Lynn C. Tolson's Blog: Beyond the Tears: A True Survivor's Story by Lynn C. Tolson, blog, page 26

Tolson 4 TEARS video 4 "My Name Is ______" project

An on-line video project has been developed for survivors of abuse to tell their stories. Christopher de Serres and Ophelia de Serres (founders of WomenSpeakOutNow) have set the stage. The goal of the "My Name Is" Project is to "create a community... which tell the collective stories."

I was inspired by the other survivors who had a willingness to be open. I ventured into the video project. Although I've been an advocate for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, speaking about trauma and recovery, it was a challenge to create a video, technically and mentally. Old tapes of threats made by perpetrators to me rang loud in my mind: "If you tell, you will die." Emotions emerged from boxes that I thought I had put on a shelf, such as fear and anger. My finished product cleared the way for softer feelings, like freedom and relief. Although my memoir is as revealing and healing as I dared, the video helped me to rise to another level of courage in sharing. When you watch the videos you will be encouraged and enlightened. The old cliche' applies: "a picture is worth a thousand words" (although you may have to read between the lines).






Here is what a viewer said of the "My Name Is LYNN" video: "I read your book [ Beyond the Tears: A True Survivor's Story ] and seeing the video was a very powerful addition to sharing you story and experience. It was very emotional. You are a voice for many people that are still struggling, that there is hope." 





H-O-P-E for others is what I wanted to convey by participating! Visit the Project 4 TEARS on Facebook.

Tolson4TEARS video 4 "My Name Is ______" project

An on-line video project has been developed for survivors of abuse to tell their stories. Christopher de Serres and Ophelia de Serres (founders of WomenSpeakOutNow) have set the stage. The goal of the "My Name Is" Project is to "create a community... which tell the collective stories."

I was inspired by the other survivors who had a willingness to be open. I ventured into the video project. Although I've been an advocate for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, speaking about trauma and recovery, it was a challenge to create a video, technically and mentally. Old tapes of threats made by perpetrators to me rang loud in my mind: "If you tell, you will die." Emotions emerged from boxes that I thought I had put on a shelf, such as fear and anger. My finished product cleared the way for softer feelings, like freedom and relief. Although my memoir is as revealing and healing as I dared, the video helped me to rise to another level of courage in sharing. When you watch the videos you will be encouraged and enlightened. The old cliche' applies: "a picture is worth a thousand words" (although you may have to read between the lines).






Here is what a viewer said of the "My Name Is LYNN" video: "I read your book [ Beyond the Tears: A True Survivor's Story ] and seeing the video was a very powerful addition to sharing you story and experience. It was very emotional. You are a voice for many people that are still struggling, that there is hope." 





H-O-P-E for others is what I wanted to convey by participating! Visit the Project 4 TEARS on Facebook.

Tolson 4 TEARS Reviews How I Stayed Alive When My Brain

Review of How I Stayed Alive When My Brain Was Trying to Kill Me: One Person's Guide to Suicide Prevention by Susan Rose BlaunerOn the jacket of the hardcover, Susan Rose Blauner writes, "I searched for a book like this, but found none, so I wrote one." The first edition was printed in 2002, when there were few books about suicide. What was available lacked a story of recovery, and Ms. Blauner filled that void. Making oneself vulnerable by writing about one's own suicidal thinking takes courage.It's brave for an author to state that she has borderline personality disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and major depression. It's difficult to continue the cycle of life under these conditions. Blauner says that she was a victim of sexual abuse. (Rape victims are 13 times more likely to have attempted suicide than their non-assaulted counterparts.) Blauner shares her personal journey from suicidal thinking to hope and healing.The premise of the book is that most people who think about suicide don't want to die; they want relief from emotional pain. Blauner was responsible to the readers by doing her homework. Included in her book are notations from specialists who study suicide, thereby offering research as a foundation for her statements. (Those who experience the suicidal thoughts are also experts on the topic.)In the "Tricks of the Trade" section, Susan shares sources of help, as well as skills developed in therapy. Blauner explains the difference between statements such as "I am depressed" versus "I feel depressed." She uses analogies to illustrate the "Neuron Superhighway," simplifying a complex neurological pattern. She offers numerous suggestions for the reader to explore. Sometimes, when one is suicidal, there are no other options. She encourages the reader to explore an activity, such as journal writing. It's not the answer, but each bit of information is a step toward life.If you are looking for a book that will help you help someone with suicidal thoughts, How I Stayed Alive has specific instructions, including how to listen well and respond appropriately.Blauner put an enormous amount of work into this book. Part Seven includes hotlines, websites, and resources. There is a sectioned bibliography, references to citations, permissions, and an index. It takes effort to convey this helpful information to readers.Susan Blauner structured her intangible journey into a book that has substance for therapists, suicidal thinkers, and those around them. A portion of the proceeds of the book go to the National Hopeline Network 1-800-SUICIDE. If you are in crisis, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Suicide Prevention Lifeline(Review completed by Lynn C. Tolson)

