Thank you to everyone who has already helped in the publication of “This is how it feels to heal. Navigating a mid-life crisis of cancer, transplant, and divorce.”
It is already quite busy just a week into writing. Among the things in the first draft is the back cover. I felt weird writing about myself in the third person, and there is always the chance that it will change depending on the editors’ opinions, but here it is. (surely there is a word out of place, it is not really ready to be presented, but I wanted to share something and I like it.)
What do you think?
And thanks again to those who are “paying-it-forward” to someone who may one day pick up this book in the midst of major illness, divorce, career change, or any challenge, and it will help them in some way. Among the various other considerations for the book will be a way for it to be available to download for those who personally reach out to me if they can not afford whatever the actual book seller’s price.
So, perhaps think of them if you would like to help. We are at almost 10% funded, and it is not a tall mountain. We will get there. We always do.
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An autobiographical story of navigating the challenges of cancer and transplant while going through a complete change in the family, social, and career landscape over ten years, mid-life. In retelling how everything fell apart only to be rebuilt stronger than before, the author provides hope and practical and sometimes mystical approaches to becoming a new man.
This is How it Feels to Heal mixes lived experiences ranging from transitioning from a successful professional in the online world to spending months exploring the vastness of spirituality and Shamanism. It tells the reader how each of life’s challenges can be beneficial regardless of how we, or others, may typically see. In discussing the mind/body relationship in changing how both respond, the pages contain anecdotal sayings he coined along the way, such as the title of the book, to the more profound meaning as what they truly mean.
The opening chapter, “I don’t buy your myth of death,” details to complete departure from one life to the next at a fundamental level. From there, it spirals in many directions before the resolution of the health concerns, and the author did what he said he would do when he was again healthy, which left the US for a time to experience other cultures.
In 2011, at 45 years old, Steve Patterson was abruptly diagnosed with liver failure, and, though the exact cause would not be learned until much later, he was given between six months and three years to life. Owning a profitable online company, he took a leave of absence the next day and eventually sold the company. Cancer was added to the liver diagnosis later, but along the way, he became a Shamanic practitioner and Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor in 2019. He works today with individuals facing challenges remotely, two-and-a-half years after returning home broke, alone, and needing to rebuild his new business; cancer-free and with a liver transplant.