Cheaper than Therapy

Many have asked me, “What made you decide to write a book?” Quite simple. For me, it was cheaper than therapy. No disrespect to therapists, but I knew I needed to write the thousands of words trapped in my head that were tied to deep emotion. The emotions that were trapped were preventing me from healing.

I approached my breast cancer surgery as low risk, and something to cross off the list. After numerous surgeries, and numerous disappointments on what was presented to me as a simple case, I felt betrayed by people I trusted with my life. When I was told by some professionals, that I should be grateful to be alive, a fire was lit inside of me.

This fire burned long and strong. This fire was burning as I would lay awake at night wondering how many kids, spouses and parents lost someone because of things that should be basic 101 care expectations. I decided that I was one of the lucky ones who survived a severe infection called Sepsis, and since Sepsis almost killed me at 48, I knew there were likely others who would be fearless like I was at 48. After all, who thinks dying from infections could occur for an infant, toddler, teenager, 20’s, 30’, 40’s etc? I didn’t and I have spent my life in healthcare. So I decided to advocate for those in the battle. I decided to write my journey in hopes of helping others on theirs.

I knew it would be costly to write a book. I knew I would likely not recoup the costs to hire a publisher, editor, cover designer, website and print books. I was ok with all of this. My path for healing was to put my story in the hands of others. My hope was that someone would benefit from the story and learn from my mistakes and set backs. If in the end, if it was only one person, then it was more than worth it.

We all have a story to tell and to share. Writing a book offers a way to take a tragedy or trauma out of your head. This was a critical method for me to heal, and this became my form of therapy. There are many forms of therapy. Sometimes a therapist is the best therapy. Sometimes a book is therapy. Sometimes becoming an author is the answer.

We have one print. We have one life. Let your print be full of life.

My best,

Natalie