I feel I have had so many incredible learning experiences and lessons over the course of my life, and I feel they are all very rich, relatable and helpful for people on similar journeys. My story, and my book is primarily for those people. For those who are not on a similar journey to myself, I believe that my book still provides an interesting read with many twists and turns, and learnings.
My book is primarily about my journey through mental illness and through the journey of recovery from mental illness. However, I have also been able to weave in other concepts and learnings from the depths of my experiences, whilst moving through this thing called life. At the moment by book is in the editorial phase, and I believe that this will further cement some of those concepts throughout the story, to make for an exciting and rewarding experience for readers.
To give you an insight into some of the stories that will be told throughout the book, here is a little snippet:
The story of the little Kate, who hated herself, compared herself to others and had no voice; becoming a public speaker and writer who speaks from the heart and has found her voice.
The story of the young Kate that was disconnected and tortured in her early to mid-twenties, becoming a woman who is authentically connected to other people in her life, and intimately connected to spirituality.
The story of weeping and desperate 26-year old Kate, that had nothing in her life except for a roof over her head and her immediate family, becoming a 35 year old who has an abundance of blessings in her life, including love, friendship, family, meaningful work, incredible opportunities, a lovely home and car, personal and spiritual growth, inner-peace and self-love, and a relationship with the universe that provides faith, trust and magic.
The story of 30-year Kate who took a leap to start working in mental health peer work, with only retail experience behind her and a “fake it until you make it” attitude…. Becoming a master in her role in mental health and is now pursuing her own mentoring business… and has no need to “fake it” any longer.
The story of 32-year old Kate, who left her life of love and stability (and the potential of marriage and kids) behind her in order to pursue something greater, and more fulfilling and fitting. Now the 35 year old Kate has mastered the art of kicking ass, being a single, hardworking, creative woman… and she has found what she was looking for… a deeper connection to those around her and a deeper connection to spirit.
Some other elements that are explored throughout the book:
- Authenticity – my journey to find my true authentic self and make this self, shine.
- Pushing through comfort zones – Never letting fear get in the way of your desires and dreams – always focus on growth.
- Spirituality – Embracing my spiritual side again and expressing this authentically. Faith and trust.
- Reducing self-stigma – Saying NO to stigma and self-stigma. Only I will dictate what my life is to become. Changing your perspective on stigma
- Self-love, Self-acceptance and Self-compassion – three keys to living a happy, blessed life.
Throughout the chapters of the book that focus on my time experiencing debilitating mental illness, and my time during hospital admissions, there are excerpts from clinical doctors and nursing notes, as well as diary entries. These all give a much greater insight into what I was going through at the time.
There is also a section written specifically for those who have loved ones going through mental illness, which hopefully will be a beacon of hope for families/partners/friends.
Aside from my book, I wanted to preview my mentoring business, and let you know about what my desires are for helping others.
I want to help others through the sharing of my story of mental illness and recovery – and hence help to reduce stigma in society.
I want to help others through the sharing of my journey from self-loathing to self-love/compassion/acceptance.
I want to help others through the sharing of my journey from being a shell of a person to becoming a striving, thriving individual.
I want to help others through the sharing of my journey from pushing away spirituality to coming out of the spiritual closet.
I look forward to sharing more of my experiences through my book, blog, and mentoring business.
If you’re interested in hearing more about the journey of publishing ‘Hope Calling’, there will be more info to come in the next few weeks.
Love Kate xxx
Kate's Niche 