Rising Above: My Story of Overcoming and Getting Published

This Valentine’s Day I received one of the best presents – the hard copy of our book, ‘Rising Above: Stories of Overcoming’. I co-wrote the book with another nine women. We shared our hard stories of overcoming to let others know that they are not alone, and they too, can rise above. 

Read also ‘How to Use Writing as a Healing Tool for Trauma and Pain‘

Writing my chapter, ‘Strength in the Shattered Pieces: Reclaiming Who I Truly Am,’ for the Rising Above book was both a challenging and healing experience.  

It was not just an act of putting words on a paper. It was an act of digging into deep places, places I hadn’t share with many until now. But what I’ve learnt over the years is that healing doesn’t happen by burying the painful parts of our lives. It happens when we have the courage to face them, share them, and let God turn them into something beautiful. 

When I first sat down to share my story, I wasn’t sure where to begin. I had so many doubts running through my mind. Writing a collaborative book meant there were certain questions that I started to ask myself. What if my story isn’t as powerful as the others? What if I am not enough to make a difference? The true is, it’s easy to get caught in the comparison trap. It’s easy to think than everyone else has it all figured out, while questioning if you measure up. 

Another challenge that came up as I wrote was the fear of oversharing. I knew I would be revealing parts of my life that not many people knew about – vulnerable moments, personal experiences… And, honestly, I worried about how people would perceive me once the words were out in the open. Would they understand? Would they judge me? I wondered if other authors and writers have those fears as well. I would welcome your thoughts on this – feel free to share in a comment below or email me, smiley@journeyofsmiley.com.  

But, as I continued writing, I realised something profound. Despite all my doubts, I was so thankful that I took that leap of faith. I’ve learned that each story in this book is meant to find its perfect reader. The right person will pick up this book and read the words that resonate deeply with them, that speak directly to their heart. They will feel like they were written just for them. And for me, that’s enough. I’ve surrendered my worries about what others might think, trusting that whoever needs to hear my story will be drawn to it. The right person will find this story at the right time.  

And as for the whole oversharing concern? Well, I’ve come to terms with that, too. There are still parts of my life that I am not ready to share – and that’s okay. But this story? I knew about the healing power that writing had for me since my accident. Writing has been a form of therapy for me. But sharing my story in the Rising Above book has been freeing in ways I didn’t expect. It has been a reminder that I’m not alone. That I don’t have to carry the weight of my past in silence. And maybe, just maybe, there’s someone out there who needs to hear these words to help them reclaim their own identity. 

I have been working hard on my healing post accident for a while now. However, by writing this chapter I opened up in a way that not only allowed others to see the real me, but it also allowed me to embrace the full depth of who I am today. Someone, who isn’t defined by their trauma, but by resilience and God’s grace, found through my darkest moments. 

Writing my story helped me to understand just how far I’ve come, and how much I’ve grown. It was a reminder that my journey isn’t over yet. There’s still more healing, growth, and joy waiting for me as I continue to walk in the truth of who I really am.

Life has a tendency to test us – to push us to our limits, even break us in ways we never thought possible. I’ve been there. And if you find yourself in a place of pain, confusion, or brokenness, I want to invite you to walk with me through the pages of my chapter ‘Strength in the Shattered Pieces: Reclaiming Who I Truly Am’ in the Rising Above book.

In this deeply personal reflection, I share my own story. One that began with a life-changing accident and led me on a path of pain, self-discovery and healing. There isn’t easy way to avoid trauma, but there is a way through it. And I want to show you how, through the shattered pieces of my life, I uncovered strength I didn’t even know I had.

This book isn’t just a collection of hard real-life stories, it’s an invitation to find your own resilience. In my chapter, ‘Strength in the Shattered Pieces: Reclaiming Who I Truly Am’, I gently walk you through the struggle of facing physical limitations, the emotional weight of trauma, and the challenge of confronting those unhelpful thoughts that so often hold us back. I encourage you to examine your core beliefs and, in doing so, discover your true identity.

What I’ve learnt, and I hope you will take away from this book, is that it’s often in our darkest moments that God’s grace and power are fully revealed. His strength shines brightest when we are at our most vulnerable.

This chapter of my life has been one of resilience and transformation. I believe that you too can claim back your authentic self. I want to invite you to discover your true worth. Know that your worth is not determined by your scars or your past. So, if you are ready to explore your own journey of healing and rediscovery, I encourage you dive into my words. Let these be the words that help you find the courage to reclaim who you truly are.

Read also ‘How to Heal Yourself: ‘7 Keys To Self-Healing’ A Trauma Survivor’s Guide‘

But this book is more than just my story. Rising Above is a collection of voices coming together to inspire, uplift, and remind others that they are not alone. If you believe in the power of stories to heal and encourage, I would be grateful for your support.

Will you help me spread the word about Rising Above? Every share, every mention, helps bring the message of hope to someone who may be in need of it.

I’d love for you to check the book out – here’s the link to the book. If you’re in the UK, then use this link.

Your support means more than you know, and I believe, that together, we can reach those who need it most. Thank you for letting me share a part of my heart with you. And if you are on your own path of healing, remember, you are never alone.

And after you read the book, let me know what you found meaningful. Reviewing the book will help others to discover it, too. So, I invite you to share your review on wherever platform you got it from. And drop me an email as well, or even send a photo of you with Rising Above – I’d love to know where the book has found a home.

If you’ve any questions about my chapter, you can watch the recording of my Live on Instagram here.

And I’m sharing about the unforgettable launch event on Instagram or Facebook. Check it out!

I’ll leave you with the words from my chapter, Strength in the Shattered Pieces: Reclaiming Who I Truly Am, “Our vulnerability can be a gift to ourselves and others. By sharing our shattered pieces, we might give others the courage to open their hearts. Your story can help someone else to heal or find their strength.”

Thank you and till the next blog post,

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