Have you ever been in the middle of an awful situation and then suddenly without explanation something happens that catches your attention and gives you even the quickest moment of relief- a burst of laughter that breaks the tension of what you’re dealing with?
Does that brief moment take away the terrible scenario you’re dealing with in that moment? No. But when they happen and you’re able to laugh- even for a second- through the ugly cry, you are reminded of the hope “that this too shall pass.”
My friend Dawn Barton knows this so well she’s actually left behind a successful career in sales to write about it. And thank heavens she did, friend because her book “Laughing through the Ugly Cry” is a story you NEED to read. Since it went on pre-sale over on Amazon today, I wanted to share with you why I’m buying lots of copies and you should too.
I met Dawn early in 2017 at a conference. We chatted ever so briefly at that event, but since then our friendship has blossomed. Dawn has been a source of inspiration, encouragement and support as I’ve started my journey with LetterJess. She’s introduced me to other amazing women who are on their own entrepreneurial journeys and has called me more than once to remind me I can do ‘the thing;’ whatever ‘the thing’ is at that moment.
Dawn has faced almost any challenge you can imagine. Some of the most unimaginably awful things have happened to her and to the people she loves most and through it all she’s chosen JOY. From her battle with cancer, surviving a violent sexual assault in her home, losing a child- and so much more, Dawn’s story is one of pursuing joy in the toughest of times. Here’s what’s different about this book and her encouragement to choose joy if you find yourself also in the pits of the awful things life can bring: She doesn’t expect you to just smile through it and assure you it’ll all be okay. She tells you like it is, that sometimes it’s not ‘okay,’ but you can still let those moments push you toward the pursuit of better things to come. Sometimes, the news just sucks and you’re left reeling from what it means- but about that same time your prosthetic breast falls out of your swimsuit on a boat day with your friends and you have no choice but to laugh…while your friend’s child innocently wonders what that thing in the water is.
Why am I writing about Dawn and her book? The answer to that is simple. I want you to read it. I want you to give it to everyone you know so they can read it. Dawn’s message in this book is one the world needs to hear right now. She took a leap of faith leaving a successful career in sales (one that saw her picture in Times Square to celebrate her success) to write this book. Her story will make you laugh, cry, feel inspired, get angry and then encouraged all at nearly the same time. She’s written her story with a raw voice, and I couldn’t put it down.
I’m so grateful God saw fit to allow my path to cross Dawn’s. I’ve already learned so much from her and am SO, SO, SO proud to call her my friend. You can find her on social media and follow her continuing journey of Joy. (Instagram: @dawnrbarton Facebook: Dawn Barton, Joyologist) You won’t regret it. Her posts make me laugh each day, and it’s been so fun to watch her on this book publishing journey.
I love this book so much I’m working on getting copies of it to carry in the LetterJess shop, but don’t wait for that. You can order the book now on Amazon and it will ship to you as soon as it’s officially released.
Dawn, if you read this- I love you. I’m so grateful for you and all the light you’ve brought to my life and to the world around you. You are #goals, baby! Can’t wait to see you soon!
