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Imagine That: A Survivor’s Guide to a Joyful Life
Imagine That: A Survivor’s Guide to a Joyful Life is a teaching memoir based on the ideologies and practices of Positive Psychology. This offers readers a roadmap to a more meaningful and joyful life. By embracing creativity, gratitude, laughter, meditation, nature, and mindfulness, we can cultivate well-being and a deep sense of purpose. One of the key aspects discussed is Creativity as a Pathway to Healing and Joy, which highlights how creative activities can positively impact our lives.
Trauma leaves deep imprints on the mind and body, shaping the way we experience the world. Yet, amidst the pain, there is also profound potential for growth, healing, and transformation. Creativity and Positive Psychology offer powerful pathways to reclaiming joy, resilience, and self-expression. This book is designed for those who have survived childhood abuse and are seeking a way forward—not just to heal, but to live fully. Creativity is used as a pathway to healing and joy.
What This Book Offers:
At nine years old, Susie had to leave her home to live with this person she didn’t know, her mother. What followed were years of devastating abuse. Yet through it all, she discovered an unbreakable spirit of resilience and hope. This book is a testament to the profound power of art, beauty, and creativity—proving that even in the darkest moments, these forces can become a lifeline, guiding us toward healing and joy.
Embracing creativity as a pathway to healing and joy, Dr. Susie Myers not only lived these experiences, but also earned a Ph.D. in Psychology. This allowed her to weave the science of Positive Psychology into deeply personal, transformative lessons. Imagine That: A Survivor’s Guide to a Joyful Life is more than a memoir! It’s a roadmap for survivors of trauma, adversity, and hardship to find healing, joy, and purpose. Through personal stories and research-backed insights from Positive Psychology and creativity studies, this book provides readers with the tools to reframe their experiences, develop resilience, and embrace a life of fulfillment.
Each chapter begins with a compelling anecdotal story drawn from Susie’s personal journey. They immerse readers in real-life experiences, while subtly weaving in elements of the healing process. These chapters are engaging and accessible. In addition, they not only build on skills, techniques, and insights, but each chapter can also stand alone for independent use. Each chapter’s sub-title carries symbolic meaning, reinforcing its core theme. To further support the reader’s growth, every chapter has a lesson section to encourage reflection and action.
Summary
Imagine That: A Survivor’s Guide to a Joyful Life is a powerful exploration of healing, resilience, and self-discovery through the lens of Positive Psychology and creativity. Drawing from both personal experiences and psychological research, it reveals how creativity, fantasy, learning to receive help, meditation, laughter, nature and more are transformative tools for overcoming trauma, breaking cycles of pain, and embracing a more fulfilling life. Embracing creativity as a pathway to healing and joy is a central theme of this book.
At its heart, this book is a guide for those seeking emotional healing and personal growth. It weaves together deeply moving stories, such as The Ball of Yarn and The Closet—with research-backed strategies, offering readers a path to rediscover their inner strength and creativity. Through personal narratives, engaging exercises, and psychological insights, readers will learn how to:
- Use the power of Positive Psychology in healing modalities like creativity and fantasy as a means of healing and resilience.
- Cultivate self-compassion and openness to receiving help.
- Understand the psychological power of imagination and play in processing past wounds.
- Implement practical steps to enhance creativity, reduce stress, and build a more meaningful life.
Why This Book Matters
In a world where trauma, stress, and self-doubt hold many people back, this book provides a roadmap to emotional liberation. It meets the growing need for self-healing tools that go beyond traditional therapy. It empowers readers to reclaim their joy, agency, and creativity. Whether you are recovering from childhood wounds, seeking to reconnect with your imaginative spirit, or simply looking for a fresh perspective on emotional well-being, this book offers hope, insight, and practical steps toward transformation. Creativity as a pathway to healing and joy is a crucial concept in this comprehensive guide.
Who Is This Book For
Approximately 64% of adults in the United States have experienced at least one kind of adverse childhood experience (ACE) before age 18. While nearly 1 in 6 report experiencing four or more, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Readers on a journey of self-healing and personal growth.
- Those who have experienced childhood trauma or emotional neglect and want to break the cycle.
- Individuals looking to rediscover their creativity as a tool for resilience.
- Anyone interested in Positive Psychology, self-compassion, and the science of healing.
This book is not just about surviving the past—it’s about thriving in the present and shaping a future filled with possibility.
Excerpt from Imagine That
“At nine years old, she packed a small suitcase and left the only home she had ever known. She was going to live with her mother—a woman she barely remembered. In the years that followed, she learned to survive the unthinkable. But she also discovered something else: creativity was her refuge, her escape, and eventually, her way forward. Art, imagination, and the beauty of the world around her became lifelines. Now, she shares how anyone can use creativity to heal, find joy, and reclaim their life.”
A Sneak Peek at Key Chapters
The Ball of Yarn – The Power of Accepting Help
Healing begins with learning to receive kindness. This chapter explores how asking for and accepting support can be a radical act of self-care.
The Closet – Creativity as a Safe Space
Imagination creates worlds of possibility. This chapter dives into how storytelling, fantasy, and creative outlets help reframe pain and build inner strength.
Pneumonia – Finding Laughter in Healing
Even in the darkest moments, humor can be a powerful healer. This chapter explores how joy and laughter can shift perspectives and lighten emotional burdens.
Secret Letters – The Freedom of Forgiveness
Holding on to pain can feel like protection, but true freedom lies in letting go. This chapter unpacks how forgiveness—whether for others or oneself—creates space for growth.
TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) – Resilience Through Nature
Sometimes, healing isn’t about pushing forward but about reconnecting. This chapter explores how nature, mindfulness, and small, intentional steps help regain strength after trauma. Putting It All Together – A Guide to Joyful Living
This final chapter weaves together lessons of creativity, resilience, and positive psychology into a roadmap for healing and personal transformation.
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