When the idea to write The Courage to Dive into my Fears first took hold, it was born from a profound longing to capture the essence of my experiences. The memories of the countries I had visited, the people I had encountered, and the remarkable moments of healing that had woven themselves into the fabric of my journey all wanted to be preserved. These reflections held a transformative power, and I felt an urgent need to safeguard them, never imagining that they would one day yearn to be shared with the world.
In 2008, while working as a nurse in the remote regions of Hudson Bay, amidst the Inuit communities, a compelling inner voice nudged me to embark on the creation of a book. These were tiny, resilient communities, enduring the harshness of minus 60-degree temperatures, populated mainly by a small cadre of individuals, including fellow school teachers and nurses and mainly natives. Living in these isolated communities demanded an affinity for solitude and a deep appreciation for the vast expanse of open spaces, a disposition that resonated profoundly with me. With evenings offering little in the way of diversion, I seized the opportunity to commence this writing endeavor. Over the course of nearly a year, I put together the narrative, drawing on the emails exchanged with a friend during my adventures, which she had thoughtfully printed out for me. When it was done I printed it, placed them on a shelf and forgot about them.
Then in 2023, I crossed paths with Andrew Clover, an English author. Upon sharing the details of my literary venture, he exclaimed, “Wow, you have a million-dollar story there!” His words left me astounded, igniting a sense of apprehension and wonder concerning my readiness to undertake this endeavor. In truth, I had already written two books: one chronicling my life at 50 and beyond, an account born from the ashes of my burnt diaries, and another detailing my experiences in Africa, titled “From Dream to Reality.” Both were originally penned in French. Residing in the Dominican Republic, surrounded mainly by English speakers, I pondered the idea of translating and rewriting these works in English.
As I delved into the process of translating and reimagining these narratives, something extraordinary unfolded. The act of revisiting these memories inspired me, evoking a resurgence of forgotten recollections. It was a beautiful and profoundly moving process. During this time, I found myself inspired at night, a gentle whisper reminding me that the moments I had lived held purpose and meaning. Then, as if by fate, the title of the book began to reveal itself. It was my dear friend Lise who remarked, “You know, your book is all about courage.” At that moment, it struck me with profound clarity. Throughout those years, I had heeded my inner voice and embraced the courage to act, without fear of the potential consequences.
And so, The Courage to Dive Into My Fears came to be. The day I finally published it, something miraculous occurred—it felt as though I had given birth to myself. A sense of pride unlike any I had ever known swelled within me. Perhaps the book was not perfect, maybe it could have been better written, more skillfully managed, just overall better, but it was undeniably mine. I had assembled it with all that I had, giving it the best of myself. I chose the cover with pride; it was a reflection of me—simple, imperfect, yet filled with love. The first edition was far from perfect, and navigating the intricacies of Amazon publishing proved to be a struggle, but I persevered. While it may have been easier to seek a publisher for editing, I couldn’t justify the expense. I felt compelled to do it my way, the hard way.
I initially harbored ambitions of turning it into a bestseller, but that urgency has since faded. Now, I sense that it is still alive, speaking to me, urging me to share it with all its imperfections, to let it speak and inspire other women, and to serve as a catalyst for healing. I am now prepared to transform this book into the focal point of a healing circle for women. It’s merely an idea for now, one that I eagerly await inspiration for, but I trust that the guidance will come.
Today marks the beginning of a transformative journey for me as I embark on the Sister Circle course, “Rise in Your Leadership.” I sense that this could be the pivotal moment I have been seeking—the key to stepping out of my shell, voicing my truth, and embracing the inner beauty that resides within me. Throughout my life, I have tirelessly sought to evolve, striving to heal the wounds of lovelessness left by my parents. This journey has shaped me into a resilient and knowledgeable individual, yet it has also underscored the vital absence of self-love. Now, I stand at a crucial juncture where I must wholeheartedly believe in myself, acknowledge the remarkable person I have become, and share her with the world.