Owning Your Story: Nicole Dubois’s Journey in “Unparalyzed”
When Truth Sets You Free
Nicole Dubois’s journey from HR executive to memoirist offers a glimpse into Caribbean-American identity, invisible illness, and the courage to tell one’s truth. In “Unparalyzed,” Dubois (initially writing under the pseudonym Danielle M. Bryan) chronicles her experience facing a triple challenge: a multiple sclerosis diagnosis, divorce from her husband of 17 years, and navigating single motherhood – all while maintaining her professional identity.
The memoir began during a pivotal solo trip to Greece following her decision to divorce. Standing atop the Acropolis of Athens, Dubois experienced a moment of clarity that prompted her to document her journey. What makes her story particularly compelling is the cultural context through which she navigates these challenges. As a first-generation Caribbean-American with Jamaican parents, Dubois confronts the cultural expectation to “not carry business ah road” – a common phrase in Jamaican households that discourages sharing personal struggles or family issues publicly.
Breaking the Silence
During a book expo, a speaker told Nicole “you can’t be two people,” – a statement that catalyzed her journey toward integrating her full self. Initially publishing under a pseudonym to protect her identity and family members, she eventually embraced authenticity, recognizing that her experiences with chronic illness, divorce, and single parenthood are integral parts of her identity rather than separate aspects to be hidden.
“Unparalyzed” offers a rare perspective in literature – the voice of a Caribbean-American woman navigating chronic illness, which Dubois notes was absent when she searched for stories resembling her own experience. The book also explores complex family dynamics in uniquely Caribbean ways.
Living Unparalyzed
Perhaps most inspiring is Dubois’s approach to her MS diagnosis. Initially concealing her condition from colleagues, she now embraces her full story and uses it to demonstrate authentic leadership in her HR role. Years after her diagnosis, she experiences long periods of remission and focuses on living life fully – traveling to bucket-list destinations like Bali, South Africa, and Morocco, approaching each day with gratitude and purpose.
For readers, especially those from immigrant backgrounds, Dubois’s story resonates because it addresses the universal challenge of reconciling cultural expectations with personal truth. Her journey demonstrates that vulnerability isn’t weakness but rather a powerful form of strength – one that allows us to live integrated, authentic lives rather than compartmentalizing different aspects of our identity.
Whether you’re from the Caribbean diaspora, living with chronic illness, or simply seeking stories that reflect your journey toward authenticity, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
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