About the Book
From Failure to Finisher, from Once-a-Bartender to Now-a-Board-Member, 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 hold them back- fear, shame, insecurity- are the very things that can be used to fuel them.
A self-proclaimed Ambassador of Badassery, Stacy's motto is, "I see the Badass in YOU, and I help you see it, too." "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.
About the Author :
Stacy Bernal is a speaker, coach, and disruptor at See Stacy Speak LLC. Her debut book, "The Things We Don't Talk About," is a humorous and heartfelt look at hardships, healing, and hope. A self-proclaimed Ambassador of Badassery, Stacy's motto is: "I see the Badass in you and I help you see it, too." Stacy has spoken nationally at places like AAA, Wells Fargo, Fidelity Investments, Pocatello School District, Stevens-Henager College, and Boys and Girls Club. Her message resonates with many diverse audiences, from teens to women in business to recovering drug addicts to corporations. Stacy feels passionate about helping people find their own triumph through their trials. She has been featured in Scary Mommy, Autism Parenting Magazine, HER Magazine, and Thrive Global. She will give her first TEDx talk in June 2020. Stacy is an eight-time marathoner, ultra-marathoner, triathlete, autism mom, nonprofit founder, champion for the underdog, and creator of ripple effects. She is one, small voice capable of making a lot of noise. In June of 2019, she joined the global organization, KeyNote Women Speakers, whose mission is to empower more women speakers to the stage, as a North America Chapter Founding Member. A proud Weber State University alumna, she serves on her Alumni Association's Board of Directors. She is an ambassador for the Ogden Marathon, a member of Leadership Northern Utah, and founder of Awesome Autistic Ogden, an autism appreciation event. Stacy lives happily and actively with her hubby, sons, and fur babies in Ogden, Utah. A portion of her book sales and speaking gigs goes toward her family's 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Bernal Badassery Foundation, which serves families and individuals, both off and on the autism spectrum, who are working to improve their lives and need a helping hand along the way. They are "Badassery in Progress."
Review :
"This book is packed with truth bombs and relatable stories that we don't talk about, but should. I loved peering into Stacy's life and know this will spark many conversations among friends." - Heather Brooker, KNBC reporter and host of Motherhood in Hollywood podcast
"We talk a lot about vulnerability. What it is. How to leverage it for personal growth. We romanticize how vulnerability is found through courage. But, through this book and the telling of her story, Stacy actually does it. She challenges any possibility of higher penalties that could potentially hold her back from telling her story - and it is told in the most captivating of ways with a rare form of curious authenticity. I was laughing by page 4 and crying by page 7. Whether you are a survivor (of any hardship, really), want to be inspired, or are simply curious to read about how someone's life unapologetically plays out...this is a book worth reading!" - Kim Thomas, LMSW
"...Stacy shares her truths without any pretense or apologies. A great read for anyone who might need to broaden their perspective on life, or to try to look at one human's story with less judgment or comparison. I am honored that she trusted herself enough to believe that her story matters. It does. And it reminded me that while all of our lives can look so different, we all want many of the same things...love, acceptance, and hope!" - Dena Jansen, Author and Speaker at Dena Speaks
"Couldn't put it down. Thank you, Stacy, for being so brave, for sharing your story, for showing so many people the strength that comes from our scars. It was beautiful. Captivating. Honest. Real. Funny. Devastating. Heartbreaking. Inspiring. Hopeful. Thank you for giving others permission to survive their shame by sharing how you've done so in your life." - Dr. Dee Frayne, Holistic Coach
