Stronger than yesterday – living your life beyond adversity…..

is  Author Cathy McCarthy’s latest book, which was  launched on Tuesday the first of March in Dublin. Her first book Not the year you had planned…..is her story about been diagnosed with  breast cancer, but is much more besides.  Its full of practical and supportive information for anyone going through and recovering from cancer. 

The proceeds from Stronger than yesterday  will go to two charities..the Waterford High Hopes Choir and the Jack Kavanagh foundation. 

I remember clearly the day I got an email from Cathy…it was one of those days when I was feeling ‘flat’ and needed motivation. Cathy had got my name from Hilary Moss, Director of  the National Centre for Arts  and  Health , (AMNCH) based at Tallagh hospital. I met Hilary when I did a creative writing course in 2011, one of the outreach programs they run.

Cathy was now embarking on her second book ,  giving a voice to  people who were dealing with or been through traumatic events in their lives.  After meeting Cathy I felt no hesitation, if not a little trepidation, about writing my story  for her book, about living with chronic pain. There are nine other stories, all dealing with life changing events, including cancer, and MS.

The book is a veritable treasure trove of helpful and inspiring stories.There are chapters about creativity, exercise, gratitude, compassion  and much  much more.You will just have to buy the book to find out ! There are also lovely quotations and poems dotted throughout.

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can” Arthur Ashe

“What has happened to you doesn’t define you,the truth of who you are  is discovered anew with every breath”. Mary Nurrrie Stearns

The Launch turned out to be a  lovely evening and to be honest,  it was not until lunch time of that day  that I made up my mind to go. I had been ill with a chest infection for weeks, but something shifted in my mind, and I knew I would go, no matter what. It was a very  up lifting  evening, and I felt proud that I had made some small contribution to this  honest, heartfelt book.

The   Waterford High Hopes Choir provided great entertainment and were joined by David Brophy, conductor, musician, and the man who   was responsible for setting it up.  There is an RTE  series telling the story of how it came into existence.

Jack Kavanagh was also there and said a few words, which were both a mixture of humor and honesty. He is  a young guy who has gone through a very real life changing event.

I am so thankful to my friends and family who came along and  supported me and a  special thanks to Anita for  all her help with editing my story.

In conclusion I would like to include a few lines from Cathy’s moving  speech on the night and to thank her  for writing her book which I know will provide support to so  many people .

“Find what you want to do with your life, ask yourself what makes you come alive, then go and do it. We all have our special place in the world, use your unique gifts, shine your light Dare to be all you can be. Do more of what makes you happy. Life is found in the dance between your greatest fears and your unlived dreams.” Cathy McCarthy