Tiny moves matter

As the steam rose from the coffee cups, I went over the progress I have made this week on rolling out the marketing plan for my first book - albeit 13 years since it has published - but better late than never.

In addition to running an advertisement for my book and speaking engagements, I returned to (almost daily) blogging, and am ready to begin the sequel.

When one gets ready to be available for public speaking, one has a list of topics that develop.

On that list?

Triggers.

"I'm not sure I should share my list of triggers," I told my friend.

And she said, "Well, I think you should. People will be able to relate to that."

Triggers is an often used word for "things that carry you back to a place you do not want to be," figuratively, or "reminders."

Survivors of trauma, be it mental, physical or sexual abuse, often deal with triggers - whether consciously or unaware.

Thirteen years ago, I made a decision to unpack the pain of the abuse I suffered from age 7 to about 12.

As a result, I also confronted reminders of the past.

My list, which I will reveal in part as I book speaking opportunities, includes music, smell, and color.

Likewise, not realizing it, I developed a long list of coping mechanisms, such as wearing perfume and playing music I like.

Weirdly enough, many after reading my story when it first published, said wow, I never would have guessed you had experienced such things. Others were wondering how I was a journalist, as that world is directly immersed in many topics and arenas where reminders of the past would definitely surface.

But I love to write, so I pressed on. And oddly enough, by not running from my triggers, many triggers have become less of a reminder.

People are curious as to why I wrote a book addressing my trauma. Am I going to hold "how-to" or "thus and so" talks, is my story meant to glorify myself (nope, part of my personality is introverted), and is this just a way to make money?

I wrote my story to help heal myself, and never realized that by lighting my own candle, the light would be passed to others embarking on their own journey of healing.

It was a big step for me to decide to get on with marketing this week. When I think of marketing, I think of business, for example. Yet marketing is really about sharing your message.

When I see my book cover, I am reminded of where I have been and where I am going. I am reminded of how working in media has blessed my life and launched growth in me I never thought possible. I am reminded of the spiritual part of my story: Jesus, and how his work in my life continues. I have found great comfort in knowing that God created me on purpose, and for a purpose, and that the Darker Thing behind me only served as backdrop for The Brighter Side.

I am truly looking forward to the future, and covet your prayers as I continue this journey.