Speechless - giving the #voiceless a voice

This book became an international bestseller on the first day of its release on 亚马逊 .

Why?

I believe one factor is the broad range of themes … we all approached the task of writing our chapter from lived experience. The writers are Lafaya Mitchell, LMFT , Sabrina ?? Schottenhamel ?? , Lonnee Rey???? , Charles Caldwell , Crystal Behe , Alecia Tolver and myself.

In a world of information overload, where we are bombarded with new info at a pace that seems exponentially increasing everyday - why should you bother to get this book?

I asked 谷歌 - #notebooklm - to create a conversation about our book.

She also gave some ideas for further discussions - perfect for bookclubs!

A Conversation about "Speechless"

This book, "Speechless - Giving the #voiceless a voice", is a collection of personal stories about individuals facing various challenges that render them literally or metaphorically speechless. The book features a foreword and afterword by Haakon Rian mAncient Ueland, who also shares his own story about helping a former Marinejeger struggling with alcohol-induced dementia, as well as his experience of working with a young boy on the severe end of the #autism spectrum. The other authors and their stories include:

• Charles Caldwell: He recounts his father-in-law Blake's journey with Alzheimer's disease and his decision to choose Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID). Caldwell also shares his personal experience of supporting his father through a similar process, highlighting the transformative power of love and acceptance in the face of difficult choices.
• Crystal Behe: She tells the story of her sister Susan, who defied societal and familial expectations by rejecting their beauty pageant-focused lifestyle. Susan's story emphasises the importance of authenticity and finding your tribe, embracing individuality and pursuing your passions.
• Lafaya Mitchell: She discusses her experiences with hypersensitivity and "Red Alert Brain", outlining her 4-step "Lafaya Way" method for managing intense emotions. Mitchell uses her personal struggles and triumphs, particularly in the high-pressure world of poker, to illustrate the power of finding calm, understanding the real truth, responding intentionally, and recognizing incremental progress.
• Sabrina Schottenhamel: She shares her journey as an introvert navigating an extroverted world. Schottenhamel's story highlights the importance of finding your voice and speaking up, utilising her personal experience with Toastmasters to demonstrate the transformative power of community and perseverance.
• Alecia C. Tolver: She reflects on the complex relationship with her mother, "Moummy Cinderella", examining the cultural and generational differences that shape their interactions. Tolver's story explores the coexistence of love and frustration in familial relationships, emphasising the importance of open communication, grace, and honoring one's mother while pursuing personal growth.
• Lonnee Rey: She shares her heartfelt experience with the loss of her friend Michelle Laaks, who faced a late-stage cancer diagnosis. Rey recounts Michelle's passion for sharing stories and her dedication to helping others find closure and leave a legacy, highlighting the importance of living life to the fullest and embracing one's passions.

Key Themes:

• Giving a voice to the voiceless: The book explores various forms of speechlessness, ranging from physical limitations to emotional barriers, and encourages individuals to find their voice and express themselves authentically.
• Importance of Connection and Support: The stories highlight the crucial role of community, family, and friends in providing support and understanding, particularly during challenging times.
• Embracing Individuality and Authenticity: The book celebrates the uniqueness of each individual and encourages readers to shed societal expectations, embrace their true selves, and pursue their passions.
• Power of Love and Acceptance: The stories demonstrate the transformative power of love, acceptance, and compassion in navigating difficult situations, promoting healing, and fostering personal growth.
• Living Life to the Fullest: The book encourages readers to make the most of every moment, seize opportunities, and pursue their dreams, leaving a positive impact on the world and living with no regrets.

Further Discussion:

• What resonates with you most about the stories shared in this book?
• How have these personal experiences challenged your perceptions of speechlessness and the power of finding your voice?
• What actions can we take to support those who are struggling to express themselves or facing challenges that render them voiceless?

You can get the book here: https://mybook.to/imUkLR

Being a celibate, non-denominational monk may be a life strange to many. Sometimes, it is a challenge, but five years of such a life has given me more enlightening conversations than challenges.

Sometimes, looking at the world, I feel voiceless. Then, I express myself with music. You can find some of my songs here: https://www.mancient.com

Blessed be!

Hawk