Enjoying Recognition

On Saturday, May 3, I will be a part of the Local Author’s Festival selling and signing some of my novels. I’ve told my friends and co-workers about the event, and everyone has wished me well. But I’m a little anxious about the signing because I feel as if I don’t really belong there. I’veContinue reading “Enjoying Recognition”

Writing Your Story

If you’ve read some of my posts or even looked at my other pages on this site, you’ll know that I’ve written four novels centering on the topic of childhood sexual abuse. The first book is still fiction, but it most closely resembles my own story of molestation. The other books are a compilation ofContinue reading “Writing Your Story”

5 years and 100 posts!

I can’t believe that I started this over five years ago, and this will be my 101st post! This all began as a way to talk about issues that male survivors deal with. I know that some things have been repeated. Some of issues I’ve posted about, I have overcome. However, there are many thingsContinue reading “5 years and 100 posts!”

Feeling Some Raw Emotion

I’ve recently had a few weeks where every morning, I have cried. I have felt sad, lonely, and depressed. And really cried about it, too! Not just a sob or a few tears running down my face but weeping uncontrollably. I haven’t cried like that, or even shed a tear, in years. I attribute theContinue reading “Feeling Some Raw Emotion”

Being Heard

Everyone can attest to the fact that being heard, truly listened to, is one of the most satisfying things that can happen. As a survivor, being heard becomes especially important because it gives us back a sense of validation and security that was taken away from us. For a number of survivors, being listened toContinue reading “Being Heard”

Suicidal Ideation

Many people, and most survivors, have thought about ending their lives at various times. I would imagine that most everyone has thought about what life would be like if they weren’t around any longer. Life can certainly bring us to such low points that this type of thinking becomes a reality for many people. I’veContinue reading “Suicidal Ideation”

Male Shame

I’ve recently been listening to a podcast on the topic of suicide and suicidal ideation. Today, the host made a very profound statement, at least for me, about how men view shame. For us (and I’m generalizing here), males feel the most shame when they are perceived to be weak. As I pondered that statement,Continue reading “Male Shame”

Friendship Struggles Continued…

If you have read some of my other post, you know very well that I have struggled with building and maintain friendships all of my life. Upon some reflection the past few weeks, I believe I’ve had a small breakthrough. And just to start off, I am fully responsible for the position I find myselfContinue reading “Friendship Struggles Continued…”

Appreciating Home

I have recently decided that one of my future novels is a historical fiction story centered on my hometown. For those of you who might be new to my site, I grew up in a small town in north central Wyoming. Unfortunately, I allowed my sexual abuse to color most all of my memories ofContinue reading “Appreciating Home”

Body Image

Sometime last week, I pulled or strained or injured (anyway, something hurts real bad!) on the left side of my stomach. At first I was worried that I might have a hernia. At a doctor’s visit years ago, my physician at the time said that he wouldn’t be surprised if I had a hernia laterContinue reading “Body Image”