Any author will tell you that the most that we can hope for when our book goes out into the world is that it will somehow impact our readers—whether we write fiction and our goal is to enlighten and entertain, or nonfiction when we hope to pass on some helpful information or experiences that will allow others to benefit in some way, and encourage them to embark on their own journey in search of a better way to live.
Raising the Bottom is coming up on its first year anniversary in June, and I am overwhelmed at the testimonials that are starting to pour in. Of course, I hoped that my book, and the collective voices of the women and men represented in Raising The Bottom, would help others to glean new insights, make a change, or pass it on to a friend who might be helped, and it seems that Raising the Bottom is doing just that!
I’m proud to share this testimony with all of you.
March 21, 2018
Dear Lisa,
Every lucky once in awhile, a book comes along that changes your view. It speaks to you and becomes a part of you. That is the experience I had at the end of January after reading Raising the Bottom. Bravo to you on doing a great job sharing not only your own journey but also those of so many relatable women. You thoroughly explained that alcoholism is a “thinking” disease and placed the reader in the brain of an addicted person. You also demonstrated how truly difficult it is to make the decision every day NOT to drink when we are all embedded in a strong drinking culture. Your candid viewpoint and honest voice still resonates with me months later.
Furthermore, double bravo on making me think about so many things that are intertwined in my own life. The spiritual lessons dance through the pages.
Your words made me believe that if we are to be our best selves, God wouldn’t want us drunk, selfish, and living in self-induced chaos. God judges each of us on how we treat our fellow human beings. How well are we treating ourselves, and how can we care about other people, when we are entrenched in a party lifestyle?
Also, I am much more aware of what bombards us constantly. I really look at advertising, tee shirts, personal conversations that support our drinking culture. I am more aware of what 1 say when I am joking around; I think of the example I am setting for younger people and the pressure I may be putting on someone else when I neglect to look at what she may be experiencing.
About halfway through the book, the title’s meaning hit me like a ton of bricks. I now realize I do not have to be at a disaster level in any area of my life before deciding to make a change. I can raise the bottom or expectation in any situation, including the way I let people treat me. I do not have to wait for things to be at absolute ground zero; I have control and am not helpless.
Until I read your book, I somehow had forgotten how awesome genuine connection is. Somewhere along the way, I had forgotten that the opportunity to be with others, helping them, truly listening out trumps the buzz of alcohol. I had forgotten the joy of simple “get togethers” and outings that were centered on something other than drinking. I rediscovered that being in the moment and having meaningful conversations and experiences don’t need alcohol for fuel.
Triple bravo on changing my outlook and giving me the chance to be on the other side of the crystal ball. Instead of looking into the world of alcoholism, I was on the inside looking out, imagining the extremes people go through to hide addiction and how it feels when people who supposedly love you give up, get exasperated, don’t understand. I felt the intelligence and arrogance of an alcoholic who truly believes she is powerful over alcohol and can’t see herself.
Your book gave me wisdom. Your book gave me insight. Your book gave me clarity. In all, your book challenged me to redefine myself after taking a good long honest look at what true strength means and how I want to live the rest of my time here on this earth.
For all of this, I thank you. I am grateful for your courage to attack a difficult but crucial topic. I wish you success with this book and the best in future endeavors.
Respectfully yours,
Joellen M. Ulliman
A New Fan!