CWV Book Corner, January: Army Veteran Nicole Mitchell Colley

About the Veteran and her book:

This month’s author is Army Veteran Nicole Mitchell Colley who served as a Human Resources Specialist and Financial Management Specialist from 2003-2014. She wrote “I Am Beautifully Made: A Self-Love and Self-Discovery Journal, Just Text Me: A Mindfulness and Self-Love Journal for Teens, and Until I Can Hold You in Heaven: A Journal for Reflection and Navigating the Loss of a Baby.” Nicole lives in Metro Detroit with her husband, Robert, and their daughter, Amena. She is a passionate advocate for mental health and the uplifting and empowerment of others. In her spare time, Nicole likes cooking, baking, home improvement projects, spending time with her family, and traveling.

Can you share a brief background of your military experience, including your branch of service, years served, and any notable positions or deployments?

I joined the Army Reserves in 2003 at 17 as a Human Resources Specialist. I transitioned to Active Duty, reclassed to a Financial Management Specialist in 2005, and was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, from 2006-2014. I deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from 2010-2011.

What inspired you to write a book and share your story as a woman Veteran?

I have always been passionate about writing; journaling has always been one of my forms of self-care.

How has your military background influenced your writing style and the themes you explore in your work?

As someone who has served in the military, my experiences have greatly influenced my writing style and the themes I explore in my work. The discipline, attention to detail, and focus on teamwork that I learned in the military have all translated into my writing process. In terms of themes, I often find myself drawn to exploring the complexities of human behavior. Ultimately, I believe that my military background has given me a unique perspective that I hope comes through in my writing.

How do you hope your book will impact other women Veterans, active-duty service members, and the general public?

I hope that my prompted self-love and self-awareness journals can serve as a tool for women Veterans, active-duty service members, and the general public to cultivate a greater sense of self-awareness, self-care, and self-love. By engaging in regular journaling practices, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of their own thoughts, emotions, and experiences, and can learn to prioritize their own well-being. For women Veterans, who may have experienced unique challenges during their service and transition back to civilian life, journaling can be a powerful tool for processing and healing. By sharing these journals with others, we can help to create a culture of self-care and self-love and can inspire others to prioritize their own well-being. I believe that storytelling and literature have an incredibly important role to play in fostering understanding and support for the women Veteran’s community. By sharing their experiences through literature and storytelling, women Veterans can help to raise awareness about the unique challenges they face, as well as the contributions they have made to our country. Through these stories, we can gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices and struggles that these women have faced, as well as the resilience and strength that they possess. This understanding can help to foster greater support and appreciation for the women Veteran’s community and can help to ensure that their needs are met and their voices are heard.

What role do you think storytelling and literature play in fostering understanding and support for the women Veteran’s community?

I believe that storytelling and literature have an incredibly important role to play in fostering understanding and support for the women Veteran’s community. By sharing their experiences through literature and storytelling, women Veterans can help to raise awareness about the unique challenges they face, as well as the contributions they have made to our country. Through these stories, we can gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices and struggles that these women have faced, as well as the resilience and strength that they possess. This understanding can help to foster greater support and appreciation for the women Veteran’s community and can help to ensure that their needs are met and their voices are heard.

Can you share a memorable experience or anecdote from your time in the military that has had a lasting impact on your life and writing?

I had a friend commit suicide; 22 Veterans commit suicide daily in the United States. I think about him often, and I wonder if I could have said anything to save him. I have dedicated my life to helping others by becoming a mental health advocate. I have written three prompted journals and am studying to become a social worker. 

Are there any fellow women Veteran authors or books that have inspired or resonated with you? If so, could you tell us a bit about them?

Absolutely! Her name is Lisa Osborne, she is amazing, and she wrote “Gangsta Therapy”. As someone that has experienced a lot of childhood trauma, this book helped me to stop “playing victim” and take charge of my life.

How do you believe the Women Veterans Book Corner can help bring awareness to the civilian and military communities, particularly about women Veterans?

The Women Veterans Book Corner can serve as a platform for promoting greater understanding and awareness of the experiences of women Veterans within both civilian and military communities. By highlighting the stories, perspectives, and achievements of women Veterans through literature, we can help to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about their service and transition back to civilian life. This can help to foster greater empathy and support for women Veterans and can facilitate more meaningful connections between women Veterans and their communities. Ultimately, the Women Veterans Book Corner can help to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all women Veterans. I hope that my prompted self-love and self-awareness journals can serve as a tool for women Veterans, active-duty service members, and the general public to cultivate a greater sense of self-awareness, self-care, and self-love. By engaging in regular journaling practices, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of their own thoughts, emotions, and experiences, and can learn to prioritize their own well-being. For women Veterans, who may have experienced unique challenges during their service and transition back to civilian life, journaling can be a powerful tool for processing and healing. By sharing these journals with others, we can help to create a culture of self-care and self-love and can inspire others to prioritize their own well-being. I believe that storytelling and literature have an incredibly important role to play in fostering understanding and support for the women Veteran’s community. By sharing their experiences through literature and storytelling, women Veterans can help to raise awareness about the unique challenges they face, as well as the contributions they have made to our country. Through these stories, we can gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices and struggles that these women have faced, as well as the resilience and strength that they possess. This understanding can help to foster greater support and appreciation for the women Veteran’s community and can help to ensure that their needs are met, and their voices are heard.

What advice do you have for other women Veterans or active-duty service members who may be considering writing about their experiences?

As someone who admires the courage and resilience of women Veterans and active-duty service members, I would encourage anyone considering writing about their experiences to do so with honesty, authenticity, and self-compassion. Remember that your story is unique and valuable, and that sharing it can help to inspire and empower others. It’s important to also take care of yourself throughout the writing process, and to seek support from trusted friends, family, or mental health professionals if needed. Lastly, don’t be afraid to share your work with others and seek feedback, as this can help to refine and shape your message.

How has writing this book helped you?

I learned a lot about myself and came to terms with many things in my life that I had been avoiding. I have found peace. I’ve learned to love myself more. Knowing that I have helped others has made my heart so full.

Can you tell us about any upcoming projects or events you’re involved in that our audience might be interested in?

I am collaborating with 30 women to write “Thank God I Don’t Look Like What I Have Been Through: The Stories of 30 Resilient Women”. We hope to be published by the end of the year.