Don't Eat Your Vomit!

My mother's cautionary words, "You know, you don't eat your vomit," spoken at the demise of my first marriage, could be heard in my head again when I was at the same crossroad with my second marriage. I was in disbelief because I worked even harder to keep that marriage together. At some point, I remembered it was Scriptural. Proverbs 26:11 NIV [11] As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly. My mother is the inspiration behind Don't Eat Your Vomit! Those words of wisdom were received with shock and awe, grabbing my attention amid a tumultuous time. They were later remembered when approaching that familiar moment of, "Do I stay, or do I go?" In this context, vomit is a metaphor. The reader will be forced to recognize don't-eat-your-vomit moments past or present – including those that do not necessarily involve a love relationship. Don't Eat Your Vomit! will help you purge or manage your vomit, since we all do this at least once, if not more, at some point in our lives.

I introduced the concept of "Don't Eat Your Vomit" in my first book, Prayers of My Mother. Since the book's completion in 2017, I have been overwhelmed and humbled by the emotional, heartfelt, and sincere impact Prayers of My Mother has had on the lives of others. Mostly, I continuously received questions about "Don't Eat Your Vomit." Don't Eat Your Vomit! is the precursor to Prayers of My Mother. As I began writing this book, I saw how my journey lead directly to Prayers of My Mother. My path began with my mother, who was a prayer warrior. It was her prayers and healing ministry that catapulted me on this journey. But it was my trials and tribulations in the 80's and 90's that clarified my journey. During the '80s, I entered adulthood. I went to college and earned an associate degree. I landed my first job, married my high school sweetheart, gave birth to my one and only child, and divorced – all in four years. Before I divorced, I talked with my mother and expressed my disappointment regarding the state of my marriage, even changing my mind. She told me, "You know, you don't eat your vomit." Although I understood, it was not until years later that I recognized my vomit alluded to so much more; certain people, unhealthy relationships, and patterns of destructive behaviors. Since then, I have returned to my vomit by remaining in a particular relationship – whether professional or personal to simply maintain my livelihood or fulfill a perceived desire or thirst. I have also danced around, purposely toyed with, and even bathed in it – believing these actions would satisfy some desire or quench my thirst. Even when dissatisfied or my thirst was unquenched, I embraced my vomit, yielding to the emotional rollercoaster and believing the outcome would change, only to be very disappointed in the end. It is my desire that "Don't Eat Your Vomit!" helps you recognize or identify specific people, unhealthy relationships, and patterns of destructive behaviors in your life and teach how to deflect or cope with the consequences of returning to those same people, relationships, or patterns of destructive behaviors. We all do this (eat our vomit) during our lifetime. Too many times, it is simply about perception. Some people learn after the first time, others continue their destructive cycle in hopes of changing the outcome. Rarely will they be successful. In this book, I recount events in my adult life as I endured physical and emotional abuse while managing a successful, but challenging career. By allowing you to live vicariously through the choices I made and the corresponding mistakes, I pray it will assist you with recognizing and understanding your relationship and career vomit. Understanding is the key to preparing yourself to either purge or manage your vomit. Only then can you survive and thrive.

Life's trials and tribulations led to Carolyn's debut book, Prayers of My Mother: Volume I, which has her fans anxiously awaiting Volume II. Her faith and positive attitude reaffirm readers' relationship with God as she provides encouragement and guidance through significant life-changing moments. Carolyn has now completed her second book, Don't Eat Your Vomit! It is the precursor to Prayers of My Mother, Volume I. Readers will vicariously experience the life-changing moments that led Carolyn to where she is today. Carolyn L. Austin was born and raised in Miami, FL. In 2014, she recognized "the call" and began writing Prayer Share as a daily devotional to aid friends' healing. Carolyn, a retired law enforcement officer, is a real estate broker associate, certified internal auditor, and business education instructor. She has one daughter, Caroiya and two grandsons, DeAndre and Elijah. Caroiya is also a writer.