Author: joannaalizio

I am reviewing our 42 page divorce agreement. It begins innocently enough with a few gut-punching lines about where we got married, the ages of our children and their birthdays. The first line mentions our anniversary date: Oct. 21, 2012. Surely the agreement had to begin somehow, but why did it have to start with… Continue reading Magnet

Unforeseen circumstances. Irreconcilable differences.  The polite ways to say shit has hit the fan. Every time I have to use and see these words to describe my current situation, it feels true and false at the same time. Were my circumstances really unforeseen? Or did I choose to ignore all of the red flags? Are… Continue reading Irreconcilable differences

Who am I when I’m not a mom?Who am I when I’m not planning the next phase of my life? Who am I? I know what everyone I’ve met has wanted me to be. I sensed it from their subtle and not-so-subtle clues and behaviors, and I morphed into the perfect version of me for… Continue reading Lean in

M is for matriarchy*The antidote to patriarchy. M is for mama.The gentle ruler of our magical kingdom. M is for moments of peace.We’ve been waiting too long for this day. M is for messes.We eat on the carpet. We spill food on our clothes. No one says a word.  M is for music.We take breaks… Continue reading M is for matriarchy

You don’t have to be jealous of me.You just have to be better. Tune in. Slow down. Enter their worlds full of magic and let their stardust fill you up. The less you can be an adult with them the better. Make a fart joke. Dance. Watch their faces carefully when they find magic in… Continue reading An urgent case for stardust

What’ssssss up with all of the snakes in my path lately?If you know anything about me, I’m not one for leaning into signs or symbols from the universe.But, the snake thing is becoming hard to ignore.For about two years now, at least seven snakes have crossed right in front of me while I’m either walking… Continue reading Snakes and overalls

My marriage is in a slow and excruciating path to hell. I am in one of the lowest places of my life. Yesterday I drove to New Hampshire to have a sleep over with my family. I need lots of breaks from my own house, a home currently dripping with negativity. When I arrive I… Continue reading Pure joy

I finished writing my first novel on Tuesday, September 26, 2023. I’ll always remember the date because it is the birthday eve of my very best friend. As a birthday present, I send her my novel. I want her to be the first one in the world to read it. She’s everything to me. I… Continue reading A tale of two best friends and the shadow mermaid

When I received the Miss Manners award in fourth grade, it felt like the highest honor. The proud look on my parents’ faces for having raised me to win such an award made me feel as if I’d brought home a gold medal. There’s no doubt they had raised me to be a good person.… Continue reading Miss Manners

I’m equal parts in shock and proud of myself. My first essay has been published in the Boston Globe. It is a highly personal piece describing in detail just how mean I’ve been to myself over the years and my plan for slowly changing my inner dialogue.  My essay is included in a weekly column… Continue reading Joanna, Morrie, and Henry