What happens when fear takes hold of your life?
For years, I was trapped by self-doubt, constantly second-guessing every decision. Eventually, I reached a crossroads: stay silent or step toward change. Letting go of the expectations and criticism that fueled my fears, I found my voice.
In Gripped, I share the moments that shaped me, the struggles that tested me, and the breakthroughs that set me free. This book is about releasing fear, letting go of shame and self-doubt, and learning to trust yourself.
For anyone who has ever felt silenced or stuck, Gripped offers hope and a reminder that change is always possible.
The Journey to the Right Title
When I began writing this memoir, I explored several titles:
- Decide to Matter
- Navigating Towards Your Darkness
- If the Eyes Could Speak, Would You Listen?
At one point, Second-Guessing felt right. It reflected my struggle with self-doubt. But as I refined my story, I realized it was about more than uncertainty.
That’s when I found Gripped: Releasing Fear to Find My Voice. This title captures the heart of my journey—facing the fears that held me back and finally allowing my voice to be heard.
The Cover
Every element of the cover was chosen with intention:
- The open cage – letting go of fear
- The bird’s shadow – strength and potential
- The glowing butterfly – hope and transformation
Gripped will be released in September 2025. Stay tuned for updates and explore these topics further on my podcast, Growing Older Together, where I discuss facing fears and overcoming life’s challenges.
Why I’m Releasing Gripped in September
I originally planned to release Gripped on April 4, 2025, my birthday. It felt like the perfect way to celebrate something I once thought I’d never finish.
But life shifted in ways I saw coming but wasn’t ready for. My mom’s health has declined further, and my siblings and I have been by her side. It’s been an emotional and exhausting time—one that has made me reflect even more on healing, fear, and this book.
I’ve also been reading and listening to Dr. Gabor Maté’s work on trauma, which has given me new insight into my story. Because of this, I’ve moved the release date to September 2025, a month deeply connected to the themes of Gripped.
Why September Matters
Read A Book Day (9/6) & International Literacy Day (9/8):
Stories, especially the hard ones, deserve to be told. This book is about saying the things I once thought I never could.
National Suicide Prevention Week (9/7 – 9/13) & Suicide Prevention Day (9/10):
Too many people suffer in silence, believing their pain is theirs alone to carry. Gripped is a reminder that our voices and struggles matter—and that we’re not alone.
Hispanic Heritage Month (9/15 – 10/14):
As a Latina entrepreneur, author, and podcast host, this book is part of my journey of overcoming fear, finding my voice, and sharing it in ways I never thought possible.
International Day of Peace (9/21):
Finding my voice wasn’t just about speaking up—it was about making peace with my past and the fear that once controlled me.
International Podcast Day (9/30):
Through my podcast, I will continue the conversations that matter about healing, self-worth, and finding our voices.
More Than Just a Date
September isn’t just a release date. It’s a chance to start conversations that matter.
Thank you for being here. Your support means more to me than I can express. I can’t wait to share Gripped with you. I’ll be announcing the exact release date soon.