Like so many mothers, Julie Chavez ran herself ragged trying to meet the needs of everyone else, until an unexpected panic attack forced her to find a new way. Funny, deeply honest, and inspiring for readers feeling overwhelmed in their own lives, Everyone But Myself feels like a best friend sharing how she pulled herself back to solid ground while embracing chaos along the way. "In my experience, the phrase 'all of a sudden' is rarely applicable when it comes to mental health." For Chavez, an elementary school librarian and mother of two boys, the signs of mounting anxiety and depression had been present for a while, though she had done her very best to ignore them. Then, one night, while her husband was away on business, Julie found herself locked in a debilitating panic attack that threw her life into a tailspin. The terrifying aftershocks left her grappling with questions about the origin of her anxiety and where it would lead next. What follows is a funny, unflinchingly open account of love and loss, comically negligent doctors, husbands who can't read minds, family outings gone wrong, and the life-affirming joy of a life well loved and well lived. Written with humor and hope, and sure to resonate with mothers spread thin by the demands of modern family life, Everyone But Myself offers an intimate portrait of how one woman found her way back from the edge.
Finding Light in the Darkness
"Everyone But Myself" by Julie Chavez is a poignant and deeply honest memoir that shines a bright light on the struggles of modern motherhood, anxiety, and the journey to self-discovery and self-care. Through her candid storytelling and raw vulnerability, Chavez invites readers into her world, offering a glimpse into the complexities of balancing family, career, and personal well-being.
At the heart of the book is Chavez's journey of self-realization, prompted by an unexpected panic attack that forces her to confront the mounting anxiety and depression she had been ignoring for too long. With humor, grace, and unwavering honesty, Chavez navigates the challenges of seeking help, grappling with inner turmoil, and ultimately finding the courage to prioritize her own needs amidst the demands of everyday life.
What sets "Everyone But Myself" apart is Chavez's authentic voice and her ability to articulate the universal struggles faced by mothers and women in today's society. From the pressures of perfectionism to the guilt of prioritizing self-care, Chavez delves into the complexities of maternal mental health with empathy and compassion. Her experiences resonate deeply with readers, offering validation and understanding to those who may be grappling with similar challenges.
Throughout the memoir, Chavez weaves together moments of love, loss, frustration, and resilience, painting a rich and multifaceted portrait of motherhood and womanhood. Her reflections on the impact of anxiety on her relationships, career, and sense of self are both poignant and relatable, striking a chord with anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by the demands of modern life.
One of the book's greatest strengths lies in Chavez's ability to capture the essence of human experience with clarity and depth. Her poignant insights into the nature of grief, loss, and resilience are profoundly moving, offering readers a sense of hope and solidarity in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, "Everyone But Myself" is a compelling and inspiring memoir that offers a poignant exploration of maternal mental health, self-discovery, and the transformative power of self-care. Julie Chavez's candid storytelling and heartfelt reflections make this book a must-read for anyone navigating the complexities of modern motherhood and seeking solace in shared experiences.
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Julie Chavez, Author of USA 
Celebrating Life's Imperfections Through Words
About the Author: Julie Chavez is not only an elementary school librarian in Northern California but also a passionate wordsmith who finds solace and inspiration in the pages of books. While she spends her days surrounded by thousands of stories, it's her own narrative that takes center stage with the publication of her debut book, "Everyone But Myself." Julie's literary journey reflects her deep connection to storytelling and her profound appreciation for the written word.
Originally hailing from Eagle-Vail, CO, Julie now resides in California with her husband and two towering teenagers. In her cozy home, she curates her extensive collection of books, arranging them by color—a testament to her love for literature and her creative spirit.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Julie Chavez has a computer font of her handwriting? It's a unique touch that adds a personal flair to her digital correspondence and creative projects.
Favorite Author: When asked about her favorite author, Julie faces the impossible task of choosing just one. Instead, she names three literary luminaries who have left an indelible mark on her reading journey: Stephen King, Marisa de los Santos, and Kate Morton. Each author's unique voice and storytelling prowess resonate deeply with Julie, reflecting her eclectic taste and appreciation for diverse narratives.
