BUCYRUS — Colonel Crawford graduate and author Cathy (Norman) Studer published her first book in 2019 and recently won the Global Author Elite Award for best self-help book.
Studer’s book, “Broken to Beautifully Whole: A Compelling Crusade to Break the Silence, Move Through the Trauma, and Heal the Pain,” won the prestigious award last week when she attended the awards ceremony with dog, Levi, via live streaming due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The video used in the competition for the award included Levi and everyone loved it so I had to include him in the awards ceremony, dog tuxedo and all,” said Studer. “I am so excited and honored to win this award.”
She said her book was nominated for the award in February.
“That alone is quite an award and honor,” said Studer.
She said people could vote for her book in the contest initially and then judges from her publisher determined the winners in 16 categories by judging the book cover, literary skill level and the book’s impact on society.
Studer’s book was inspired by a conversation she had with one of her clients as a hairstylist in the Galena area.
“My client had struggled with depression, alcoholism and PTSD (post-traumatic stress syndrome) for many years before she confided in me that it all stemmed from the sexual abuse she suffered as a child. I then opened up and told her my story,” said Studer.
Studer is also a survivor of child sexual abuse at the hands of her stepfather.
“I did not suffer from some of the issues that others have, and I feel like it was because I somehow kept a positive outlook throughout it all,” Studer said. “While I did have low self-esteem and hard, depressing days, I did not self-medicate or struggle with some of the depression that others do. It made me want to learn why some people go through trauma then suffer more but others do not.”
Studer began reflecting on those years of abuse, from age six to 12, and the things she did to stay positive.
“I had positive attributes that I focused on, favorite quotes and scriptures that I gained strength from,” Studer said. “I also focused on excelling in school because it made me feel less broken.”
She is grateful that when her mother learned of the abuse, she immediately kicked the perpetrator out of their home and divorced him.
“It is so much harder for victims of abuse to heal when they are not believed and protected,” Studer said.
In her book, Studer shares the steps she followed as she moved through her own pain of carrying shame, low self-worth and humiliation after the years of childhood sexual abuse she endured.
“I want others to realize they can recover from the pain and brokenness of abuse and live a life with value, purpose and joy,” Studer said.
Studer said the truth is we are all a little broken in some way.
“The gift is that we can all become whole again, no matter what traumatized, hurt, or broke us,” said Studer.
As she began to write her book, she also began speaking at area events such as a charity event to prevent human trafficking.
“I had to allow myself to become vulnerable while telling my story,” she said. “It exposes your entire soul.”
She continues to do speaking engagements, many of those online due to the pandemic.
“I also have a group, Becoming Kintsugi. It is a group to promote healing, healthy mindset, confidence, fulfillment, and joy,” said Studer.
To join the group, click here. For more information, visit Studer’s website or her Facebook author page.
Studer’s book can be ordered on Amazon and all other major booksellers.