Melanie bravely shares her wisdom from lessons learned so that we can break the silence and stigma attached to PTSD, addictions, domestic violence and mental illness. This book serves as a tool and as a conversation starter for all helping professionals, parents, teachers, teens, 1st Responders etc... Not only will you be filled with hope, but you will:
-Explore the cost and ripple effects that poor coping mechanisms can produce.
-Learn what to do and what not to do when facing adversity.
-Look at the crippling consequences of shame, isolation, and perfectionism.
-Discover how owning your story will build your self-esteem and help you grow in resilience.
-Learn to rise above your mess and be tenacious for your freedom!
So many of us struggle being our true authentic selves. We walk around wearing masks and we silence our urge to scream that "Everything is NOT OK!" As a result we communicate through silent coping mechanisms. Melanie shares the vital role self-expression and vulnerability played not only in attaining but maintaining her freedom and peace. She is a firm believer that if we would "dare" be more real and honest in our relationships as individuals, families and society, that we would experience a decline in anxiety, depression, medication, divorce, addictions, and other mental and physical health issues.
The cost of silence and isolation almost cost Melanie her life and that is why she is so passionate about being a voice for those who have no voice. She encourages us all to never give up hope and to be tenacious for our freedom! Her testimony reveals the depths of the fragility and resilience of the human spirit.
"Having served on the front lines, and lived through various hardships of life, I can say that Dare to be Raw is the reflection of a gritty true life story of honesty, perseverance and resilience that will resonate with so many. Although Melanie could have surrendered many times, she chose to not be a victim or casualty but a true warrior at heart. After reading this book, the raw emotions Melanie shared will impact the way you think, interpret and respond to life's critical challenges." -Al Gray - RCMP (Retired), Vancouver, B.C.
"As a mental health practitioner, I gained so much insight into the struggles that my patients must go through and I feel like your story will definitely make me a better nurse. Thank you for putting yourself out there so that others may benefit from your experiences." -Sandra MacCuaig - Mental Health and Addictions Nurse, Cornwall, ON
"An unflinchingly honest, gutsy and compelling true life story! A must read!" -Maxwell McGuire - Writer & Film Director, Ottawa, ON
"A must read for all parents who feel helpless and don't know what to do.This book gave me tremendous insight on issues that teens face. I feel better equipped with applicable strategies to know how to support my kids through this confusing and difficult stage of life. This book gave me reassurance, peace and hope that we aren't the only ones struggling and that we too can and will make it through this season." -Mother - of a teen struggling with self-injury and depression, Ottawa, ON
"Thank you for being unusually honest, human and brave. This book is so much more than just a memoir, but will serve as a rich tool for many caregivers out there!" -Rachelle Gagnon - Registered Nurse, Royal Alexandra Hospital Emergency, Edmonton, AB
"A brave depiction of the debilitating impact of trauma and the hope that we can fully recover from it. One to never abandon hope, Melanie Willard has just contributed wisdom, beauty and life to the human race." -Dustin Nau - Ph.D Psychology, Calgary, AB
"One of the sad global realities is that so many long for a 'second chance' in life that will deliver hope and contentment. Melanie Willard is a true champion in heart, soul and mind...a woman of integrity and courage who has overcome the unthinkable. What an encouragement her testimony will be to those privileged to read Dare to be Raw. She has been an inspiration to me as we have shared 'war' stories over coffee. God is the One who delivers our 'second chances'. " -Gerry Organ - Former CFL Athlete, Therapist, Pastor and Author, Ottawa, ON
"Melanie's raw account of her life's journey is a true portrayal of courage and compassion. She speaks her truth for us the readers to transform our own reality into opportunities for growth and change. This book will leave you empowered!" -Katherine MacDonald - Owner & Grief Care Provider at Munro Morris Funeral Home, Alexandria, ON
"Melanie's journey speaks of the seemingly impossible becoming possible. Thanks to her transparency, this very human story is one that we can all identify with on some level. This book causes us to reflect and look in the mirror of our own lives while building the fortitude to embrace our pain and move from despair to hope. A truly inspiring and moving read that will impact many." -Danell Mcsween - Founder and Consultant at OIL-Operating In Love, Calgary, AB