Why I wrote “How I Learned to Pee in the Forest”

These days, when my walks take me into the forest, there is a pretty good chance that I will need to pee.

I am delighted and proud to share that when this happens, not a drop of sweat has fallen from stress or panic. As a matter of fact, I am as calm as a yogi. All I have to do is look around and make sure that the coast is clear. When it’s completely quiet, I lower my pants or shorts and relieve myself quickly.

Damn, I’m so good at peeing in the forest; however, I was not always like that.

And that’s why I wrote the book How I Learned to Pee in The Forest and other light-hearted stories with life-changing lessons.

When I was 18 years old and I was hiking in Israel, for the first time, I was faced with no bathroom facilities. My friends were relieving themselves as easily as they were passing the saltshaker at dinner. I looked on in awe as if they were able to lift themselves off the ground and fly. How did you? Where did you? What is going on here?

Sure, I went camping before, but the campsites that I stayed at provided plumbing of some kind. Even a heavily floral scented outhouse that was almost bearable. While panic enveloped me, the drops of sweat were taking center stage. There was no yogi feeling whatsoever. I don’t think I even knew what a yogi was at the time!

I tried to pee in the forest.

I tried and I tried.

But it didn’t work.

I decided to ask for help.

I walked over to my counsellor and told her I was having trouble. With the right words and the gentle temperament that she had, I finally emptied my bladder.

This true story is one example of the lessons that I accumulated throughout my life so far. I’m 55 and my goodness, have there been stumbling blocks laid before me, as I believe the rest of the world has experienced too.

And we need to read about them and talk about them.

Major life changes such as illness, loss and monumental success stories have their special place on the bookshelf, but what about the everyday situations that may be viewed as small, but are life-changing?

Such as…

The co-worker that ignores you, for reasons that you can’t seem you understand, until she sees a film that you are connected to, which leads to breaking down a barrier.

The dry cleaner that misplaces your favourite sweater and claims they never lose items, then realizes they’re not infallible after you calmly explain to them that they are human.

The shop owner that ignores you, but after a little bit of patience and kindness, she comes around and not only helps you but delivers more than you expected.

How I Learned to Pee in the Forest shares 18 short stories that are relatable, authentic and will make you feel that you are not alone as you go through life and all its messy, but beautiful challenges.

But I couldn’t write this book alone, because it’s not only about me.

After each short story, there is a contributor, who has shared their perspective on what I wrote and additionally shared their sage advice.

For instance, Leora Barak has contributed to chapter 8. The short story of How I learned to Pee in The Forest.

Being a holistic nutritionist, Leora Barak understood the stress my body was under, forbidding me to pee, even though my bladder was about to burst. On a personal note, the story reminded Leora of when she was a young girl starting kindergarten. She remembered that her teacher was so kind and patient, that it made the transition of leaving her mother a little less painful.

Many are a pro at peeing in the forest, but I bet there is something that has been, or may presently be a challenge to face. Reading a narrative like this, (along with the 17 other ones) may encourage reflection and to encouragement to seek help. Nobody must go through the hard stuff on their own.

Lastly, before the next chapter begins, there is an Exercise Snack, which is a short gentle exercise that takes a few minutes. I paired these exercises to follow each story I wrote, that will make the narrative more meaningful and promote relaxation.

I wrote How I Learned to Pee in the Forest because I want readers to be able to reflect on the stories I wrote. To feel acknowledged, heard and a little relieved because they are not alone while they face everyday challenges. Stories like these may not seem like a big deal, but they are.

And when you read them, you’ll get it.