Favorite Place in the World: Despite her love for exploration and adventure, Julie's favorite place in the world is none other than home—a sanctuary where she finds comfort, warmth, and a sense of belonging amidst the chaos of life.
Favorite Place to Read: For Julie, the perfect reading spot is a shady spot outside, preferably on a beach where she can bask in the sun's gentle rays and indulge in frosty beverages delivered by attentive beachgoers. It's a picturesque setting that embodies relaxation and tranquility, allowing Julie to escape into the pages of her favorite stories.
Upcoming Publication: Julie's memoir, "Little by Little," is set to be published by She Writes Press in May 2022. Through her poignant and heartfelt narrative, Julie invites readers to join her on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance, celebrating life's imperfect yet beautiful moments.
As an author, Julie Chavez strives to uplift and inspire others through her words, offering a glimpse into the complexities and joys of the human experience. Her authentic storytelling and genuine voice resonate with readers, fostering connections and fostering a sense of community in the literary world.
Explore More: To discover more about Julie Chavez and her literary endeavors, connect with her on social media and explore her upcoming memoir, "Little by Little." Join Julie on a journey of self-reflection and storytelling, where every word carries the power to inspire and uplift.
Living in Northern California, married, with a roof over her head, two happy, healthy boys, what could be wrong? Everything isn’t always as it seems. Most of us know this. It takes courage to admit when something feels off and even more to seek help. That’s what Julie did. Having recently started a new part-time job at her local elementary school as a librarian, a job that she loved, one, it meant being closer to her youngest, and two, she is a reader, so naturally, being surrounded by books, recommending books, and yes, reading books to impressionable minds. Dreamy, right? Well, yes, but. Adding 30 hours to her week, on top of managing her household while her husband traveled for work, getting her kids ready for school and out the door, back and forth to sports practice and games, making meals, she had zero time for herself. Sound familiar? Let’s add some more to the mix. Her father who lives with her mom across the world in Japan wasn’t feeling well and had to undergo a series of procedures, all the more complicated by a language barrier. Imagine being miles away from a loved one, not being bedside holding their hand while they’re undergoing potentially life-threatening surgery. Simultaneously, a sister-in-law who was battling her own issues, Julie had to manage her feelings, her husband’s emotions, and oh yes, she was the person who couldn’t stop herself from raising her hand to volunteer for activities at school, baseball, you know the drill, things she knew she had no time for, yet she did them anyway. Thus, the title of the book. There really should be a cocktail napkin with the title on it. Chavez took care of everyone but herself. She was burnt out.
When that happens, you’re no good to anyone. But it’s easier said than done to get out of that hole you’ve dug yourself into. Try scheduling an appointment with your doctor and they tell you to quit your job. Great solution. Or friends give you advice with the best of intentions but what works for them isn’t necessarily what works for you. The pick-yourself-up-from-your bootstraps approach is unrealistic, and people often need more support than a pep talk or even a pill. Julie doesn’t claim to be a therapist or an expert but what she does do in her book is talk openly about the steps she took to help herself along with the help of others, including the hurdles she faced along the way, hopefully, so her readers might avoid those. And she shares one of her biggest lessons, coming from a perfectionist, “be adequate.” Nobody needs to do everything perfectly all the time. Or even most of the time. It’s ok to make mistakes, to show up, to do what you can. She pokes fun at herself in a lighthearted way. From her honesty about depression and anxiety while navigating the healthcare system to trying to be all things to everyone but herself to coming around to taking care of herself and learning to delegate where she can, if there were to be a sequel, I think you’d see Julie on the cover, instead of exhausted and passed out on a chair and ottoman, sitting up, relaxing, reading a book, savoring some quiet time.
Author Julie Chavez
Available now!
Thank you, @zibby books and @netgalley, for my #gifted e- arc!
Everyone But Myself is a relatable and satisfying memoir, and I am positive that Julie's honesty and vulnerability will resonate with many other women as well. On a mondern0 day mission to meet everyone else's needs but her own, overwhelmed to the point of anxiety and depression, and annoyed at her own invisibility, Julie shares her raw and poignant experiences from the last straw and then through the bumpy path of self- awareness, bravery, and mental health.
Filled with wit, humor, and love, Julie offers readers an intimate peek into her journey, allowing readers to transform and grow right along side her.
