This connects us with our tribe.

This is who I am. As long as I am living according to my values, I am good enough.

There is a new shift in the collective energy which attracts people who know that there is more to life than the rat race and stuffing their emotions with alcohol, binge-watching television, social media, and other addictions. They want change. They want to be truly awake, experiencing their own version of living authentically, speaking the truth, and being courageous despite fear. Welcome to the Running in Slippers tribe.

What if my book fails?

I am proud of myself for allowing myself to be seen. This book isn’t for everybody, and that’s okay.