I am Carolyn CJ Jones, author and photographer of the book "Opening the Gates of the Heart: A Journey of Healing." This book is a tribute to the resiliency and beauty of the human spirit. It uses photographs of wrought-iron gates and inspirational verses to convey my personal journey from deep despair to joy and inner peace. This journey parallels my path in recovery from alcoholism. I speak to groups about my journey in the seminar "Awaken Your Heart and Find Peace." Additionally, I provide coaching services to women with substance abuse problems who want to quit but cannot seem to do that. While both speaking and coaching, I use my book as a guide.

In the past decade, I have evolved from living on a sailboat to landlubber, married for 20 years to single, nurse for 22 years to author, photographer, publisher, and now speaker and coach, drinking myself into oblivion every night for seven years to sober, and from living for three years in a van I rebuilt in cherrywood, to homeowner. It is my own personal growth which I draw upon when speaking and coaching.