I am finally free to share my story, who I am, my truths, and my journey to heal from cancer!

I struggled for 10 years trying to write a book and I finally finished after picking it back up again in October of 2023 following a trip to the UK!

While on a train in Scotland, I serendipitously met a writer, Ja-lene Clark, who had years of experience in the field of writing, graphic design and publications. Within a couple of months she became my dedicated and inspiring writing consultant who creatively assisted me in the overall book design. Her vision, wisdom, talent and support throughout the tedious book development was unwavering as we accomplished our mission together.

Though I have never had a baby, I understand that there may be similarities in the feelings that come with delivering both a baby and a book into the world! When I got serious about completing my book, ironically, the process took about nine months—those months were like my soulful journey through pregnancy. During that sometimes onerous writing period, I experienced mixed emotions from joy to pain, fear to faith, anxiety to sadness, excitement to trepidation and more while I relived the experiences I shared in the book. Nearing completion, I felt immense joy as I unwrapped a package and held the paperback proof copy of my book for the first time. Overwhelmed with elation, I gazed at my book while touching it by running my hands and fingers over the artful cover, then flipping anxiously through the many pages, bringing it close to my nose to smell the fresh ink and finally holding it next to my heart as if I was cradling a newborn baby in my arms. I was! I gave birth to my book, my precious baby. It is tangible in a recognizable form.

Sharing my story with others has not only given me a renewed sense of purpose, the experience of writing the book has further healed my soul.

For much of my adult life I worried what other people said or thought of me and so I tried to fit in the mainstream. I closeted parts of my true identity, especially at work, which created challenges and prevented me from developing more affectionate relationships with colleagues. In my book, I have intimately peeled back many layers of who I am as I tell my story and share my truths. Describing the path that I feel inevitably lead to physical illnesses in my body, the myriad of emotions that accompanied my subsequent cancer journey, and exposing my truths through written word is incredibly freeing. I emerged from dark places in my life through courage, support, faith and the grace of God.

^{Light in the Forest. Photo ©Tish Litchfield, 2024.}

Birthing my book was a predestined calling; now my words have grown into a published book, making its debut in the world like a child of the universe. My hope is that it serves to help many others. How it may impact readers is beyond me. I can only wonder as I wait to observe the comments from readers like you.

While getting ready for the book launch, I heard a song by Rachel Platten, Set Me Free. Rachel’s song was motivated by some of her darkest times facing demons that she experienced in postpartum depression after the birth of both her daughters. She testifies that she almost lost her mind trying to make everyone happy, holding everything inside, playing small.  She sings, “There were days I didn’t even know myself. So ashamed thought I should be like someone else. And my whole life they told me I needed thicker skin but thicker skin only kept all my fire and all my passion in.” Another part of a verse in her song confesses, “...my hands were always tied, but tonight they’re in the sky!”  Her lyrics say it best, “love me as I am or don’t love me at all.”

As my book makes its way to publication, I so relate to the words of Rachel’s song! In publishing my book, I, too, have been set free to be my true self! I no longer fear what people think of me or care who they want me to be. I gave birth to genuine words of truth about who I am. Yes, there was trepidation, pain, and anxiety in the process, but there was also great joy. The joy and tranquility of being open, making peace with myself and letting people know who I am through my story is freeing. Publishing my book is the day I set me free!

I joyfully celebrate sharing my healing journey with you through my book A Miracle Within You: Paddling Through Cancer. And to inspire you, here is Rachel’s beautiful song!