Meet Kelly Jean Torres | Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelly Jean Torres and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelly Jean, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
Practicing not giving in to my emotions every time resistance sets in while I’m in my creative process. Resistance is that nagging voice telling us, “It’s not going to work. It’s not good enough. It’s already been done,” etc. Understanding that resistance is normal and pushing through each time it came up got me to the finish line.

Another habit that helps me is accepting my limitations and finding ways to work with the strengths I do have. This applies to how much work I can take on, and doing the best within the time I have available as a full-time mom.

For instance, I have complex PTSD from prolonged exposure to stress and trauma in childhood. CPTSD is similar to PTSD, but it also affects a person’s self-image, personal relationships, and ability to tolerate stress in adulthood. Before I understood my mental health condition, I pushed myself too hard and experienced physical health issues from too much stress. Adjusting my goals to my strengths rather than giving up altogether or pushing too hard is a habit I’ve practiced at every step of my creative process while completing this book. Also, as a mom, I must remain disciplined about using my time efficiently when the kids are in school and bed.

Finally, at the start of my creative process, I make a list of everything I have to do and work on it, one step at a time. The full scope of writing a book and getting it out into the world can be overwhelming. Tackling one task at a time before moving forward has kept the process moving steadily forward without becoming paralyzing.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m an author, essayist, and a singer/songwriter. My life experiences and interest in psychology and spirituality greatly influence my writing and the message I want to get out into the world. I’m most proud of completing my memoir, “Saving the Lost Girl: A Memoir of Healing.” It’s had a very positive effect on early readers, and I’m excited to see more good things come from this story.

I got where I am today thanks to many great therapeutic interventions like EMDR, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, and EEG Neurofeedback. Talk therapy has also helped. These things have made it possible for me to process my childhood experiences and, in turn, tell my story to hopefully inspire others to pursue healing. Choosing to process my mountain of childhood trauma was by no means easy, and it’s a lifelong journey. Supportive family, friends, and the desire to be the mom my kids deserve have kept me going.

I have learned throughout my creative career that while success is exciting, true happiness and fulfillment come from the feeling that I’m contributing something positive to society and helping others. Egoic validation is fleeting; once the high is gone, we’re on the hunt for the next high. But the joy that comes from contribution lingers.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite things to do in Nashville are hiking at Radnor Lake State Park, breakfasts at Maple Street Biscuit Company, Milk and Honey, and Buttermilk Ranch. I love Crema Coffee and Frothy Monkey, Dozen Bakery, Five Daughters Doughnuts, and lunch or Breakfast at Fido. High Tea at the Hermitage is such a unique and charming experience, and a walk through Cheekwood Botanical Gardens on a beautiful day with the kids is so fun! My favorite dinner spots are Prince’s Hot Chicken, ETCH, Five Points Pizza, Urban Grub, Superica, Martin’s BBQ, Maiz De La Vida, and Deg Thai. I also love the coziness of a show at the Ryman! When I’m with my friends, drinks at Red Door Midtown and late nights at Santa’s Pub have never disappointed me.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband Eric. Writing a memoir, especially one that requires me to revisit traumatic experiences, was a tough process that’s taken me on an emotional rollercoaster. I’ve had many highs and lows over the last four years writing it, and he’s supported me through it all. Thank you for your love and support, Eric!

Website: https://kellyjeantorres.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellyjeantorres1/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-jean-torres-3b681015b/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Kellyjeantorres

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kellyjeantorres

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6oWPcj0Bvm1mTVCw89V8jK?si=CN5LKb5eQP-KGhJ9TgbJXQ&nd=1&dlsi=fb3287c878384a94

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/kelly-torres/1355099486

Medium: https://kellyjeantorres.medium.com/

Image Credits
Black & white photo by Robbie Quinn