Despite detailing my own experiences, writing Parallel Universes: The Story of Rebirth was not in any way an exercise in navel-gazing. As much as I wanted to tell my story, the biggest hope was that by telling it I would be able to access a wide audience and help by having people identify with the feelings I’ve had. I don’t need my readers to have a similar life to mine, but I think many of us share similar emotions and struggles no matter what our private trajectories are like.

I thought hard about “outing” myself by writing my memoir, but I came to the conclusion that I’ve lived for too long in hiding and that since I had the ability to convey a message, I might be able to help people who are struggling with similar issues: addiction, loss of identity, adoption as well.

I’ve always hoped that the book would be at least a catalyst for thinking, and for discussion about topics that might be uncomfortable to think and talk about. Naturally, many of us want to avoid uncomfortable topics but if we don’t think or talk about them… they will not miraculously disappear. And if they don’t disappear, there is a little chance a positive change will occur. In order to change, to heal, we all need to acknowledge our realities—reading somebody’s memoir is often a start to closely examining your own life (take it from me—I’m an avid memoir reader).

So if you are one of my readers and/ or a visitor to this website, and if you’re ready to take this further, you might be wondering what to do next. Your perceptions have been validated, so pay your experiences forward. I have some suggestions that might help you stay with the book for a little longer and perhaps get more insight into your own situation.

• Examine the lessons and philosophies I examined in the book. When we share ideas, we get clearer about ourselves, and we strengthen these concepts within ourselves. Perhaps write (journal) about what appeals to you, what parts of the book make you question your own situation and struggles? Have you come to any conclusions? What are they?
• Share the book with others. I believe that when we share—challenging books, new ideas, dilemmas, etc.—we strengthen our very selves.
• Buy the book for a friend or a family member, start a discussion. Remember—it might not be a comfortable one but it might be one that will lead to healing if healing is needed.
• Take the book to your book club and discuss it there.
• Become a thought leader.  Write a review of this book on Amazon, on your blog, or on another social media platform.  Send your thoughts to DavidBBohl.com and I will add it to the DavidBBohl.com blog. I’m also happy to link to each other’s blogs!
• Share your ideas and experiences with me—I want to hear what you think, what worked for you, what didn’t… how you, too, found hope.