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

If you have ever been lonely, The Courage to Love is the book for you. It’s author, Guy Giard, has been there most of his life. He has not only learned how to overcome it but to fill that loneliness with happiness and healing. His story is powerful, his writing engaging and his message powerful. All the makings of wonderful book. -Allen Klein, author of The Healing Power of Humor, and, Embracing Life After Loss

The Courage To Love: From Abuse to Happiness, a Healing Memoir
(Guy Giard Love’s Healing Journey)

This inspiring memoir could transform your life and that of your loved ones!

Foreword by Patch Adams, humanitarian clown & featuring an interview with Patch Adams.

This true-life, intimate journey of healing can:

Help abuse survivors identify their emotions, better understand the impact of sexual assault, repressed memories, PTSD and open pathways for their healing journey;
Empower partners, friends, and caregivers to be more empathetic to the feelings of their loved ones to better support them in their recovery;
Motivate all readers to start their own healing diary-like workbook

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.

“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 will inspire others. Let him sparkle your environment,” Patch Adams, MD, physician, comedian, social activist, clown, author, and founder of the Gesundheit! Institute.

About the Author

GUY GIARD was born in the French-speaking province of Quebec, Canada, he lived for many years in Europe and travelled on three continents. He is a Certified Humor Professional, Certified Laughter Yoga Facilitator and Bachelor in Visual Arts with extensive studies at the National Academy of Fine Arts of the Netherlands. He is the recipient of several grants including the Canada Council for the Arts and the Conseil des arts et lettres du Québec.

As a visual artist he has been exhibiting his work for more than forty years and as a musician he has been performing in concert for thirty years. An author, speaker and passionate humorist, he has volunteered as a “Uku” the humanitarian clown with Dr. Patch Adams and gives lectures and workshops on healing sexual abuse and creating an extraordinary life. His publications are translated into several languages and are available internationally in print, audio book and electronic formats.

“We have been privileged to have Guy on five of our clown trips. He is a great soul with a tender heart, whose radiant smile has brought a lot of joy and stimulation to our travels. He and I have spoken often and I truly feel his passion to live, radiant, using the clown as a tool to help bring a world of love into being. Hearing about his own transformation into a loving soul will inspire others to try it. Let it sparkle in your environment. ” – Dr. Patch Adams, American physician, social activist, clown and author
“To Guy: Never forget that you have a gift. A gift of resilience. And for those who don’t have it and are still suffering, it is your life’s purpose to heal others. Remain open to the gifts the universe offers you. With love, thank you.” -Judy Carter, American comedian, motivational speaker and author.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude for believing in me. You have been a great friend, teacher, mentor and inspiration to me. You have inspired me to pursue my goals with hard work and dedication. The knowledge that you have passed on to me has been a great asset. I truly appreciate and value everything I have learned from you. It will forever remain a major part of my success and accomplishments. Thank you again for your time, support and patience. ” – Giri Dharan, Director, Founder of the Third Hand Foundation: Feeding the homeless on the streets of India
“We are a small private school for orphans and disadvantaged children between the ages of six and twelve. Your financial support has enabled us to build a better and more promising future for all the staff and students. The laughter we are able to bring to the faces of the little ones every day is thanks to your generosity; we could never have gotten this far without you. Thank you so much for being part of this little school and for supporting such an important cause: the education of underprivileged elementary school children. On behalf of all the staff and students, thank you again, thank you a thousand times, Guy.” – Francelline Nakoulma, founder of the private elementary school Saint Gabriel, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
The Alzheimer Society of Montreal had the pleasure of receiving Mr. Guy Giard to present a workshop of laughter yoga. It was an event for caregivers, a lunch in their honour and a moment of laughter, of sharing and respite. Mr. Giard was dynamic, enthusiastic and immediately captured the attention of our group. In a few moments, a group that had never been in contact before laughed, shook hands, interacted and shared with others. ” – April Hayward Director of Programs and Services, Alzheimer Society of Montreal