A new book by Timothy R Martin · Fall 2026
You are stronger than you realize.
An inspirational toolkit for anyone who has experienced trauma — simple symbols to guide the reader on the path they walk to healing.
About the book
You are stronger than you realize.
The Symbols We Carry is a book for anyone who has experienced trauma. An inspirational toolkit with simple symbols to guide the reader on the path they walk to healing.
Tim Martin uses simple images — a mirror, a compass, a river, fishing line, and more — to break down lessons about self-reflection, protection, direction, hope, patience, and support for anyone wanting to learn more about surviving traumatic experiences.
This book is for anyone who has carried pain and uncertainty for themselves or loved ones, and a reminder to all: you are stronger than you realize.
Advance praise
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"Many of us look for symbols and signs in life to guide us. Tim Martin was able to deliver an inspirational book to get us through the trials and tribulations we face. Much can be learned from the Medal of Honor recipient and the stories he highlights.”
Andrew Biggio
Best-selling author, 'The Rifle'
“Tim Martin turns the weight of life’s hardest moments into a message of strength, hope, and resilience. The Symbols We Carry is a reminder that what we survive can still serve a purpose”
Ed Moses
Olympic Gold & Silver medalist swimming
"Life is full of challenges. Tim Martin shares how resiliency and the strength to persevere is often found in the symbols, stories, and people who help us to keep standing with life gets heavy. A must read for those struggling today and for those preparing for tomorrow. God Bless and Semper Fi.”
MajGen Jason Q. Bohm, USMC (Ret).
Author of Washington's Marines: The Origins of the Corps and the American Revolution, 1775-1777.
“This book turns everyday symbols into meaningful lessons of strength, healing, service, and the quiet courage it takes to keep moving forward.”
Tony L. Whitehead SEA (Ret.)
6th Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chief, National Guard Bureau
“Through honest reflection and meaningful human storytelling, Tim Martin reminds readers that the storms we survive can become part of the strength we carry. Hardship is the greatest teacher of suffering. Suffering is a necessity of discipline. Discipline forges the greatest leaders.”
Ramón “CZ” Colón-López (Ret.)
4th Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (SEAC)
“Tim Martin has written a remarkable book that transforms everyday symbols into powerful lessons about resilience, faith, service, and personal growth. The Symbols We Carry reminds us that our greatest struggles often become the very things that shape our strength. This is a thoughtful, inspiring read that will encourage readers to reflect, heal, and move forward with purpose.”
Dr. JayR McIntyre, THA HOOD MOTIV8TOR
U.S. Army Bronze Star Recipient, Motivational Speaker, Veteran Advocate
“In The Symbols We Carry, Tim Martin delivers a powerful exploration of trauma, resilience, and the strength found in the symbols we carry. As a combat veteran, I know our deepest wounds are often unseen. Tim shows they are not weakness, but proof of endurance—and that healing begins when we face them.
Brent Casey
82d AIRBORNE, US ARMY VETERAN
This book resonates deeply because it affirms a truth that has shaped my life and work: symbols matter. Whether a challenge coin, a memorial, or a personal keepsake, they connect us to sacrifice, purpose, and hope. Tim turns these into compelling lessons, reminding us that resilience is not about avoiding the fall, but finding the strength to rise.
My grandfather, Medal of Honor recipient Hershel “Woody” Williams, often said, “The cause is greater than I.” This book reflects that spirit. It is a clear, encouraging reminder that pain can become purpose—and a light for others. I strongly endorse it for veterans, first responders, survivors, and anyone seeking healing and renewed purpose.”
“The Symbols We Carry captures something I have seen repeatedly in resilience and prevention work: healing rarely happens through information alone. It happens through meaning, connection, and the reminder that we do not have to carry difficult things by ourselves. Through deeply personal stories and simple, powerful symbols, Tim Martin gives readers tangible ways to recognize their own strength and, just as importantly, to help carry hope for someone else.”
Yael Schwarz Freimann
Resilience, Prevention & Community Impact Strategist
The author
Stay in touch
One note when the book is available for pre-order, and one when it publishes. Nothing else.