Q&A with Anthony J. Gould AUTHOR

Summary:

Omaha author and life coach Anthony J. Gould, recently released his book “Can I Live Again.” It can be purchased at Barnes and Noble, Amazon and tonyjgould.com

Who do you look up to and why?

I have always been inspired by my parents and the strong family values they instilled in me. My children are also a huge source of inspiration, motivating me to be a better dad, brother, and friend. Above all, I am driven by the desire to positively impact the lives of others.

What inspired you to write this book?

I never imagined writing a book about my experiences. To be honest I didn’t want to write this book, I couldn’t imagine sharing my pain let alone trying to deal with it. However, my journey has been a process of understanding and healing, and as I began to hear from others who were struggling with similar challenges, I felt compelled to share my story. Ultimately, I realized that I couldn’t ignore my passion for making a positive impact on others, and that sharing my experiences was one way to do so.

Why do you feel this content is important?

Life is a journey that we all share, and this book reflects that journey. My hope is that readers will come to the realization that their past experiences do not have to define them, and that they can move forward and embrace all that life has to offer.

Who is your ideal audience?

My message is for everyone because everyone experiences pain and challenges in their lives. Whether you’re struggling with a difficult relationship, dealing with loss and grief, or simply trying to navigate the ups and downs of everyday life, my hope is that you will find something in this book that resonates with you. I believe that we all have the capacity to overcome our struggles and find a sense of peace and fulfillment, and my goal is to inspire and empower readers from all walks of life to embrace their own journey of healing and growth.

Why was including space for reflection at the end of each chapter important? For me, this book is about provoking thought, conversation, and self-reflection. I believe that taking time to process our thoughts and feelings is an essential part of the healing process, which is why I wanted to include a space for reflection at the end of each chapter. My hope is that readers will use this space to journal their own thoughts and feelings, and to explore how the themes and ideas in the book relate to their own lives. By engaging in this process, I believe that readers will be better equipped to navigate their own challenges and find a path towards healing and growth.

In the book you talk openly about the abuse, trauma, and addiction you’ve experienced. At any point did you think “maybe I shouldn’t include this?” How did you find the courage to continue?

There were moments during the writing process where I questioned whether I should include certain details of my story. It was difficult to be so vulnerable and open about the abuse and trauma that I had experienced, especially knowing that some of my family members were unaware of what had happened. However, I ultimately decided that my story would not be complete without sharing all aspects of my journey, including the difficult parts. I knew that my healing and continued growth required me to have courage, and that by sharing my story I could help others who may be going through similar challenges. It was a difficult decision, but I am glad that I found the strength to continue and share my story with others.

Did you learn anything new about yourself while writing this book?

Yes, I did. Writing this book was a deeply introspective process, and it helped me to see myself in a new light. I realized that I am stronger than I thought and that there is strength and healing in vulnerability. My hope is that through my writing and teaching, I can help others to find the courage to share their own stories and embrace their own journey of healing and self-discovery.

What is the message you hope readers receive?

They can live past the experiences and your past is not a death sentence.

What advice can you give to someone who knows a friend, co-worker or family member who is going through a particularly hard time. How can they offer support?

First and foremost, listen and not judge. Then give them my book. (Tony chuckled)