The BOOK: The BOOK: Things Left Unsaid Before Things Left Unsaid Before I

Do: The Diary of Gloria I Do: The Diary of Gloria

AAde-Gold de-Gold

PAJE: Now, this book, from its very title, definitely prepares the reader for an interesting journey ahead - with YOU. Thank you for your bravery and willingness to let epople into your inner thoughts so that we can learn lessons that are absolutely necessary to learn. Now, as we get to know you, The Author, how would you say your journey with God has been?

GLORIA: My journey with the Lord has been very interesting. lol. I have learnt to trust him wholeheartedly even through the toughest situations and even though it can be hard, he is my only source. It isn't always the best but I try my very best to be where he wants me to be.

PAJE: Got you, got you. So, as you've grown under His guidance, what are 5 things about you that people wouldn't readily know?

GLORIA:

I am more introverted than extroverted. I love watching documentaries.

I am Nigerian.

I listen to more worship music than Gospel Dancehall.

I love very Hard.

PAJE: Now, this book can quickly be taken out simply by the title based on a lot of the narrativ mainstream media has pushed over the year. Di any fear of publishing this book, noting that it re about your very personal experience?

GLORIA: Fear? No. I just wanted it to be noted from my point of view and this book was not hurt the other person as I also, made my mistakes.

The format of the book is written in a forgiving mature voice than even when I began writing longer angry or resentful, I understood who whom Christ has called me to be.

I got married young and even though I thou prepared some things transpired that turne upside down and I decided to start writing a these events. In my mind, No one told me any o was in i shock lol!

I went into a marriage expecting the other "complete me" and make me happy. This impac began losing myself and my self-esteem. You The other person only adds to you.

This alone was unfair to the other person an problems that could have never been fixed, s learn to love myself enough to leave.

PAJE: Wow! So, then, how long did it take you to write the book (though a lot of it was written already), and how did you know it was 'finished' and ready to be released?

GLORIA: It took me 8 years to write the book because I had to overcome what I was going through before I could conclude.

I knew it was truly complete when I wrote about forgiveness and had forgiven. I knew what I needed not wanted and I knew how to love myself intentionally. What profit would it be to stay single because I was hurt? I know I deserve to be loved how God intended and I knew I could reciprocate it to someone else.

[An interesting fact is that...] My initial thought was not a book. I normally have journals from my childhood growing up but during the process of writing, I decided that, from my experience, we do not have people around us that "enlighten our darkness on certain issues", and I thought that I can help to shed some light on some factors and help others who are struggling.

[So, in writing the book and structuring it in the way I did...] Some Key takeaways are:

1. You are Not alone.

2. Forgive yourself.

3. Choose your battles wisely.

4. You are enough.

PAJE: Now, you've clearly shared about your courage to end a tumultuous marriage and the fact that God gave you the release. But what would you say to other persons who are currently stuck in marriages that are destroying them but they're afraid to leave because of what their community or the church would say?

GLORIA: This is only between You and God. No one fully understands what you are going through, because they do not live with you.

Do all that you can to ensure you are working on the marriage daily and seek Good Counsel, not from single friends or ones who won't have your best interest at heart. Marriage is always work but if it becomes abusive, speak to God and make your decision from there.

PAJE: Solid. So, real quick - would you say this book is only for women or can men read it, too?

GLORIA: No, this book is also for men who want to understand, from a woman's perspective, what may be happening to their partner and he himself can read to understand how vastly different men are from women [and how to maneuver that with his wife].

PAJE: We're closing out what has been a really thought-provoking conversation. As a quick lil fact check, we realize that you're no longer living in Jamaica. So, we wanted to know... what are 5 things that you love most about Jamaica?

GLORIA: Five things I love are:

The Food

The Beaches

The Culture

Vacation Spots

The Music

PAJE: Gloria, thanks again for sitting with us and being so open about your journey! Is there anything else that you'd like to say to the PAJE Fam?

GLORIA: Only God defines who you are. Do not get stuck in trying to fit into someones life that you stop walking in your purpose. Lastly, Love yourself immensely [and remember to] let Jesus be the center of Every relationship you are in and choose Joy over everything else.