Description
An open-hearted, vulnerable, and compassionate awakening…’ – IndieReader Review
Giving Myself My Voice Back! Is part of a collection (Vol 4 for teachers and intervention leaders)
Children’s Book Series- Like a Duck
Volume 1 is ‘The Storm of the Trauma’, the millions of emotions in the real-time aftermath. Volume 2 is the ‘Survival Guide’ and how to manage the storm with active suggestions and support. Volume 2 adds a deeper level and real life advice from someone who had to, and still is sometimes, braving the storm in the most manic weather! Volume 3 is removing Stigma through essays, reflections, song Lyrics/poem. Volume 4 is emotional literacy to be used with children. Volume 5 is when a new trauma helps me really take my power back!
Volume 1:
She felt she did not have anything to offer, her world became small. This book is to show her that she had a HUGE impact, that in my world she will always be BIG!
This book is created because I was left with SILENCE and that silence was so loud!
The book is my blanket from the weather. It is still cold, as I need to feel it to heal, but it takes off the chill. It is OK to need help to weather a storm! This book was created to help me say goodbye and heal or heal others and to show her how loved she was and always will be.
For decades, I was a witness to a battle I didn’t realise I was in until it was over. After the “shocking and unexpected” passing of my Mum, I found myself navigating a storm of “anger, guilt and sadness ”. This book is the story of that journey—not her story, but mine.
Written in real-time as the waves of grief hit, my reflections explore the “Two Minds” of a survivor: one side tired of the upset and the ‘Unanswered questions,” and the other side finding the strength to say, ‘It is OK you lost that battle!” and moving forwards. It is a “handing-back” of upsets never meant to be carried and a honest look as a witness to an illness that “spread like any illness”.
Mental health is not a weakness or a choice, it is an illness like any other illness. I was angry and upset by the illness not her- but it took me time and processing to understand- to change my mindset.
There are no photos or polished edits here—only the voice. It is a journey of “collateral healing,”. There are no edits as I lost my Editor- My Mum.
It is a collection of poems, letters, tips and lessons learnt and writing in real time as the waves hit and jump. It can be harsh at times-but this is directed at the illness not her or anyone else. It is different to anything out there!
I learnt never to lose your voice. Speak out when you need help… and acknowledge life is hard, but it is worth the hard parts for the great parts. I learnt we need a new understanding of mental health and also the impact on witnesses and their health and life.
You may notice that some thoughts, memories and questions return throughout this book. They have not been repeated by accident. Trauma is repetitive. Grief revisits the same places until the mind is ready to move on. I chose not to smooth over that reality because I wanted this book to reflect how it truly felt. I left the grammatical errors in this book intentionally because grief, much like life, is never neat, perfect, or polished. My late Mum was my editor, and hiring someone else to fix every flaw felt like replacing her role. This physical book is a living artifact of our relationship and my grieving process. Choosing to leave these mistakes untouched is my way of honoring life’s imperfections, just as I had to learn to accept the complex, imperfect reality of my Mum’s mental illness and her passing. I know readers and reviewers might point out these errors, but prioritising commercial perfection over emotional truth felt wrong. These flaws aren’t mistakes to be hidden behind a false smile. They are living evidence of love, raw vulnerability, and a lasting tribute to my Mum. Reviews so far are 4/5 loosing 1 Mark for grammar- this I am proud of and life is not a perfect 5 ever.’
Indie Reader Review 2026
‘In GIVING MYSELF MY VOICE BACK, Ms Taylor reclaims a sense of personal power after witnessing her mother’s cycles of depression and early death. It’s an open hearted, vulnerable and compassionate awakening which would resonate with others witnessing loved ones with mental health issues.’
Quotes from Review on the Online Book Club Website
‘I’d recommend this book to anyone having any form of mental health issues; reading Ms. Taylor’s story will show you the effect your mental state has on the people who love you and maybe encourage you to seek more help. If you are struggling with grief or a loved one with mental issues, the book would be a great help for you’
’Overall, this was a very emotional and engaging book. The style of writing is unique, and I could totally empathize with the author… That, to me, is the power of words.’
It reminds readers to ‘make it a habit to hand back things that weren’t in my control and keep only the good and the lessons learned.’
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.