Annette Miller

Annette Miller has been a writer since childhood. She dedicates her writing to explore the imagination, understand life and release human potential. She earned her BS from Oklahoma Baptist University and her MBA from the University of Central Oklahoma. Annette lives in North Texas with her husband and beloved dog Pixie Dust.

From “About the Author” from Fireflies Dancing in the Dark

After a happy childhood with my brother and parents on small farms in Texas, my life took a darker turn as I reached adulthood. My challenges may be similar to yours.

Patriarchal environments, repressive relationships and mental health challenges crippled me. Other hardships on my short list include marriage and divorce at a young age, unhealthy thinking patterns, several surgeries, chronic and undiagnosed illnesses and job losses. Entwined with sporadic career successes were constant struggles to perform well and devastating failures.

My mental illness wasn’t correctly diagnosed until I was age 44. The psychiatrist gave me four diagnoses: bipolar II, depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Effective treatment wasn’t found until I was 55. It took additional time to recognize my repressed anger resulting from a lifetime of conflict aversion.

Throughout this journey, I’ve worked with over 50 organizations as a consultant, contractor or employee. I have held jobs including medical technologist, life and executive coach, executive assistant, workshop facilitator, vice president of operations and chief of staff.

With effort, practice and timely support from professionals and friends, I’ve developed courage and resilience. Developing new thinking patterns helped me recover and come into the light. I’ve learned how not to be a workaholic, how to rest in the evenings and to take care of myself. When one of my mental health conditions threatens, I’ve learned to identify it quickly and put preventive practices into place.

As a result, I’m usually happy! When struggles come, I bounce back quicker. My awareness has improved so that I can reduce the severity of depressions and emotional troubles. Life is hard but oh, so sweet. Being human is a grand gift and I’m so grateful to be living truly as myself.

Annette Miller