The "MY NAME IS _____ " project video collage 4 survivors

An on-line video project has been developed for survivors of abuse to tell their stories. Christopher de Serres and Ophelia de Serres (founders of WomenSpeakOutNow ) have set the stage. (see  previous blog post  on their non-profit organization.) The goal of the My Name Is" _____" Project is to "create a community... which tell the collective stories."

[image error] Christopher de Serres says that  "There are millions of survivors out there who want to tell their stories. Yet, we feel isolated and unable to express the deepest pain in our lives. The My Name Is "_____" Project is there to provide a survivor a way to express it."



If you would like to participate, Chris has a video that shows how you can share in this powerful project. You'll also find videos made by other survivors that show both the despair and hope after trauma.





My contribution to the project is My Name Is "Lynn"  and the video is here.I was inspired by the other survivors who had a willingness to be open. I ventured into the video project. Although I've been an advocate for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, speaking about trauma and recovery, it was a challenge to create a video, technically and mentally. Old tapes of threats made by perpetrators to me rang loud in my mind: "If you tell, you will die." Emotions emerged from boxes that I thought I had put on a shelf, such as fear and anger. My finished product cleared the way for softer feelings, like freedom and relief. Although my memoir is as revealing and healing as I dared, the video helped me to rise to another level of courage. When you watch the videos you will be encouraged and enlightened. The old cliche' applies: "a picture is worth a thousand words" (although you may have to read between the lines). The link to My Name Is "Lynn"   here

The MY NAME IS "_____ PROJECT" video collage 4 survivors

An on-line video project has been developed for survivors of abuse to tell their stories. Christopher de Serres and Ophelia de Serres (founders of WomenSpeakOutNow ) have set the stage. (see  previous blog post  on their non-profit organization.) The goal of the My Name Is" _____" Project is to "create a community... which tell the collective stories."

[image error] Christopher de Serres says that  "There are millions of survivors out there who want to tell their stories. Yet, we feel isolated and unable to express the deepest pain in our lives. The My Name Is "_____" Project is there to provide a survivor a way to express it."



If you would like to participate, Chris has a video that shows how you can share in this powerful project. You'll also find videos made by other survivors that show both the despair and hope after trauma.





My contribution to the project is My Name Is "Lynn"  and the video is here.I was inspired by the other survivors who had a willingness to be open. I ventured into the video project. Although I've been an advocate for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, speaking about trauma and recovery, it was a challenge to create a video, technically and mentally. Old tapes of threats made by perpetrators to me rang loud in my mind: "If you tell, you will die." Emotions emerged from boxes that I thought I had put on a shelf, such as fear and anger. My finished product cleared the way for softer feelings, like freedom and relief. Although my memoir is as revealing and healing as I dared, the video helped me to rise to another level of courage. When you watch the videos you will be encouraged and enlightened. The old cliche' applies: "a picture is worth a thousand words" (although you may have to read between the lines). The link to My Name Is "Lynn"   here

Tolson 4 TEARS Cheers "Stop Abuse Campaign"

The Stop Abuse Campaign is a "grass-roots movement representing the rights of anyone sexually, physically or emotionally abused. Our mission is to stop abuse and alleviate the suffering of all those affected, including families, friends, businesses and communities.

We will do this by igniting conversations and inspiring people to believe that as individuals, organizations, churches, communities and as businesses, we can work together to stop the abuse that affects a staggering half of the population -- men, women and children." The individuals that form the Stop Abuse Campaign have the collective goal that "Working Together, We Can Stop Abuse." SAC provides information and education. Thank you to Stop Abuse Campaign for recommending Beyond the Tears: A True Survivor's Story in their resource section. A reader recently said " Beyond the Tears is such a clear voice for those of us who don't have our voices yet."

