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In Dance of the Dragonfly, author Danielle Ehlert shares a deeply personal journey of transformation, likening her evolution to that of the dragonfly – emerging from hardship into beauty and strength. Battling addiction, illness, trauma, body dysmorphia, and self-doubt, she discovers the power of self-love, faith, and resilience. Through setting boundaries, embracing sobriety, and healing past wounds, she reclaims her identity and purpose. Guided by gratitude and God's grace, she learns to live fully in the present. Her story is one of hope, spiritual awakening, and emotional healing, offering inspiration for others to believe in their worth and embrace the path of recovery and growth.
About Dani
Danielle Ehlert lives in the small town of Arena, Wisconsin, with her husband Bryon and son Jake. She is also the proud mother of Brody and Bryon Jr.. Danielle has called Arena home since 1993.
Born in 1968 during the height of her father Steve Barber’s major league baseball career, Danielle was handed to her grandmother at six weeks old after her grandfather's passing. What followed was a childhood marked by abandonment, trauma, and abuse – experiences that led to lifelong emotional and physical struggles.
At 35, Danielle survived cardiac arrest. Relying on alcohol and anxiety medications to numb painful memories, she later began the hard work of healing through therapy, sobriety, and self-compassion. Battling body dysmorphia, anxiety, and grief after deep family loss, she ultimately surrendered to God – and everything changed.
Today, Danielle is a private caregiver, poet, and storyteller. Her work advocates for greater empathy and change in how society and the healthcare system treat people with mental health and addiction. Vulnerable and honest in her words, she shares her story to help others see the value in healing, and in themselves.
Read Dani's other books
Step Into the Arena: A Patient's Perspective Paperback
by Danielle Ehlert
This book is a collection of poetry inspired by those who cared for me as I managed mental illness and overcame my addiction to alcohol. It is a celebration of sobriety and gratitude to help others know that they are worth this journey too. It is my hope to change the way people are treated when challenged with these issues. I wish to inspire those who have lost hope and to lead by example with empathy and love.
Step Into the Arena II: More Poems to Ponder
by Danielle Ehlert
Danielle's second collection of poetry highlights life under grace and her spiritual awakening as a cardiac arrest and trauma survivor in recovery from alcoholism. She hopes to continue dialogue regarding judgment of patients dealing with mental illness and addiction in the health care industry.
Emp-A-Tea Community & Calming Candles
Emp-A-Tea brings people together to share, listen, and heal. Through compassion, understanding, and everyday encouragement, we create a safe community where no one has to face life's challenges alone.