In this deeply personal and research-backed segment, Shahd unveils her upcoming two-part book series focusing on divorce and trauma within collectivist communities. Moving beyond the simplistic advice to "just leave," Shahd delves into the complex realities that make navigating a broken relationship uniquely challenging for those from collective backgrounds.
She explains how the project was born from her academic research and personal observations, revealing a critical gap in resources for women who prioritize family and community expectations over their own well-being. The series is designed to be a vital resource, offering solace and wisdom through the anonymous, shared stories of those who have lived through it.
Key Themes Explored:
The Collectivist Complication: How pressures from family, fear of community judgment, and the prioritization of others' needs create immense barriers to seeking happiness.
"Shattered Vows, Unshattered Women": The first book tackles the experience of betrayal and emotional abuse, and the difficult choice of whether to stay or leave.
A Repository of Lived Experience: The second book will be a collection of anonymous vignettes—a "Chicken Soup for the Soul" for those navigating divorce—featuring stories from those who chose to stay and those who chose to leave.
Beyond "You Should Just Leave": A compassionate look at why leaving is never simple, especially when dealing with narcissistic partners, financial dependence, and concerns for children.
This section is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of mental health, relationships, and cultural identity, and for those seeking to understand the heavy, nuanced work of healing in community.
