Writer Randi-Lee Bowslaugh joins me today to chat about her memoir, Embracing Me.
Bio:
Randi-Lee was born and raised in Ontario, Canada and from a young age she had a passion for helping others. She attended Niagara College and graduated at the top of her class from Community and Justice Services, after completing her placement at a recovery house for alcohol and drug addictions. Post-graduation she worked at a Native Friendship Centre for two and a half years while pursuing a university education in psychology. Randi-Lee continued working in social services for another four years as an employment counselor until she left to pursue her other passions.
Randi-Lee is an author and outspoken advocate for mental health sharing her true story with honesty. From the age of 14 she struggled with depressive thoughts. There were times in her life that she wasn’t sure how she would continue. Depression continues to be a battle in her life but she is glad that she continues to live. She has spoken at events that promote wellness and compassionately shares her experiences with her own mental health. In 2021 she started a YouTube channel, Write or Die Show, to spread awareness about various mental health issues and to end the stigma associated with mental health.
Growing up she never felt that she fit in, being the last to understand jokes and confused about many emotions that she saw on others. In 2021 she finally had answers to the questions about herself that had been nagging at her. She was diagnosed with moderate Autism.
Another of Randi-Lee’s passions is kickboxing, which she has been doing for about 10 years. She was a Canadian National Champion in kickboxing in 2015, competed at the World’s kickboxing tournament later that year and in 2016 competed at the Pan-Am games where she received silver in her division. In 2020 she was chosen as one of the coaches for the Ontario Winter Games where she inspired and coached young athletes.
Randi is a mom to two, her youngest child has autism and grandma to one. Randi encourages and supports her youngest child’s entrepreneurial spirit as he follows his dream of being an artist. When she can she incorporates his art into her stories.
Welcome, Randi. What inspired you to write this book?
My child’s struggle with his depression inspired me to share my story. As a mom I feel like it is my job to make my child feel valued and give him the vocabulary to express his feelings. I need to be honest so that others will be honest.
Excerpt from Embracing Me:
Randi-Lee’s true story of coming to terms with her depression. Sharing thoughts around suicide and the harsh reality of feeling the need to hide these thoughts. Each chapter outlines coping strategies that can help an individual explore their own mental health and lovingly embrace themselves. Worksheets are provided at the end of the book to but the strategies into practice. Stopping the stigma of mental health starts with speaking honestly and openly. Topics discussed include: therapy, medication, coping mechanisms, suicide, negative self-talk, positive self-talk, self-care, mental toughness.
What exciting project are you working on next?
I am writing a book about my brother’s death from an overdose. Again I want to share the importance of being honest, speaking openly and knowing that you are not alone.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
In 2018 after I published my second book.
Do you write full-time? If so, what’s your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
No, I am also a personal trainer and work part time in an office. My favourite thing to do other than writing is host my YouTube show, Write or Die Show.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I listen to Panic at the Disco when I write.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A famous actor! Because I couldn’t pick just one career.
Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
Always know that you are not alone. And the only way to end the stigma of mental health is to speak openly and honestly!
Links:
Website | Facebook | TikTok | Twitch | Instagram | Goodreads