Audley Enough: A Portrait of Triumph and Recovery in the Face of Mania and Depression
by Lesley Whyte Reford & Patricia Lavoie
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GENRE: Non-fiction, Biography/Memoir
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BLURB:
Audley Enough follows Audley's journey through "The Matrix," specifically his mental health. The book describes his adventures into his mania and depression that occurred during the peak employment years of his life, from 27 to 38 years old. It takes one through the spiritual essence of his being, and gives one steps to travel through mania and depression. After reading his book, one comes out stronger with multiple coping tools. The book is about Audley refusing to let his bipolar diagnosis define him, nor stop him from leading a mentally, healthy, and productive life.
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EXCERPTS:
From my perspective, this whole process of writing Audley’s story has helped me in more ways than one. Initially, his commitment to help me lose the weight helped me achieve my goal and help me move out of my “stuck” state; I got the results I was looking for. Furthermore, my return to my writing not only gave me a meaningful focus, it also helped Audley. But more than anything was the perspective that Audley provided along the way. Isn’t it true that sometimes seeing others’ adversities helps to put our own concerns into perspective? We all get hit with challenges in life and they are all relative. But whatever the challenge, we have to be resilient and fight on. Audley has had a far less privileged life than I and yet he has helped me more than he knows. He keeps me fit and motivated, and he puts a smile on my face every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. And for that, I am truly thankful.
Audley, you’re an inspiration. Could it be any coincidence that you reflect the symbolism of your homeland flag . . . sunshine, burdens borne, and hope? I doubt it. You ARE succeeding at driving back the challenges of mental illness and you ARE making a difference in people’s lives. By courageously opening up and sharing your story, you can’t help but ease the challenges for others dealing with similar concerns. Keep on dancing Audley . . . your positive energy is contagious!
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Audley Coley is a mental health coach, a philanthropist, the subject of a book and a Friend of the Bell Let’s Talk campaign. He is often called upon to host forums on mental health awareness and was more recently seen on CBC’s You Can’t Ask That describing his life with bipolar disorder and on Facebook, hosting the live broadcast to the Alianait Arts Festival for the Nunavut community alongside his lovely daughter.
His ability to soar above mental illness is something he credits to many things. His support system: a strong Jamaican, God-fearing, and closely knit family, first. Sports and physical activity come in at a close second. Audley has always been extremely active. He played hockey, soccer and was a dancer/choreographer, most of his life. At the fine age of 62, he can be found at the Atwater Club teaching a class that could put people half his age to shame. Just ask his Yummy Mummies who subscribe to his workouts and carefully crafted playlist. And then, it’s about food for Audley. He perfected his culinary skills working as a chef in Frobisher Bay (Iqaluit) and today, cooking is truly his labour of love. He takes his vitamins (his medication) regularly and frequently visits to Up House, a place where he goes to get centered and to give back to those who once gave to him. The last and perhaps most important box he checks off on his self-care list is REST.
Audley’s objective is to tell his story often so people may recognize themselves, to provide hope for families of those affected, to share a recipe for success that he knows works and to have the opportunity to change someone’s life in the same way that Patty Duke’s openness changed his.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
LESLEY WHYTE REFORD is a seasoned writer who has a passion for communications and storytelling. She obtained her Master’s degree in Public Administration (MPA) from Queen’s University in 1993 and went on to build her career in Corporate Communications and Public Relations in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. As she raised her two sons, Lesley put her career on hold but continued with her writing when time allowed. Engaging in small contract freelance opportunities and volunteer work, Lesley published a centennial book commemorating the Montreal Children’s Hospital’s contribution to the Montreal community titled “100 Years of Stories” in 2004. In 2013, she collaborated with Audley Coley to author “Audley Enough”, an inspiring resource to share his journey with bipolar disorder and help combat the stigma of mental health issues. Lesley is currently a full-time grant writer at One Tree Planted, Inc., a global reforestation non-profit organization.
PATRICIA LAVOIE has been writing and producing feature films and television series for many years including seventeen seasons with Sesame Street (CBC) in Canada where she honed her pre-school expertise. She developed the original concept for and produced the first Heritage Minutes, a multi-million dollar television and cinema project based on anecdotes of Canadian history, as well as many award-winning preschool and family productions for broadcasters such as CBC, Radio-Canada, YTV, Treehouse, Animal Planet, TVOntario, TFO, Télé-Québec, Discovery Channel USA and PBS.
Ms. Lavoie also co-produced several feature length films with international partners in Australia, New Zealand, France, Japan and the USA. Her online game productions were created for PBS, National Geographic, CBC, Radio-Canada and Treehouse.
As a broadcaster, Ms. Lavoie also served as interim Director of Yoopa, a multiplatform brand comprised of a television channel, an online community for children and parents and a magazine for parents.
Audley Enough is her third book.
CONNECT WITH AUDLEY COLEY
WEBSITE - Audley Coley (audleyenoughbook.com)
FACEBOOK - Audley Coley | Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/Audley-Coley-105730245370234
INSTAGRAM - Audley Coley (@audleycoley) • Instagram photos and videos : https://www.instagram.com/audleycoley
TWITTER - Audley Coley (@audley_coley) / Twitter : https://twitter.com/audley_coley
GOODREADS - Audley Coley (audleycoley) - Montreal, QC, Canada (15 books) | Goodreads : https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/147728134-audley-coley
LINKEDIN - Audley Coley - Motivational and Keynote Speaker on Mental Health & Wellness - Audley Coley | LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/audleycoley/
PURCHASE LINKS AUDLEY ENOUGH
AMAZON.COM - https://amazon.com/dp/022887128X
AMAZON.CA - https://amazon.com/dp/022887128X
AMAZON KINDLE - https://amazon.com/dp/B09PGRX8PW
INDIGO CHAPTERS - https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/audley-enough-a-portrait-of/9780228871286-item.html
BARNES & NOBLE - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/audley-enough-lesley-whyte-reford/1140837677
BOOK DEPOSITORY - https://www.bookdepository.com/Audley-Enough-Lesley-Whyte-Reford-Patricia-Lavoie/9780228871286
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