The Things We Don't Talk About

A Memoir of Hardships, Healing, and Hope

By: Stacy Joy Bernal

Narrated by: Stacy Bernal

Length: 5 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

Stacy's story of triumph and transformation is one that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt like they were at rock bottom.

In 2009, Stacy was a three-time divorced, three-time college dropout, single mom to a son with autism and a daughter living out-of-state with her dad. On government assistance and barely able to pay bills, Stacy's world was falling apart around her. That same year, she ran her first marathon and the trajectory of her entire life changed the instant she crossed the finish line.

Determined to turn her life around, Stacy enrolled in college for a fourth time. The more she learned about the world around her, the more she turned inward to reflect on the life she had lived. For the first time in decades, she unearthed the memories she had long ago buried - of the abuse by her father, the loss of her religion, the baby she had placed for adoption - and the enormous weight of shame she had carried through the years.

Slowly, Stacy started opening up about her past. What she expected to find was judgment and isolation; what she actually found was acceptance and connection. Fueled by a newfound confidence, Stacy began speaking about her hardships at events around the country and soon discovered no matter where she went, there was always always someone who told her, "Me, too."

Her company, See Stacy Speak LLC, was born. Her platform was based on teaching people that the very things that are holding them back - fear, shame, insecurity - are the very things that can be used to fuel them.

The Things We Don't Talk About is a humorous and heartfelt story of hardships, healing, and hope. Sassy, sweet, and a little sarcastic, Stacy courageously shares her own shortcomings as proof that through pain there is purpose and through our weaknesses we can become warriors. This book will make you laugh and make you cry, and leave you inspired to share your own story, too.

©2019 Stacy Bernal (P)2019 Stacy Bernal

Very Real book

I truly enjoyed this book. The Chapters on Autism and Sexual Abuse were particularly compelling to me as I am a survivor of sexual abuse and a Mom to a young man who has a dual diagnosis of Autism and Sotos Syndrome. I highly recommend this book for the truth, honesty, and humor which Stacy Bernal brings to her story.

Stacy’s willingness to take an honest look at and then write about all of her traumas.

I like how candid she is and how Stacy can live her life on her own terms. It will encourage others to do the same.

I laughed, I cried.

Listened to the whole book on a day off work. I cried as I hiked an Ogden trail...I laughed and smiled as I cleaned my house. Amazing narration and well written. I’m even thinking of putting myself through some half marathon training now..it’s been crossing my mind for weeks..this might be a “sign”. This book is a true testament to the potential each of us have the power to tap into. Thanks Stacy! Hope we cross trails (or a marathon route) sometime.

INSPIRATIONAL-MOTIVATIONAL... MUST READ!!!

This book written and read by the author were just what I needed in this "SEASON OF MY LIFE! " Gives me HOPE of a SUCCESSFUL future for myself in spite of the hardships I have suffered throughout my life! LOVED... LOVED... LOVED!!! 💜💜💜

Fantastic book!

I loved this book on Audible, it’s like having a fantastic conversation with the author, who is hilarious! She will also make you feel and realize things you didn’t know about yourself! Well worth the read or the download!

Loved it!

This is a great book full of so much honesty and authenticity. I wish more people could be open and vulnerable so that we did not have to feel like we need to be ashamed and hide who we really are. Thank you Stacey you for being so open and sharing your story! I just love and adore you!