Beyond the Tears: Receives 5 Star Review

Triumph Over Adversity![ Beyond the Tears ] is the story of triumph over a series of adversities, and learning to love life after wanting to die. Lynn Tolson has captured a time period and given us a glimpse of that era from her unique viewpoint. This behind-the-scenes perspective takes us through Sixties and Seventies American culture, while conveying the author's hardships and turmoil with wit and deep insights. Her narrative resounds with humorous and poetic depictions as she undergoes family strife, endures child abuse and later assaults, survives violent close calls and suicidal impulses, careens farther off-course in a haze of drugs and alcohol, rejects then embraces therapy to emerge a healthy creative individual. The book is an engaging and affecting account of a life nearly lost but eventually discovered -- cherished -- directed toward fulfillment through love, social work, advocacy, writing and art. Although it is a tale of woes and torments, Lynn's voice manages to guide and inform the reader with a style that is both soothing and appealing. Whether you can relate to her specific travails or not, this is indeed a story that is worthy of being read. The emotions portrayed and repercussions of her experiences are universal; everyone has suffered some degree of anxiety, confusion, and self-doubt. Lori R. Lopez, poet and author 

Beyond the Tears Receives 5 Star Review

Triumph Over Adversity![ Beyond the Tears ] is the story of triumph over a series of adversities, and learning to love life after wanting to die. Lynn Tolson has captured a time period and given us a glimpse of that era from her unique viewpoint. This behind-the-scenes perspective takes us through Sixties and Seventies American culture, while conveying the author's hardships and turmoil with wit and deep insights. Her narrative resounds with humorous and poetic depictions as she undergoes family strife, endures child abuse and later assaults, survives violent close calls and suicidal impulses, careens farther off-course in a haze of drugs and alcohol, rejects then embraces therapy to emerge a healthy creative individual. The book is an engaging and affecting account of a life nearly lost but eventually discovered -- cherished -- directed toward fulfillment through love, social work, advocacy, writing and art. Although it is a tale of woes and torments, Lynn's voice manages to guide and inform the reader with a style that is both soothing and appealing. Whether you can relate to her specific travails or not, this is indeed a story that is worthy of being read. The emotions portrayed and repercussions of her experiences are universal; everyone has suffered some degree of anxiety, confusion, and self-doubt. Lori R. Lopez, poet and author 

Beyond the TEARS: Receives 5 Star Review From DREAMCATCHERS

DREAMCATCHERS FOR ABUSED CHILDREN , a world-wide non-profit organization serving to raise awareness and offer advocacy, was reviewed by Elizabeth Brawley, the Southern Regional Director.





Listen to internet radio with Dreamcatchers on Blog Talk Radio





Powerful! Raw! Honest!





Beyond the Tears, A True Survivors Story is a MUST read for survivors and all who love them especially survivors of suicide, incest & domestic violence.At the start of each chapter I noted a special quote that had a connection with that chapter. What a wonderful and special treat for the reader!Putting pen to paper leads to new discoveries on the true depth on the aftermath of incest and so much more. From page one I felt as though I was with Lynn as she described her world, bringing the reader on each curve, each suspenseful twist or smile. I felt so connected on many levels due to my own journey. Soulful angst, abandonment, search for love, healthy love, and searching in literally all the wrong places with all the wrong people not knowing or understanding we are deserving so much more especially after what was done to us and what was ingrained in us.Our society wants us to keep silent on such taboo subjects yet this author braves the storm-front and breaks with traditions sharing long held secrets, breaking cycles and talking about the six letter word. Voices need to he heard and stories need to be told. Thank you Ms. Tolson for sharing your journey! (Elizabeth Brawley, Child Abuse Advocate, Survivor & Poet)

Dreamcatchers: Helping To Perish An Abused Child's Nightmare on Facebook

You can listen to an archived interview hosted by Elizabeth Brawley and Laurie Ann Smith, with guest Lynn C. Tolson, here

Tolson 4 TEARS Cheers to Dreamcatchers!

Dreamcatchers For Abused Children is a world-wide non-profit organization founded by Sandra Potter and Donna Kshir. The mission is to educate the public on child abuse signs, symptoms, statistics, intervention, reporting, prevention, and assist victims and survivors in locating the proper resource necessary to help achieve and enable a full recovery.





DREAMCATCHERS is:







Dedicating our time & devotion to helping children.Realizing every child has a right to be loved, safe & secure.Encouraging & developing a sense of hope.Allowing time to heal, develop & overcome fears.Motivating & empowering victims to become survivors.Caring, nurturing, and understanding.Awareness & education is the KEY to prevention.Teaching children to lead healthy, productive lives.Cherishing all children equally.Helping to make a difference in a child's life.Educating the public on child abuse.Raising our voices for the voiceless.Sharing our power with the powerless.

Dreamcatchers serves the world-wide population by having regional directors and by using internet radio to reach the public. See show schedules and listen to archives here: 

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