"We rise not despite our struggles, but because of them."

In This Is How I Rise: Fragments of Loss, Survival, and Self, Dr. Julia Knach presents a profoundly moving collection of poetry that traces the path from pain to healing, from heartbreak to hope. Each poem is a fragment of resilience-an intimate reflection born out of personal hardship, transformation, and the unyielding strength of the human spirit.

Written during one of the most turbulent seasons of her life, Dr. Knach's poems explore the depths of grief, loss, and self-discovery with unflinching honesty. Yet, woven through every verse is an undercurrent of renewal-a quiet reminder that healing is not linear, but deeply personal and beautifully human.

What makes This Is How I Rise stand apart is its innovative integration of poetry and therapeutic art. Each poem is accompanied by sand tray prompts and personal sand tray builds, inviting readers to engage in their own reflective process. Through this creative and tactile approach, the collection becomes more than a reading experience-it becomes an act of self-exploration and emotional restoration.

Visually powerful and emotionally resonant, Dr. Knach's use of sand tray imagery transforms the pages into a safe space for contemplation, growth, and empowerment. Readers are encouraged to not only witness the author's journey, but to embark on their own-exploring the depths of their emotions, finding meaning in their experiences, and ultimately discovering their own way to rise.

Blending poetry, art therapy, and mindfulness, This Is How I Rise is a holistic invitation to heal through creativity. It speaks to anyone navigating grief, trauma, or transition-and to those simply seeking connection with the raw, authentic moments that define what it means to be human.

A testament to the resilience of the heart and the transformative power of art, This Is How I Rise is more than a book-it's a companion for anyone ready to begin again.