The Courage To Love, From Abuse to Happiness, a Healing Memoir - Paperback

by Guy Giard (Author), Patch Adams (Foreword by), Patch Adams (Interviewee)

Intimidated in his family, at school and at work, Guy, the "Silent Good Boy" avoided attracting attention - but his nightmares caught up with him. Scared by his sexuality, alone, he desperately sought love to give meaning to his life. While his passion for the arts sends him to study in Europe, mysterious and unexpected memories emerged...

Through sixty years of incredible adventures spanning three continents, at times humorous, tender and even shocking, Canadian-born artist Guy Giard reveals the secret of how he healed himself from repressed memories of childhood sexual abuse, PTSD, low self-esteem and suicidal ideation. In this page-turner of an autobiography, you'll be amazed at the extent to which realms as varied as music, art, journaling, humanitarian clowning, and Vipassana meditation restored Mr. Giard's love and gave him a new purpose in life.

This inspiring book could transform your life!

Foreword by Patch Adams, MD

With an interview with Patch Adams

We have had the privilege to have Guy on several of our clown trips. He is a big, softhearted soul whose radiant smile has brought much glee and stimulation for the trips. He and I have spoken often, and I truly feel his passion for living radiantly, using clowning as a tool to help midwife a loving world. To hear of his own transformation to bring a loving soul will inspire others to try it on. Let him sparkle your environment. -Patch Adams, MD, physician, comedian, social activist, clown, author, and founder of the Gesundheit! Institute

To Guy. Never forget that you have a gift. A gift of resilience. And for those who don't have that and are still suffering, it is your life's purpose to heal others. Keep open to the gifts the universe gives you. With love. Thank you.

-Judy Carter, comedian, motivational speaker, and author

This book by Guy Giard is not only well written, but also a very useful reference that promotes hope in the therapeutic process of integrating the trauma experienced by victims of assault suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This book can also be an interesting read for therapists treating victims of aggression.

-Marjolaine Gosselin, PHD, retired psychologist

5,0 on 5 stars on Amazon for the French dedition: Such an inspiring book. This book by Guy Giard is quite unique and such a delight to read. It exposes raw emotions and it is written in such a beautiful way but without leaving the complex agony of going through such hardship. I can really relate to some of his emotions and I applaud him for writing this book.

I highly recommend this book as it is so deep and so amazing on such different levels of human emotions. Powerful words for such an incredible story of life not always being what you think it will be... I really loved reading this book. ����♥️❣️

-Maude D.

Guy Giard, who was born in the francophone province of Quebec, Canada, has lived for a number of years in Europe and has traveled to three continents. He's a Certified Humor Professional (CHP), Certified Laughter Yoga Leader, and holds a Bachelors of Visual Art from Concordia University in Montreal, with advanced study from the Netherlands national art academy. He has received grants from the Canadian Arts Council and from the Conseil des arts et lettres du Québec

An author, speaker and life coach, Mr. Giard has been exhibiting his artwork for over four decades, and performing as a musician for over thirty years. Under the name Uku the Clown, he has also provided humanitarian aid around the world in collaboration with Patch Adams, M.D., and gives lectures and workshops focused on healing from abuse and creating an extraordinary life. You can experience most of the events described in this book via his website.