Cathy and April (link here) published their books through the same publishing company, and they knew each other from that experience. When I interviewed April, she knew she had to introduce us to each other. Cathy’s book cover is even an illustration of a kintsugi dish! 

When Cathy was working on her book, a friend shared with her about kintsugi, and she knew she was a part of that metaphor. Her cover would have to demonstrate that imagery. There is no question that Cathy and I felt very connected, like kintsugi sisters immediately. 

Besides sharing with me her trajectory, Cathy gifted me her book, which I read cover to cover in one sitting. I recommend you buy her book if learning about resilience is important to you. You do not need to be an abuse victim to learn from this book. So much of what she describes is also a part of the Heal with Gold course. This only made me feel more validated and certain that what I have to share is true and tested.

Lessons from Cathy

Each of the Kintsugi ladies teaches me valuable lessons. Some of the lessons are similar, but it is in how they are shared that creates the difference. With Cathy, the attributes that she used in her healing are the same tools that the other Kintsugi ladies used in their healing journey as well. The tenacity and tools she had during her childhood were what really impressed me.

1. Even as a child, Cathy focused on positivity: One of the attributes Cathy shares in the book is seeing things from a positive perspective, finding ways to see the light within the hardship. What really made me feel completely in awe of Cathy was that she did that as a child. She found the light while she was going through such trauma all alone, without therapy or the guidance of an adult. She had an innate ability to see that if she focused on the good silver linings in her life, she would not fall in the abyss of victimhood. Those moments would save her from a complete breakdown. What an amazing child Cathy was, consistent with the amazing woman she is today.
   
   
2. When called to take action, Cathy is there: Cathy is a doer. She was called to write the book and she did. She was called to help other kids. She put her story out there, regardless of feelings of shame or what it would do while uncovering the past. Cathy is committed to her purpose. She speaks openly on this subject and fights for the rights of kids in any way that she possibly can. Talk about making her mess her message!
   
   
3. Breaking the cycle: Cathy went through the divorce of her parents, and then through the experience of childhood abuse and trauma. On paper, she had everything to continue this cycle, but her strength and tenacity made her able to leave the past in the past and start a new life the way she dreamt. Cathy is happily married. She has a job she loves. She has built an amazing relationship with women and is open to new experiences like writing a book and becoming a public speaker. Even the fact that she had dyslexia didn’t stop her from this opportunity. Cathy rewrites her future and doesn’t allow for the negative talk and experiences from the past to impact what’s to come. What a bright light!

Women like Cathy are so inspiring. My goal with my blog and the future work that I am doing in this field is because I have also gone through adversity and luckily overcame it. It took trial and error, patience, and a huge desire to heal. Like Les Brown says, “You’ve gotta be HUNGRY.” I was hungry to heal, and I hope that you are too or know someone who is doing that work. You can forward this source of hope to them.

You may purchase Cathy’s book here:

For more information and resources on child abuse:

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