Writing, Advocacy & Awards: A Personal Reflection on a Transformative Week

Unwritten Chapters – A Big Week: Speaking in Afghanistan, A National Honor, and A Literary Win

Episode Summary:Welcome back to Unwritten Chapters! This episode is a big one—I'm sharing some incredible milestones that have unfolded in my life this week. From speaking to a group of young writers in Afghanistan to receiving a national honor in Canada, and even winning an award for my fiction writing, it's been a week of reflection, gratitude, and growth.

What’s Inside This Episode:

• Speaking to Young Writers in Afghanistan – I’ve been invited to speak with a group of Afghan girls about creative writing and storytelling. Despite the restrictions they face, their passion for literature is inspiring. I'll share how this opportunity came to be and what it means to me.

• Receiving the King Charles III Coronation Medal – I’ve been awarded this incredible honor for my contributions to military history education and mental health advocacy in Canada. I’ll talk about the significance of this recognition, the upcoming ceremony, and my feelings about being nominated.

• Winning the Word on the Lake Writers’ Festival (Again!) – For the second year in a row, I’ve taken home the top prize—this time in fiction! I’ll give you an inside look at my winning story, Summit of Promises, and how personal loss and grief shaped the narrative.

• Reflections on Growth, Sobriety, and Finding Purpose – This episode also explores how these moments tie into my journey of sobriety, self-acceptance, and the importance of connection.

Episode Highlights:

• [00:02] – Introduction & gratitude to listeners

• [03:45] – How I got the opportunity to speak with Afghan writers

• [12:30] – The power of creative expression and overcoming limitations

• [18:20] – Receiving the King Charles III Coronation Medal: what it means to me

• [26:15] – Winning the Word on the Lake Writers’ Festival for fiction

• [34:00] – Reflections on grief, writing, and finding closure through storytelling

• [42:30] – Final thoughts and a message of gratitude

Support the Podcast:If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review or a comment on Spotify—it’s free, easy, and helps more people discover Unwritten Chapters! You can also support the podcast by sharing this episode with someone who might resonate with its message.

Connect with Me:

• Instagram: UnwrittenChapters

• Blog: AMedicsMind.com

• YouTube: Unwritten Chapters

Thank you for being part of this journey. Stay safe, stay connected, and above all, keep talking to each other.

#WritingCommunity #CreativeWriting #Afghanistan #MentalHealthAwareness #MilitaryHistory #KingCharlesCoronationMedal #PodcastLife #UnwrittenChapters