E 86: Breaking Free: A Story of Overcoming Generational Abuse: Guest: Anne Abel
In this episode, we dive deep into the compelling journey of Anne Abel, an author, and storyteller whose life has been marked by resilience, determination, and the quest for emotional freedom. Anne's first memoir, "Mattie, Milo and Me," published in April 2023, draws inspiration from her Moth StorySLAM win in NYC, recounting her unwitting rescue of an aggressive dog named Milo. Her second memoir, set to be published in Fall 2025, is also inspired by a Moth StorySLAM victory, this time in Chicago.
Anne's story begins in her tumultuous childhood outside Boston, MA. Her father’s abusive behavior and her mother’s harsh, dismissive nature left her feeling unloved and unwelcomed. Despite these challenges, Anne pursued a path dictated by her father, earning a degree in chemical engineering from Tufts University. However, the journey was fraught with difficulties, as she struggled with subjects she neither enjoyed nor excelled in, driven solely by the desire for her parents' approval.
After graduating, Anne worked in engineering but found little satisfaction. Seeking to pivot, she earned an MBA from the University of Chicago, but this too failed to bring her joy. It wasn’t until after the birth of her second child that Anne decided to pursue her true passion—writing. She obtained an MFA in creative writing from The New School for Social Research and enjoyed a fruitful career as a freelance writer. Yet, writing about her own experiences remained a formidable challenge, a lingering effect of her father’s persistent belittlement.
At the age of 70, Anne published her first memoir, breaking free from the chains of her past. Her move to Chicago in 2016 introduced her to The Moth, where she discovered the empowering world of storytelling. Winning Moth StorySLAMS validated her voice and stories, helping her overcome debilitating writer's block. A storytelling coach further encouraged her to write a book, a dream she realized with the publication of her memoirs.
Throughout her life, Anne has battled depression, undergoing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and hospitalization. The death of her mother four years ago lifted a significant burden, providing a sense of relief from the constant emotional torment.
Determined to break the cycle of generational abuse, Anne nurtured her three sons with love and support, helping them discover their passions. Her story of rescuing Milo, an aggressive dog she couldn’t bear to abandon, symbolizes her journey of resilience and compassion.
Anne's memoirs not only chronicle her personal struggles and triumphs but also serve as a beacon of hope for others seeking to break free from the shadows of their past. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of finding one's voice, and the transformative impact of storytelling.
Join us in this episode as Anne shares her remarkable journey, offering insights and inspiration for anyone striving to overcome trauma and create a life worth living. Discover how Anne's experiences can empower you to break free from generational cycles and find your own path to emotional freedom.
To find our more about Anne, you can visit
If any of this resonates with you, and you think that you may be suffering the lingering effects of a dysfunctional childhood, join us now at any of the links below.
If you are ready to start your healing journey, I invite you to join me in an 8 week guided course "Trials To Triumph" . Visit www.tammyvincent.com/course and enter PODCAST as a discount code and get over 90% off the original price,
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