Dear Dr.Stem

Dear Dr.Stem,

I planned on doing this anyways, but it seems once again, my desire of writing something specific has fallen into place with another Vocal challenge.

I swear it sometimes reads my mind.

It couldn't be more fitting to write this to you through a challenge, because a past Vocal challenge is where it all started…

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Ten months ago, Vocal started the #200 Challenge. It was us writing our goals and aspirations on Vocal for the year 2024 that was right around the corner.

For me, that challenge incorporated a mini bio of sorts. Because to understand my goals for my dream of writing, it was important for me to help people understand the programming of an unhealthy, and toxic childhood upbringing I had to overcome, and the disease of addiction I've had to battle that started with pain pills from my doctor.

And most painful of all, the journey of having to start loving and forgiving myself after losing custody of my daughters. That was the key to begin healing all the wounds I carried, and what gave me the confidence to finally publish my first piece on Vocal.

That first story was actually published almost exactly a year ago. And thanks to you, I have accomplished way more than I could have dreamed to in such a small period of time.

Three months after I published my entry titled ‘Simply Me’ you posted a comment on it. You asked me if I wanted to co-author your book coming out, and if I'd like to participate as a guest on your youtube podcast. Now I'm not gonna lie, I was hesitant to respond. I thought there was no way you were real, because seeing someone ask me that seemed way too be good to be true. I mean after all, I hadn't even been publishing my work online a year. And there was no way in my mind I would be recognized that fast. I thought it would be years of writing, and on multiple platforms, before I had an opportunity this incredible.

So I figured your comment was some sort of fraud or spam. And even if you were real, these days there always seems to be a catch, and nothing is free. Because of that, I almost didn't take the time to respond.

Then I thought back to opportunities I have let slip past me before because of fear or lack of belief in myself. It made me realize it was worth it to at least email you and see what you had to say. Because I knew if I didn't at least inquire, I'd regret the not knowing later. I didn't need to carry any more of those around.

And you were real. You were asking me to join your podcast, be a part of your book, and weren't asking for a thing from me aside from my time and desire to do the very thing I have a passion for. Write, while sharing my life experience, to try and help others who struggle like me to heal along the way.

You showed me I have a chance to be successful despite starting later in life and having made so many mistakes. You reminded me that I don't have to be perfect to be able to help others. That my past mistakes don't define who I choose to be today, and that I can instead use them as a tool to create a career I have always dreamed of. You gave me that little piece of confidence I've been needed to really believe enough in myself to really dive into writing my book. Now I don't write it with fear or insecurity, but with hope and excitement because I finally am trusting that this is the path I belong on, and that I can make it happen as long as I don't give up. And someday, I can give others the same gift you gave to me.

Not only that, but you gave me a kickstart when I finally get my book published. I can now represent myself as a co-author of a best selling book. Without you I wouldn't have that amazing opportunity, and now I have something people can see and say “Hey, she's been in a best selling book, so her book might be something worth reading.”

When I tell people of what you've done for me, I start crying every time… I mean great, I'm starting to even cry now. But that's how grateful I am to you, and will always be.

So with all of that, I just want to again say thank you.


With much love and respect,
Tressa.


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