I’ve been having fun the past couple of days teasing people on social media with what my big announcement might be. Am I adopting? Running for office? Buying a house?
The answer to all the the above answers is no, but I do have other exciting news. I am now a published author! A legitimate published author!
I’ve enjoyed writing since I was a kid and writing my blog the past several years has been very therapeutic for me. Two years ago I joined a mastermind group for emerging authors. I didn’t really know what I was getting in to as I joined the group late, but this mastermind group really changed my life. We would meet monthly online to share our progress and to get motivated from our coaches Michelle & Howard. We also had the opportunity to meet in person to learn each other’s stories and to encourage one another. It was a pretty special group & I know that God brought us together for a reason.
One of our coaches, Michelle Prince, has put together a compilation book of stories called Illumninate. There are twelve powerful stories written that show people following their passion, overcoming troubled times and living with purpose.
Michelle always reminded us that we each have a story and that our story matters. We don’t need to be a best-seller to make a difference. Making the difference in even one life is enough. Michelle shared the following poem from Marianne Williamson at one of our retreats and it hit me directly in the heart.
Our Deepest Fear
By Marianne Williamson
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness
That most frightens us.
We ask ourselves
Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small
Does not serve the world.
There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking
So that other people won’t feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine,
As children do.
We were born to make manifest
The glory of God that is within us.
It’s not just in some of us;
It’s in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we’re liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.
Thank you Michelle for being an encourager and mentor for me. There are still days where I don’t think that my story matters and it is no big deal, but then there you are telling me that my story does matter and it can help people.
Since helping people is my #1 goal, I’m happy to bring you my first published piece, Successful All Along. A little teaser is below:
So What is Next?
Well, I would like to continue my blog, Stop This World, and continue to work on a book. The book keeps on changing scope, but I do have a lot to say. My life is about so much more than the assault and the immediate aftermath. My life has been built on a firm foundation of faith and love that has seen me through the darkest days. I want to focus on overcoming obstacles in life with positivity and determination along with a lot of grace. I would also like to start speaking again. I have a story to share and I think it can help others. I’ve been through the valley and am now climbing to a mountaintop. My number one goal is to help others. If that is through writing, speaking or listening I’m happy to do it.
I need to thank my editor, who happens to be a friend and colleague, Marnie Werner. She took my robust amount of words and helped me really think about what I wanted to say. She understands my poor attempts at humor and got to the heart of my writing. Just so you know Marnie, you’re my editor for all future writing!
I also need to thank Howard Partridge who is simply one of the most positive people that I know. He is a business mastermind and I’m excited to continue on the path of building my side business with his help.
Want to buy the book?
If you would like to buy Illuminate you can send me an email at: stopthisworldblog@gmail.com
Cost of the book is $19.99 plus shipping & handling. I will handle transactions through Venmo.
Finally, if you would like to take the plunge and tell your story I can’t recommend Michelle Prince and her Bookbound by the Sea weekend along with her mastermind group. You can find her at: https://www.michelleprince.com/
Stop This World 