One person plus one typewriter constitute a movement.
Pauli Murray
A month ago, I released into the world my book, Own your Fire. It still feels surreal. The first couple of weeks I was feeling like a truck ran over me, better yet, it was the equivalent of doing an Ironman, the day after. The stiffness, the numbness, the pain, the excitement, but above all, the utter disbelief of the accomplishment. I was feeling it all. I did it! I finally released my story, my truth to the world in the hopes I can help others.
I have been so humbled by the messages I have received, the encouragement I have gotten, the vulnerability others have shown with their own stories while they message me, but I have also been immensely taken back by the number of men and women reaching out saying THANK YOU. Thank you for writing this, thank you for helping me be a better father, thank you for the wisdom you have shared on how to deal with my kids, thank you for giving me the strength to start changing things in my life, thank you for reminding me to continue doing what is right, but more importantly thank you for being willing to share your story with the world.
I have done many things in my life, Ely. I have fought with politicians, City Hall and some other battles along the way, but what you did here was ballsy, said my boss, Dr. Erwin D. Jackson, a few days after he read my book. What is remarkable, he added, is that you continue to have that smile after it all. As a PhD in Psychology, he said, I can tell you it is very difficult to share with people that know us and you have done it in such a way where you owned your responsibility and did not blame anyone else along the way. Now, that’s ballsy! I think you are very brave.
When I decided to write this book, I did not think of it as ballsy. I did not think of it as a therapeutic way to heal. I did not think of it as a way to expose addiction, abuse, or provide helpful tips. I wrote it as I thought it would be selfish not to share my story to try to help others. I wrote it to stand up for others who can not speak up. I made myself a target and the shield for those who are hurting. I know I am brave for owning my story. I know I am helping others be free and stand up on their own. As Brené Brown said “When we deny our stories, they define us. When we own our stories, we get to write a brave new ending.”
I truly hope this book can help you. Find it at www.elyrosario.com/old_site/book