Unapologetically Anxious Me: Confessions, Stories and Musings of a Haitian American Girl

By Josette “Jo” Ciceron

It’s not about the circumstances in our lives, for we all have them; it’s how we respond to them. I have stated that if we don’t share our stories, who will? This is Women’s History Month, and our stories continually make history, as does this week’s biography Unapologetically Anxious Me: Confessions, Stories and Musings of a Haitian American Girl by author/creator and activist Josette “Jo” Ciceron.

Ciceron is proud of her Haitian heritage and culture; after all, Haiti became the first independent African nation in the world in 1804, contrary to what some history books would have us believe. However, raised by her immigrant parents in Fort Myers, Florida, she was not blind to their faults when it came to parenting, which involved stringent rules and enduring abuse, both emotional and physical. She grew up wanting to do whatever it took to please her parents and win their love and approval, which she never did; in their eyes, only perfection was acceptable. At 27, she found the strength to break away from her controlling, manipulative parents when they tried to come between her and husband Lanau.

Generational trauma is real, and Ciceron powerfully illustrates through her writing how the unresolved childhood trauma of her parents was passed down when it came to mental health issues, and how the cultural attitude of silence on this subject damages people. She also reminds us about the importance of being mindful of the messages we give our children. Taking the steps of strength through therapy and facing her Dark Passenger head on was inspiring, encouraging us to talk about our issues, the first step to breaking that “generational curse.”

A lover of journalism and storytelling, Ciceron’s writing is vivid. An African proverb says, “Until the lion tells his side of the story, the hunt will always glorify the hunter.” Her writings in dealing with the racism and discrimination in Alexandria, Minnesota as an adult bear this out. Equally, if not more vivid, is her love story with her husband Lanau and their two children. Despite their challenges, the bond between these soulmates is stronger than ever.

Ciceron is the associate editor of a woman’s publication, Definite Woman Magazine and host of the YouTube series Voices Talk Show (an entity of The Inclusion Network of Alexandria). She also hosts the podcast Unapologetically Anxious Me via Apple Podcast and Spotify. Her book is available via Amazon.

Thank you, Jo, for sharing your unique and powerful story of how you have navigated this landscape we call life as a Haitian American woman, and of your activism. We are richer because of it. And yes, I am a fan of The Golden Girls, too.