Short Summary
My name is Tracy Kelly and I live from my heart.
I grew up with an artist's spirit, always dreaming and always creating. Training in graphic design and photography gave way to motherhood and raising a son with autism, then to single motherhood and eventually to a breakdown. After deciding on a radical plan to change my life, I took a leap of faith, let go and traveled to Europe in 2008.
When I returned home it was my dream to write the story and lessons of my travels while they were still fresh in my head but the pressures of returning to "normal 9-5 life" and doubts about whether anyone would want to read something similar to "Eat, Pray, Love" put my dream on the backburner.
Finally, after sharing the stories behind my "heart" photographs with so many people the past four years and them suggesting that I should write a book, I gathered my courage and dream close to my heart and began to write.
I know it seems trivial to hear the words "Follow Your Heart", and for some it seems an impossible thing to do...but I did it! I lived it and saw how miracles happened to me, how life became a little more magical but mostly how I built an inner guidance system built on self-love.
I also know there's a lot of stories out there so why should mine be any different? I'm simply an everyday, normal woman who listened to her heart, took a leap and followed a dream.
What I Need & What You Get
My vision is to have the book not only share the story of my journey, but to have photographs and "scrapbook" items accompanying it, to give it a more personal, travel diary type of feel. It could be designed and printed in black and white to keep the cost cheaper, but I'd really like the readers to experience the full vibrancy of the colours I experienced and to do the photos justice.
I can do all of the graphic work myself, but the colour printing and collating costs will be higher for this vision. Anything contributed can also help with website and promotion.
I'd love to be able to present talks on the issues in the book, and reach a larger audience than I can locally as well.
What you receive from being a very gratefully appreciated contributor are listed on the side. Those who contribute above the basic amount will receive a beautiful photographic print from my travels.
The Impact
There are many people who manage mental illness, many parents who struggle with raising an autisic child, and many people in general who just need some inspiration. I hope to impact all of these people and more by sharing the life-changing journey that I went through.
Through sharing the photography and stories of my trip, I've seen women's eyes light up at the thought of taking care of themselves. People open up about their mental illness and feel relieved to know that they are not alone. I've heard countless times how others now see hearts everywhere because of me and my experience and how it's opened their eyes to see that love really is everywhere. I've felt the connection of living a dream that so many people would like to live but can't and I've learned that one honest sharing of a life's journey can change another's life.
That is why I wish to share my story and what I learned...to inspire, to heal, and to share hope for those who need it.
Other Ways You Can Help
If you can't contribute financially, that's okay! If you know someone who might be inspired by this story, please pass it along using the share tabs on this site.
Any help in spreading the message is greatly appreciate!