The beginnings of Which Way Is Your Warrior Facing were born in Zworestine's experiences as a fighting medic in the Rhodesian Bush War in 1976. The lessons and his insights grew as he struggled through his journey forwards and the many overwhelming challenges that faced him. These were further consolidated by his experience running marathons and ultramarathons where he was challenged to redefine himself at the edges of his discomfort. But perhaps most of all, the forming of this book began in 2002 when he began a life changing journey working with veterans and current serving.
The core vision of Which Way Is Your Warrior Facing, is to support Veterans and current serving to manage the complex demands of transitioning into civilian life. Its core mission is to ensure that no veteran ever has to come home to die.
Which Way Is Your Warrior Facing acknowledges that civilian territory can and does feel like the next operational arena for many. It understands how many men and women struggle to navigate effectively as they face and battle against complex issues both around and within themselves.
Which Way Is Your Warrior Facing speaks from the language of the Veteran's territory. It guides the Veteran forward by drawing on already existing skill sets and operational protocols. It maps out the key points to be aware of, such as, loss of Tribe, belonging, moral injuries, grief, not feeling good enough, redefinition of self, adjustment challenges, purpose and meaning to note just a few.
Which Way Is Your Warrior Facing supports the Veteran with tools and understandings to be able to persevere when the journey becomes overwhelming. It guides the reader forward to be able to begin to make small changes and find ways to embrace the uncertainty of a life outside of the military.
The book strongly holds a belief that just as much as no veteran should ever be left behind, so too should every veteran acknowledge his duty and obligation to not leave himself behind. You will be guided to return and rescue the positive qualities that you still embody. You will be given tools to care for and understand the wounds that you carry. You will learn the skill sets to adjust, adapt, and form a new identity based on not just who you are now but also who you were then.
Which Way Is Your Warrior Facing offers you an invitation to move beyond the parameters of the book. Interwoven through the pages are opportunities to self-reflect and write your thoughts down in the spaces provided. Through engaging in this process, you will learn to be more proactive in approaching your journey. You will be invited to move from the passenger seat of just being "the reader" to writing your own story and ultimately transforming the book to the point where you become the author of your own journey. Your book will then become your map and your compass. It can become a shared activity with those you care deeply about.
The book can support you to share stories and insights that you cannot speak aloud. It will help you to bridge back home and connect with your loved ones.
As you journey through the book you will be reminded that a good patrol is determined by your knowledge of your map and your internal compass as well as the resources and tools you carry with you.
Which Way Is Your Warrior Facing will remind you of the core rules and values that formed who you were, and still are – teamwork, knowledge, and the willingness to take the first step.
May it support you to create your own map and compass and remember that you, now need to become your own mission.
