WOW: Words Out in the World

There are moments that don’t quite land all at once. This is one of those.

It’s like piecing together a puzzle slowly, over time and then one day, stepping back and realizing something has come together in a way you couldn’t fully see while you were in it.

Imagine this: what began as an idea, my BFF Deb and I were going to co-write by sharing our experiences of leaving the systems we once knew—evolved. Life took each of our focus and energies onto different paths, but our friendship remained steady and strong. The story became mine to tell, a story I chose to stand inside of and share.

Much like my healing journey, the path from idea to my first in-person book launch was anything but linear. My creative side embraced the process, while my emotional side… well, it was decidedly excited as the moment approached. (that’s a neuroscience reframe.)

I never imagined that Velcro Kisses would hit #2 on Amazon in Canadian memoirs in its first week! And I certainly didn’t imagine that a book exploring prophecy, trauma bonds, and reclaiming narrative would carry such joyful, connected, even fun energy at its first launch. But it did!

I’ve learned this: strength is found in living fully, boldly, and unapologetically as MYSELF.

We hear phrases like “be yourself—everyone else is taken,” but they rarely come with a roadmap. But the truth is, strength comes from showing up fully, even when it feels vulnerable. Thinking about this weekend, one thought came to me, and it was:

'It’s time for shame to come out of the closet'.

Safely—not in a way that feels heavy or exposing, but in a way that makes room for healing. To be seen. To be witnessed. Because healing doesn’t happen in isolation, it happens through safe people and safe relationships.

“Rarely, if ever, are any of us healed in isolation. Healing is an act of communion.” – bell hooks

So, I ask you—do you know who your safe people are? If not, then let’s talk about that.

These are mine. Each of these woman at my live book launch supported me in different ways through the last 3 years of writing my story. And the picture of the 3 of us? Well to the left is Susan BFF of 20+ years and the right that's Deb BFF 30+ years. I treasure this!

my Instagram post after my live book launch March 21st

To those curious about my story, I invite you to read it. And I invite you to continue with me as I take the Tidbits from the book and follow them into Threads—ongoing reflections as I continue reclaiming my narrative.

I’m learning as I go: new platforms, new ways of sharing, new ways of connecting. My hope is to build an ongoing conversation through Tidbits to Threads. (coming soon)

There is more to say. More to explore. Many more threads to follow…For now, I’m allowing myself to pause—to acknowledge this moment for what it is.

WOW.