TERRI KOZLOWSKI

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

My name is Terri Kozlowski. I am a proud Native American warrior: Athabascan; Tlinglet Tribe-Raven Clan. Rediscovering my true path in life, one of joy and love, I learned to transcend the fear the egoic mind keeps bringing to the forefront of our lives. I’m an author and certified life coach for people who want to overcome their fears and limiting beliefs. I empower my clients to see life from a new perspective, reframe the stories they tell themselves, awaken to the egoic mind, and live the life of their dreams by transcending their fears.

When and why did you start writing books?

Over the past thirty years of my life, I've been asked if I would write my story, and I’ve always said no. But in the summer of 2018, I became pregnant with a book. I’ve always been a writer of newsletters and articles for other publications, but my story came pouring out of me when the time was right.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

I never thought of writing as a career. I think that, overtime, it became my way to share my thoughts and the life lessons I've had with others so they wouldn't have to suffer as long as I had.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

My book, Raven Transcending Fear, is a teaching memoir. It’s the story of overcoming childhood trauma and abandonment by my mother. The journey I take the reader on is personal, from an abused, fearful child to a put-together adult. To write this kind of narrative, I needed to be far enough along my healing journey to tell about the experiences without angst or pain. What’s unique about my book is that I’ve walked through what I’m teaching. I’ve gone into the pit of despair and have come out the other side, thriving. It provides an excellent road map for the reader to follow to find their way to self-comfort, self-love, and the ability to be truly happy in one’s own skin. Now I want to help others with a bridge from suffering over hopelessness and into thriving. That’s why it’s so important to me to serve those who are suffering.

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

The hardest part of writing Raven Transcending Fear was telling the truth as I saw it. Other people’s perceptions don’t change my story. The memoir is my story from my perspective. My truth as I experienced it. It may not be how others in my life experience or remember the same events. My book was inspired. It flowed out of me each time I sat down to write. I had no outline or plan other than to let my story out.

Who is your favourite author and book?

My favorite book is A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson, as it was the first book that helped me see a different perspective on my trauma. My favorite fiction author is Marie Benedict because I love how she uses historically strong women and lets their strength and fortitude be brought into the light for all to see.

What book are you reading right now?

A Year of Miracles, by Marianne Williamson

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

For me, writing is about learning and sharing. We all continuously grow from the life experiences we have. And if I write about those lessons, it does two things: first, it helps me clarify the message and implant it into my everyday life, and second, it allows others to absorb from my understanding and perspective. Although I believe I am a teacher at heart, I have a teaching certificate, so sharing what I’ve gone through with others allows for that coaching relationship to form. Authentic connections build from small insights into one another, and exposing my vulnerability through my blog allows others to see my authenticity. They see the virtuous, the depraved, and the parts that need tending. Like a garden, each of us needs care. I hope I am helping others cultivate their authentic selves by tilling the soil for new seeds to be planted, watering their hearts with compassion, and celebrating the harvest of living the life of their dreams. When one of us bravely shows our authenticity, it encourages others to be courageous and be themselves, too.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

As I was taking off the masks and armor I wore because of childhood trauma, I looked for ways to be more creative. First, I took out the colored pencils and began coloring each week. Then I started going to paint and sip classes to work in a different medium. And as I got more creative in my home studio, I realized how much I enjoy the writing process. Putting words together in a way that allows others to empathize and know they aren’t alone. Someone who had a similar experience or felt the same way helps others see that we’re all connected. As long as I am creative, whether through writing, crafting with my grandchildren, or painting, I am enjoying myself.

Do you have any new books in the works?

I titled my next book, Soul Solutions. It’s about the lessons I’ve learned over the past few years and how we can know that complete healing from trauma can occur.