I'm an Expert!

In my life I have become an expert in a few things.

I'm not bragging. 

I'm not even sure most of this is brag-worthy. 

Here are some of the things I would consider myself somewhat of a "hands-on" expert at:

1. Softball - I can barely touch my toes and my arm gets sore after about 3 long throws but I am confident in my ability to teach this sport. I know this sport. I played this sport and I had the best coaches in the world {minus a few douche bags...can I say douche bag on my own blog?} who taught me the "why's" behind this game.
2. Eating Disorders - I am an expert when it comes to the pain and the ugliness that comes from hating ones body. Body image and body dysmorphia can be debilitating and paralyzing. It was impossible for me to live any sort of productive life when I was choosing my eating disorder over recovery. I am an expert on what life looks like being stuck in this place. 
3. Recovery - the fight! I am an expert because I know what it takes to choose recovery everyday. It isn't easy and I don't win everyday but I know what it takes to keep fighting for happiness and recovery. 
4. Trauma and PTSD - I have lived through some major trauma.You can read about my experience at the Reno Air Races here and here. When I experienced this tragedy my life changed, in one moment I was changed. I see the world differently. I see mortality differently. I became an expert in understanding something deeper than I can even express here. Because of this experience I can empathize deeper, love harder, and feel more. 
5. Betrayal Trauma - {like I said, not the most brag-worthy thing} I have been careful about how I share my story of betrayal trauma and for the most part it has been very vague. People know that Jon and I have gone through some "rough patches" {to say the least} but with very limited details. I have shared a bit here and I have worked with the church on several projects, one being this video with the hope that my story will maybe, just maybe, help someone else out there. I understand this. I know this. Betrayal trauma is a part of my life and I understand it because I've had to go through it. I know what it is like to live and love someone with an addiction. I understand. I'm here. No judgement. 
6. Laughing - I'm an expert in laughing and finding ways to laugh at life. Laughter and laughing has saved me. I love to laugh and I'm pretty good at doing the crazy things it takes to create laughter, I mean... 

So, here's the thing, sometimes crazy people ask me to speak at events and firesides and at conferences on these topics {well not softball or laughing but they should}! I have been focusing on my family so I have only done a handful of these this year BUT I'm feeling like I am ready to put myself out there again. The best thing about this is JON CAN DO FIRESIDES WITH ME!!! We have done three together in the last month and IT IS AWESOME! We mostly focus on betrayal trauma, body image, addiction, and recovery so if you are looking for someone {or a couple} to speak and educate others on anything listed above, let me know! 

We may be your cup of tea. {if your tea tastes more like hot chocolate!}

And on the topic on addiction and betrayal, check out THIS BOOK! >>>>>

I'm more than half way through and I think EVERYONE should read it! You can get it here, here, and here... and if you are interested in these brilliant authors educating and teaching you and your peeps, they are scheduling firesides now! You can contact them here! 

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