Life Redefined Through Resilience
My memoir, The Road Unpaved: Border to Border with a Brain Tumor and a Bike, chronicles my journey through a major life upheaval. It’s a story about resilience in the face of adversity, from a life-altering diagnosis to the dissolution of a 20-year marriage, and the exploration of identity. Following brain surgery and radiation treatment, I found myself at a pivotal moment. I needed something to live for; I needed to rediscover who I was beyond the roles and routines that had defined me for years.
Pedaling Towards Freedom
In search of clarity and soul-healing, I embarked on a 1,845-mile bicycle journey along the Pacific Coast from Canada to Mexico. The road, with its twists and turns, became a powerful metaphor for my life. As I pedaled through changing landscapes, I began to see obstacles not as roadblocks but as simply something to navigate. This shift in perspective revealed how many of my limitations were self-imposed—of my own doing—and therefore could be my own undoing. This is when I became Risa Unleashed.
From Personal Healing to Universal Inspiration
Initially, the memoir was a deeply personal endeavor, a therapeutic process to help me work through the turn my life had taken. Writing had always been a dream of mine, and this felt like the perfect time to bring that dream to life. But as I delved into my story, I began to see its potential impact on others. The more I shared my journey, the more I heard from people who felt inspired to confront their own limiting beliefs and embrace a fuller, more authentic life. It became clear that this book wasn’t just for me; it was for everyone who needed a reminder that reinvention is always possible, no matter the circumstances.
Through feedback from readers, I’ve learned that my story is more than an account of personal challenges or a bike ride; it’s saving lives by encouraging earlier diagnosis of pituitary tumors, encouraging others to find their voice, and inspiring others to let go of constraints and live a life unleashed.
A Story for Every Journey
The audience for The Road Unpaved is as diverse as the roads I’ve traveled. Readers from all backgrounds have found themselves reflected in my story. It speaks to anyone seeking courage in the face of adversity, those yearning for a connection to the transformative power of storytelling, and individuals navigating their own journeys of self-discovery. Whether someone is overcoming a diagnosis, ending a relationship, or simply feeling stuck, my book resonates with universal themes of resilience, hope, and the power of choice.
Strength in Every Struggle
The message of The Road Unpaved varies for each individual reader. Within its pages, some have found hope, others have felt empowered, and many have shifted their perspectives. I want readers to understand that they have the strength to navigate even the most gnarliest of roads in life. Obstacles are inevitable, but they don’t have to stop us. My journey is a testament to the idea that we are not bound by our circumstances; we can map out a new route, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
Inspiring Transformation and Possibility
I hope readers walk away with a renewed sense of possibility. I want them to see that they are not alone, that transformation is within reach, and that authenticity can be a liberating path forward. By sharing my story, I aim to inspire others to trust their intuition, challenge their fears, and embrace the power of reinvention.
Bringing the Journey to the Big Screen
The journey of The Road Unpaved is far from over. I am currently adapting the memoir into a screenplay, a project I’m incredibly excited about. My goal is to bring the story to life on the big screen, reaching an even broader audience and amplifying its message of resilience and self-discovery. The film will blend raw emotion, humor, and a covert educational element to save the lives of those unknowingly living with Pituitary tumors.
In addition to the screenplay, I’ve started working on the sequel to The Road Unpaved. There are many stories left to tell and lessons to share. I look forward to continuing this journey with my readers.
A Life Transformed Through Advocacy
My diagnosis changed the trajectory of my life in profound ways. It led me to become a certified Gestalt Practitioner, a patient advocate for those with pituitary tumors, and an inspirational speaker. Through my coaching business, Feather and Sage Coaching, I help individuals break free from limiting beliefs to live more in alignment with their goals and authentic nature.
Inspiring Change and Breaking Barriers
My advocacy work has also been a source of immense fulfillment. I’ve been recognized as a Pituitary Hero in the U.K. and received the Global Women of Choice Award. I’ve been featured in numerous magazines and appeared on over 100 podcasts, radio shows, and platforms such as Authors’ Lounge, sharing my story and raising awareness about rare diseases and medical care.
Awards with a Deeper Impact
The Road Unpaved has won multiple awards, but its greatest impact lies in the lives it has touched and the conversations it has sparked. My hope is that this story continues to inspire, educate, and empower people worldwide to embrace the road less traveled—to live unleashed.
Find me here:
https://www.risaaugust.com
https://www.instagram.com/risaunleashed/
https://www.facebook.com/risa.august.unleashed/
Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/iIHPzw4
