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Page A—1 6 — Shelton-Mason County Journal — Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021
Shelton author shares story of trauma, addiction
Bylsabeila Breda
isabe//a@masoncounty com
The path to healing is almost never a
straight one.
“I mean it’s really cliche, but like the tap-
estry on the wall —— there’s a pretty picture
on the front and in the back it’s a bunch of
tangled-up threads that doesn’t really make
sense,” Shelton author Rachel Baldwin said.
“We’re all like that. And if we can step away
from micromanaging it and actually see the
big picture, it brings healing and freedom.”
Baldwin’s memoir “Against Such Things”
was the N0. 1 new release in the Substance
Abuse book category on ‘ Amazon within
days of its launch in fall 2020.
The heart-wrenching page—turner takes
the reader through Baldwin’s traumatic
childhood, showcasing the allure of belong—
ing, the darkest depths of addiction, in-
carceration and finally reaching recovery
through a commitment to authenticity.
This is Baldwin’s first book, though she
said she’s wanted to write even “before I
had things to write about.”
While the book addresses Baldwin’s path
to freedom, authenticity and healing, she
said writing the book helped her turn the
page and enter the next chapter of her life.
“While writing, I definitely identified
some more patterns that I really haven’t
seen and wouldn’t have seen if I hadn’t
written it all down,” Baldwin said. “And
that’s where healing Comes is when you can
identify why it is you’re behaving in what-
ever way you’re reacting to something
that isn’t healed the whole process was
another level of healing for me, that I don’t
think I would have gotten otherwise.”
Within the book are separate threads,
bits of Baldwin’s experiences that are all in-
tertwined and which touch on traumas that
include childhood abuse, sexual assault, the
ebbs and flows of addiction and strained
relationships.
“I’m hopeful that it’s written in a way
that whatever someone’s experience is,
maybe they might find something to identi-
fy with,” Baldwin said. “It’s vulnerable but I
don’t think it would have mattered to write
it if it wasn’t telling the truth about what
adverse childhood experiences do to some-
one and what that creates for our society
. as a whole.”
Baldwin’s story is familiar to those who
carry trauma.
Her internal conflicts resulted in seeking
outside affirmation, belonging and things,
Baldwin said. “So maybe that’s the take-
away, like it isn’t anything outside of our-
selves — as individuals or as a society —
that’s going to make anything different.”
Healing has to come from Within.
Baldwin’s writing humanizes the faces
and names behind those who society is of-
ten quick to judge.
“No matter where you’re at, no matter
what you’re doing, no matter how scary it
is, if you are unhoused and strung out, and
aren’t sure if that tree is actually talking to
you and haven’t seen your kids in six years,
you still deserve love and respect,” Baldwin
said. “I’m here to tell you, anybody who tells
you different, they’re the ones who are the
problem.”
Baldwin said she hopes her book can con»
tribute to understanding and awareness.
“When we segregate us versus them —
and whatever iteration of us versus them
we’re talking about it causes not just in-
ternal dysfunction but like systematic, cul-
tural dysfunction,” she said. “It’s realizing
that it’s OK to be. Period. The end. It’s OK
for you to be who you are, you don’t have to
be in alignment with my morals and values,
but you do have to respect them.”
Baldwin’s book is available at all major
book sellers, including Amazon, Barnes &'
Noble and Powell’s Books.
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Meet Maverick! He is a 112#, 5-year-
old Siberian Husky. This snowy, handsome
blue-eyed fellow is looking for a home
to enjoy beautiful days basking in the
sun, romping in yard, and going on an
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Maverick is a chill dog who needs some
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He is good natured, loving, and smart.
MEMOIR
r. BALDWlN'
Further questions? Currently emails are
the only method .of communication. We
all-care about the health of our 2-Iegged
caregivers and the community at large,
so as a precaution we are suspending our -‘
public open hours. We are still taking
email inquiries, on-line applications and
will be in touch with you as soon as we {
are able. We appreciate everyone’s
understanding during this time! Stay'
Well! ‘
CONTACT INFORMATION:
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Telephone: (360) 432-3091
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HAIGH VETERINARY HOSPITAL ‘ _
81 SE. Walker Park Rd. 0 Shelton
(360) 426-1 840