Hey friends, welcome back to Hard Beautiful Journey, Episode 81! This one’s a little different because it’s just you and me today. No guests, no interviews—just us, having a heart-to-heart. I wanted to share something close to my heart: my new book, Dancing in the Rain. It’s been out for a few weeks now, and the fact that people are actually reading it is a wild and beautiful feeling. But let me tell you, the vulnerability hangover is real.
Writing this book meant sharing parts of myself that I had never opened up about, and believe me, it wasn’t easy. Every chapter, every paragraph made me stop and ask: Should I include this? Who will it help? Who might it hurt? Most of all, I worried about my dad. I cried a lot about that. But after much soul-searching, I knew I had to be honest. This story, my story, is also my brother Cory’s story. Our relationship over the last 49 years was deeply shaped by things I only learned three years before he passed away. And that changed everything.
When someone you love passes, the ‘what ifs’ can consume you. What if Cory’s life had been different? What if he had been shown more love instead of judgment? But what I’ve learned is that the ‘what ifs’ don’t bring your loved ones back. Instead, what we can do is appreciate the time we had and the lessons they left behind. For me, Cory taught me about trauma, love, and the power of vulnerability.
One of the biggest lessons I share in my book is this: Parenting is hard as hell. I’ve made mistakes—big ones. I’ve yelled, lost my cool, and hurt my kids’ hearts. But what I’m learning is that vulnerability in the aftermath of those mistakes is everything. Owning up, sitting down, talking it out with your kids? It’s not weakness; it’s strength. It’s connection. And it’s what Cory didn't get in his life from his Dad, and I believe it would’ve made all the difference.
As I reflect on Cory’s life and our journey, I realize how important it is to be mindful of our words. They can break someone down, or they can build someone up. The energy behind the words matters just as much as the words themselves. And when I learned about Cory’s traumas, I finally understood his pain. I used my words, my presence, and my love to show him I was there for him. And I know he felt it.
I hope if you read Dancing in the Rain, you’ll see the depth of love I have for my family, including my dad. Our story didn’t end perfectly, but it’s filled with forgiveness and love. Cory forgave my dad, and I know they’ll share a beautiful hug in heaven someday.
If you’ve read the book already, THANK YOU. I would love to hear your thoughts, and if you could leave a review on Amazon, I’d be eternally grateful. Reviews help get these stories in front of more people who need to hear them. And if you haven’t yet, you can find the book at one of the Amazon links on my website: https://tiffcarson.com/danceintherainbook
Thank you for being part of this journey with me. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. Let’s keep sharing our stories, friends. Because every story matters.
Love Tiff xx
