A Life Without Edges: My Sixteen Years in The Wilderness
by Tim Holmes
About the Book
The title of this book – A Life Without Edges – is the best way I can describe what my life became following a very damaging and vicious sexual attack when I was sixteen.
Like most stories, mine developed over a period of time, twenty-five years, in fact. It took several traumas for me to develop the numerous masks behind which I retreated into my own fantasy world: a place where paranoia, internal voices and imaginary friends became my reality, and obsessive/compulsive and self-harming behaviors became my tools of survival.
A complete mental breakdown was the catalyst to my recovery and this book tells the story of how, through therapy, I managed to reconnect with the world and find the real me behind the masks – a very fragile and vulnerable man named Tim.
A professionally trained therapist has added valuable insights throughout this book, which have helped me to understand the reasons for my withdrawal into isolation. The chapter titled “Reflections” is a complete summary of her insights.
About the Author
Tim Holmes now lives in Australia, though he was born in England. This is his first book and one he has wanted to write since his recovery. Now 46 and happily married to Kathy, this is the message he wants to impart: “Don’t keep your pain to yourself like I did, reach out and seek professional help. Remember, it’s never too late to start the recovery process.”
Your journey is one of tragedy-turned-triumph, Tim. I am so grateful that we have met. Our stories are very different in many ways, and yet so similar. Thank you for trusting me with your story, and for sharing it with the world. That one person you are writing for will be forever changed, and many more lives will change as well. I love how it’s unfolding for you, and that this leg of the journey is bringing further healing for you.
Wonderful work Tim,
Your site is looking great love the B&W theme. Your book is one that will set you totally free, and already your new journey in helping both yourself and others has begun to take a definite shape, and you will be helping more than just one person I’m sure. I am proud of you for having the courage of the lion to bare your life openly so as others will benefit from your experiences. I look forward to your book immensely.
Oh Tim!! I have recently been diagnosed with PTSD and am finding that nobody, especially family want to even be near me. My daughter has left me and wants nothing to do with me. This is crushing me but I had to set a boundary due to her giving me absolutely NO respect. My saga continues. I too have chosen to tell my story in hopes that it will help at least ONE person. Thank you for sharing your story!! <3!
Diane,
I am touched by your comment and we all have our burden to bear and it is a road less traveled. I hope to hear your story one day and I hope mine gives you some inspiration. I did not get a diagnosis until just recently. I got through it by talking and sharing. My family did not know about it until I published my book.
Feel free to email me if you wish to off-load and talk. I am also on Facebook. My page is http://www.facebook.com/LifeWithoutEdges
Thank you x
Tim, your amazing story will touch millions of lives! Continue to spread your light and help others. You story is truly inspiring on how one can Overcome! Sherrill Klingler
Tim,
Love your book! Love your radio interview on The Jasmin Farnum Show – http://www.spreaker.com/user/4479059/tim_holmes_1_on_1_w_jasmin
Be Proud, Stand Tall!
Warmest, J
There are many people for whom silence is how they cope with trauma. I used to be one of them, it is not easy to break the silence but once you start then, like a dam burst,there is no stopping it. The pressure starts to dissipate and the angst dwindles. Just take the first step and share something with someone .
This is where you start the transition from victim to survivor and this is where you start to live again free from the past pain. Become the person you really are and be free. Namaste my friends
Congratulations Tim on speaking out and helping others in the process. I too found it cathartic to write and paint as a channel for the painful emotions but had no idea that through sharing it I could help others. A patient’s father finally sponsored my book’s publication, “The Journey Home” which describes through poetry the reconnection with my authentic self. Sharing is caring….
Hi Lorraine,
Thank you for your comment. You are an inspiration yourself and congratulations on the publication of your book.
Tim
Thanks Tim…:)