Chaos In My Head • Book One

Surviving Divorce And Moving Forward

A deeply personal collection of poems exploring heartbreak, loss, self-discovery and the courage required to begin again.

Written by Cristie Schwan

★★★★★44 Five-Star Amazon Reviews →

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Sometimes moving forward begins by finally giving every difficult emotion a voice.

About the Book

The Emotions of Divorce. The Work of Moving Forward.

This book explores the wide range of emotions that come with going through a divorce and trying to move forward.

It speaks honestly about the people you thought were your friends, the painful loss of friendships, moments of hopelessness, saying goodbye, learning about yourself and the possibility of new beginnings.

Through personal poetry and reflection, Cristie Schwan captures the chaotic, non-linear experience of leaving an abusive relationship, processing divorce and gradually reclaiming her identity, strength and hope.

Inside the Poetry

Words for What Is Hard to Explain

The collection explores both the visible end of a marriage and the private emotional losses, realizations and breakthroughs that follow.

Walking on Eggshells

The confusion, fear and exhaustion of living around toxic or narcissistic behavior.

Saying Goodbye

Facing the end of a marriage while confronting uncertainty, loneliness and emotional change.

Losing Friendships

The secondary heartbreak of losing people and support systems once believed permanent.

Feeling Hopeless

The moments when the future feels unclear and simply making it through the day requires strength.

Learning About Yourself

Rediscovering identity, self-love, gratitude and personal strength beyond the relationship.

New Beginnings

Recognizing that healing can create space for freedom, hope and an entirely new chapter.

The Emotional Journey

From Chaos To the First New Beginning

The poems move through confusion, grief and secondary loss before turning toward self-awareness, renewed strength and the possibility of starting over. They do not present healing as simple or immediate; they offer an honest record of what it can feel like to keep going.

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1Recognizing the chaos

2Grieving what was lost

3Rediscovering your voice

4Finding strength to move forward

Reader Reviews & Praise

44 Five-Star Reviews. One Powerful Connection.

Read authentic feedback from Amazon readers who connected with Cristie’s honesty, vulnerability and message of hope.

    
 
 
       Posted on Amazon  
   
   Kindle Customer 
 
 
 
 Verified It’s for everyone It’s not just for moving past a divorce, it’s for anyone who has experienced trauma and feels stuck. I love the format as well. It’s so easy to just pick up and dive in.
  
 
      Posted on Amazon  
   
   Sherri A. Phillips 
 
 
 
 Verified Wonderful journey of healing Cristie shares her sadness, anger, depression, despair, uncertainty & fear. It’s these folds & creases of dark that illuminate her very bright light. You can see it peeking through as you read each poem. Her description of walking on eggshells resonates with anyone who has navigated a relationship with a narcissist. Her friendship losses familiar. Her strength & determination reassuring. Poems of grief, resilience & growth. What a beautiful way to move forward into each new day.
  
 
      Posted on Amazon  
   
   Lorie Morse 
 
 
 
 Verified Honest, heartbreaking, & full of hope. This is a powerful collection of personal poems that weaves a a story of pain, resilience, and rebirth. While some poems plunge into the darkest corners of emotional torment, they simultaneously light the path towards hope and healing. The journey from an abusive past to a hopeful present is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. The courage to share such intimate moments of her life serves as a beacon for others in similar circumstances, reminding them of the strength within and the promise of brighter days ahead.
  
 
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   Mj 
 
 
 
 Verified Take control This book of poems is therapy! The author’s difficult journey from complete devastation to inner peace is inspiring. The lesson for me…Take control and focus on yourself. You are worthy!
  
 
      Posted on Amazon  
   
   Janeen Hale 
 
 
 
 Verified Healing A very relatable set of pomes of anger, sadness and healing all in one. I highly recommend this read if you have ever gone through a divorce, breakup or betral of a friend. It will bring you a sence of comfort that you can get throught the rough times in your life and have some peace going forward.
  
 
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   Jack 
 
 
 
 Verified Raw, real, & relatable This wonderful collection of poems serves as a reminder that we--as humans--share similar experiences, reactions, and feelings to what life throws our way. For me, this collection was a reminder to always be kind, caring, and gentle to everyone we cross paths with--to help ease the chaos present in all of our minds as we navigate our paths.
  
 
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   Dana C. 
 
 
 
 Verified Poetry brings a voice the chaos and clarity during break-ups. Highly Recommended! Breaking up, divorce, separation from a partner are all difficult life experiences that many go through triggering a kind of grief cycle. While there are many books on death and grieving, there are fewer resources I've found that really capture the pain, processing and pursuit of actively moving on from a romantic relationship like this one. The journey is non-linear, can be full of external and internal chaos, while at the same time posing an opportunity for massive growth through the process. Ms. Schwan's book of poetry really captures the emotional tidal waves in dealing with various aspects of splitting up. I found the poems touching, personal, and provided an encouraging voice to the sometimes rage in my own head. Cathartic. If you are navigating a breakup, I'm sorry. May this poetic artist's work inspire you to find your own voice and greatness beyond the chaos.
  
 
      Posted on Amazon  
   
   Rae 
 
 
 
 Verified Healing is a processHealing is a process I am so happy to receive my books and I purchased more for my friends. After ready a few pages, I can honestly say that I can relate and my friends can't wait to receive their copies. This book has healing powers written all over it!

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Meet the Author

Cristie Schwan

Writing became Cristie’s safe place during one of the most difficult chapters of her life. What began as a private way to process heartbreak, divorce and recovery grew into a deeply personal trilogy created to help others feel understood and less alone.

Read Cristie’s Story

The Chaos In My Head Trilogy

The Journey Starts Here

Book One • Available Now

Surviving Divorce and Moving Forward

The beginning of Cristie’s journey through heartbreak, divorce, self-discovery and starting over.

Book One Details →

Book Two • Coming 2027

The Healing Continues

Reflecting on trauma, understanding recovery and seeing the first signs of life getting better.

Explore Book Two →

Book Three • Release TBD

Life Begins

Leaving the old life behind, finding genuine happiness and creating the life she always wanted.

Explore Book Three →

Begin the Journey Today.

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