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Empowering!

"I loved this book! Like a big hug and push to continue to strive to be my best self. This book is for anyone who has experienced any type of hardship growing up (no matter what your economic background). The author writes as if she was talking to a friend. I like the way she thinks and writes; great thoughts and words to live by."

Inspiring!

"This book is a quick easy read and offers a tremendous amount of insight! I really enjoyed the stories and could relate to some of the situations in her lifetime. I wish everyone could look for the positive outcomes in their life stories. I know I will try harder!"

An awesome reading experience!!

"I have never read a biography that had me so interested in the story, educated me, made me reflective, encouraged and motivated me, and left cheering at the end. I loved the format of this book. Well done Coach!!!"

In her book, Embracing Your Story: How to Build a Great Life Out of Hardships, author Alisa Smedley shares the pain, agony, and hopelessness experienced by a child in poverty. In a very revealing and honest manner, she includes the strategies that her family utilized to overcome their circumstances and work the family out of poverty.

Alisa was born in Cleveland, Ohio into a life with 20 “built-in barriers” as she calls them. Poverty, teenage parents, violence, addiction, and a mild learning disability are a few of the many barriers that she faced and overcame.

Alisa struggled through a childhood of poverty and living on welfare. She often missed thirty or more days of school each year due to not having clothes or shoes. A bright and creative child, she did well in school. When she was 10-years-old, Coach Smedley’s father was convicted of a crime and spent the next 15 years in prison.

The book is reaching wide audiences. It contains powerful messages for just about anyone who has ever overcome a life filled with obstacles. Today, Alisa shares what she learned about building a better life.

Alisa Smedley,

Founder & Author

Embracing Your Story in the Classroom

Adult literacy and life skills teachers are using Embracing Your Story in cities across the country. Join our free teacher book club to find discussion questions, images, writing assignments, and much more.

Join Our Facebook Group

Join the Success IS in My Story Facebook Group. This group will help you to find the success in your story! Coach Alisa Smedley found a great life out of her troubled childhood. She shares the journey in the book Embracing Your Story. Members are invited to live discussions held every 3rd Tuesday at 7:30 pm EST.

About Embracing Your Story

Welcome To Minus 20 Publications

What Readers Are Saying...

Alisa Smedley was born in Cleveland, Ohio into a life with 20 “built-in barriers” as she calls them. Poverty, teenage parents, violence, addiction, and a mild learning disability are a few of the many barriers that she faced and overcame.