Breaking the Ruhls

Born To Write Podcast with Azul Terronez

024: Larry Ruhl – Writing a Memoir to Heal From the Past

Born to Write Website: http://coachazul.com/blog/episode24

Episode Info

Ep-24-Larry-Ruhl.jpg

Larry Ruhl is the author of a very powerful memoir, Breaking the Ruhls: A Memoir, a beautiful story about going through trauma from sexual abuse, living in shame and guilt, and taking the courage to stand up and speak out. Even during the editing stage, Larry was still rattled by his own story. It wasn’t just any other story. It was his personal journey. Ultimately, the message he wants to come across is that you can shed shame and that healing is possible. Now, he’s ready to stand up, speak up, and share his story!

 

What We Discuss with Larry Ruhl:

  • Larry recalls his experience writing at the monastery and what he learned from the monks.

  • One of the biggest fears in writing a memoir

  • His story’s message: you can shed shame and healing is possible

  • Taking vulnerability with you wherever you go: Larry's challenges while writing the book

  • Larry’s thought process in deciding which to write

  • Some tough things he had to go through during the editing process

  • The power of standing up for yourself

  • The publishing experience and the waiting game

  • Shifting from guilt to maturity

  • The massive impact the book has made, especially to other “survivors”

  • Larry recommends resources to those who are also hiding in shame and seeking help

Night of Healing Newton-Wellesely Hospital, September 20th 2018

Profilebw.jpg

Please join me in Boston for a powerful night of healing and awareness.

Taking Back Ourselves and Newton-Wellesley Hospital would like to welcome survivors of sexual abuse and assault to

A Night of Healing

Thursday, September 20th, 2018

7:00pm

Shipley Conference Center
Newton Wellesley Hospital
2014 Washington Street Newton, MA 02462

As disclosures of sexual abuse have exploded in the media, it underscores the reality that sexual assault exists in every community.

Whether you have experienced sexual abuse in your family, your faith community, your school, the military, your workplace or elsewhere, we welcome you and those who support you. This Night of Healing will provide a space for survivors of all genders to join together in lifting the veil of secrecy and shame. By bringing the issues of sexual abuse and assault out from the shadows, we hope to create an opening for increased awareness and recognition that healing is possible.

With a special art exhibited curated by Violence Transformed

To RSVP or for more information please contact: takingbackourselves@gmail.com or (617) 734-2007 ext.5

Sober Gay Man Seeks....What, Exactly, He's No Longer Sure. My Essay in Longreads.

quitting-grindr2.jpg

"A survivor of childhood sexual abuse now in recovery, Larry Ruhl finds himself adrift in the age of hookup apps."

My April essay in Longreads. You can read it here

Junot Diaz Inspires Conversations About Male Sexual Abuse

6__vkhRx.jpeg

Yesterday The New Yorker published a powerful and exquisitely written piece by Junot Diaz. He illustrates how his experience impacted his life and reveals where he still struggles today. At times it felt as though I was reading my own story. I was reminded once again that I am not alone.

Later in the day, a request came in from RAINN looking for male victims of sexual abuse willing to share their stories with Anna Silman of The Cut. Within a few hours we were on the phone. Anna asked the tough questions and I stayed the course with her,. Today the piece went live. It provides an accurate glimpse into what living as a survivor really looks like. I share that with you here.

As always, you can reach me at larry@breakingtheruhls.com