New Book By Timothy R Martin
Foreword by Sammy Davis, Medal of Honor Recipient

Finding Strength and Steadiness in the Lessons Life Leaves Behind

A collection of deeply personal stories and simple symbols that offer reminders of strength, connection, direction, and hope for anyone carrying more than others can see.

Coming Fall 2026
The Symbols We Carry, hardback

About the book

We All Carry Symbols

Some symbols decorate a life. Others hold it together.

Symbolisms for Resilience shield and compass

The Symbols We Carry is a deeply personal exploration of resilience, connection, and the unexpected reminders that help us keep moving forward when life becomes difficult.

Through stories of trauma, loss, friendship, service, and healing, Timothy Martin shares the meaning behind ordinary objects that became something more: a compass, a mirror, a well-worn Gumby, fishing line, a river, and other symbols that helped provide direction, perspective, patience, hope, and strength when he needed them most.

Each chapter pairs a symbol with a hard-won lesson, not as an answer to what someone is carrying, but as an invitation to recognize the anchors already present in their own life.

Written for anyone quietly carrying weight others may never see, The Symbols We Carry is a reminder that resilience is rarely a solo act. We are strengthened by the people who show up, the lessons we carry forward, and the small things that remind us who we are when the storm makes that difficult to remember.

This is not a book about having everything figured out.

It is about finding something to hold onto.

You are stronger than you realize. Your story is still being written.

*All proceeds from the book support Symbolisms for Resilience, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to reminding people that they are not alone.


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About the author

Timothy Martin

Timothy Martin

Timothy Martin is a proud father, leader, advocate, and the founder of Symbolisms for Resilience, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans, first responders, survivors, and anyone facing life's hardships find strength through connection, symbolism, and community.

The son of a United States Marine, Tim grew up all over the world as a military brat. For more than two decades he has built a career as an executive in government services, but the mission closest to his heart began with a single object: the Coin of Resilience, a tangible reminder to keep fighting, reach out, and never lose hope.

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