CWV Book Corner, January: Army Veteran Nicole Mitchell Colley

This month's CWV Book Corner author is Army Veteran Nicole Mitchell Colley, who served as an HR specialist and financial management specialist from 2003-2014. She wrote "I Am Beautifully Made: A Self-Love and Self-Discovery Journal," "Just Text Me: A Mindfulness and Self-Love Journal for Teens," and "Until I Can Hold You in Heaven: A Journal for Reflection and Navigating the Loss of a Baby." Colley lives in metro Detroit with her husband, Robert, and their daughter, Amena, and is a mental health advocate who believes in the uplifting and empowerment of others. In her spare time, she likes cooking, baking, home improvement projects, spending time with her family and traveling.

Can you share a brief background of your military experience, including your branch of service, years served and any notable positions or deployments?

I joined the Army Reserve in 2003 at 17 as a human resources specialist. I transitioned to active duty, reclassed to a financial management specialist in 2005, and was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, from 2006-2014. I deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from 2010-2011.

What inspired you to write a book and share your story as a woman Veteran?

I have always been passionate about writing; journaling has always been one of my forms of self-care.

How has your military background influenced your writing style and the themes you explore in your work?

The discipline, attention to detail and focus on teamwork that I learned in the military have all informed my writing process. I often find myself drawn to exploring human behavior, but I believe that my military background has given me a unique perspective that I hope comes through in my writing.

How do you hope your book will impact other women Veterans, active duty service members, and the general public?

I hope that my prompted self-love and self-awareness journals can serve as a tool for women Veterans to cultivate in them a greater sense of self-love. By engaging in regular journaling practices, we can learn to prioritize well-being. For women Veterans, journaling can be a powerful tool for processing and healing. By sharing these stories with others, we can help to create a culture of self-care and self-love and can inspire others to do the same, which can lead to greater support and appreciation for the women Veterans' community, helping to ensure that their needs are met and their voices are heard.

What role do you think storytelling and literature play in fostering understanding and support for the women Veteran's community?

By sharing our experiences, women Veterans can help to raise awareness about the unique challenges we face and the contributions we have made for our country.

Can you share a memorable experience or anecdote from your time in the military that has had a lasting impact on your life and writing?

I had a friend commit suicide. I think about him often, and I wonder if I could have said anything to save him. I have dedicated my life to helping others by becoming a mental health advocate. I have written three prompted journals and am studying to become a social worker.

Are there any fellow women Veteran authors or books that have inspired or resonated with you? If so, could you tell us a bit about them?

Absolutely! Her name is Lisa Osborne, and she wrote "Gangsta Therapy." As someone who has experienced a lot of childhood trauma, this book helped me to stop "playing victim" and take charge of my life.

What advice do you have for other women Veterans or active-duty service members who may be considering writing about their experiences?

I would encourage anyone considering writing about their experiences to do so with honesty, authenticity, and self-compassion. Remember that your story is unique and valuable, and that sharing it can help to inspire and empower others. It's important to also take care of yourself throughout the writing process, and to seek support from trusted friends, family, or mental health professionals if needed. Lastly, don't be afraid to share your work with others and seek feedback, as this can help to refine and shape your message.

How has writing this book helped you?

I learned a lot about myself and came to terms with many things in my life that I had been avoiding. I have found peace. I've learned to love myself more. Knowing that I have helped others has made my heart so full.

Can you tell us about any upcoming projects or events you're involved in that our audience might be interested in?

I am collaborating with 30 women to write "Thank God I Don't Look Like What I Have Been Through: The Stories of 30 Resilient Women." We hope to be published by the end of the year.

Are you a woman Veteran author, or do you know of one?

If so, please visit our website to find out more information. If you have further questions, contact the CWV Outreach Program Manager Michelle Terry at [email protected].

A portion of this story was generated by AI. None of the data we reported included personal or sensitive information, and it was fact-checked and edited by a human copy editor prior to publishing.

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