What if Love is the Point?
I was honored to be part of the launch team for a very read-worthy book. It was deeply personal and emotionally written. I am in amazement how Carlos and Alexa not only found God but prioritized their faith in all aspects of their life, all while keeping a foot in Hollywood. Their approach and extreme commitment to raising kids who love Jesus shows the depth of their beliefs. Readers will not only learn about their spiritual paths, but also how they evolved as humans who make mistakes and can change their lives and relationships for the better. (btw I receive no credit/payment for any of this - it is just that fantastic!) You can pre order it here: What if Love is the Point? Happy reading!
Today is Her Birthday
Today is my daughter’s 13th birthday. Many will say: Where has the time gone? or That went by fast! I am impressed by the young lady she is transforming into but it has not been an easy road. As an adoptee, she will have many ups and downs but also a constant reflection of the could have been moments with her biological parents. Nevertheless, she is happy and healthy and we will support her along the next phase of her life’s journey. Happy Birthday!
But what does your brain think?
I just completed 30 days to a better brain with Dr. Amen and his clinics. It gave real insight how difficult it can be to eliminate or minimize our Automatice Negative Thoughts (ANTs as he calls it) since our brain is accustomed to keeping them at the forefront. How we frame our thoughts carries over to how we handle our emotions, including grief or loss. I encourage you to take the 30 days to a better brain challenge and see what Dr. Amen has to say (youtube, instagram, etc.) #betterbrain30days @brainmdhealth
Renew for 2022
It is time for renewals, whether they are physical, emotional or mental focuses. Many tend to determine these “renewals” (or goals) the first part of January, but why put so much pressure on yourself? There is usually one clear thing that you want to focus on, so start with that and see how it goes. Like life, our goals and focus can be ever changing so embrace it - the ebb and flow. Happy New Year!
Feelings in Fall
As I try to compile my data for the next book, I get distracted by all of the Fall excitement. There are the colorful leaves, of course, but also the abundance of thoughts and feelings that come with a change in season. Fall is a transitional time - to get back to basics and routine, but to also capture those last few months of the year and plan for the next. As the leaf falls, so does time and thought.
Seasons are Changing
You can feel it when you go outside - that time of year when the season is prepping to change. I am trying to get a few people together to discuss some of their past work experiences and their own seasons of change - drop me an email if you would like to share!
Time for Research
I have a few ideas I am investigating. It is exciting to get started on a new topic to write about. I hope to bring true experiences in my next book and seek info from those with firsthand knowledge. If you have something you think is worth writing about let me know. Most especially, if you have an interesting experience in the working environment then PLEASE reach out!
Summer is Here
Summer is a time that is traditionally used for trips, rest and relaxation. I like to use this time to also look back on the first six months of the year and see how I feel about my goals and conscious adjustments I have made. I see summer as a season to catapult into the second half of the year with a fresh outlook and energy. What do you do to keep pushing forward?
It’s been a while!
Getting caught up in the usual hectic life has drawn me away for a bit. It is important to take a step back which means the next step you take forward will have an even bigger impact. I am spending time writing down some new ideas and seeing how they will translate into my next story. Enjoy the weekend and be sure to write down what your next step forward will be!
It’s The Journey…
You’ve heard it before - it’s not the actual accomplishment as much as it is about the journey to get there. I have learned a lot publishing my book and prepping it for Audible was even more of a journey that I am grateful for. Think about something you’ve accomplished but more importantly, what steps you took on your path to get there. If you didn’t put much thought into it, try to do so on the next one and see how impactful it can be…journey on!
Countdown is Here!
I cannot believe the eBook launches tomorrow, on Lance’s 55th birthday. It is very exciting to know it is out there in the world for those who want or need it. I have been sharing countdown posts, book excerpts and more on my IG so be sure to head there to see them. You can make yourself vulnerable and extend your hand to others. Reaching out is not a sign of weakness. Do your best to share your story to someone this week.
The Other Side of the Clouds
Today is a cloudy day where I am and the darkness from them enters my home. When I am writing, especially about an emotional topic, I tell myself to look beyond the darkness, and that light is on the other side. Instead of allowing the darkness to seep into my heart, I do my very best to push past it and visualize the light on the other side that will enable me to shine. It will enable you to shine too if you let it and once the light shines through and melts the clouds away, it will only add to your enlightened mood because you were already there.
Listening is Key
As I hear the Audible narrator speak the words in my book, the words enter my heart and have a different impact than if I read them. It pulls out the emotion with her tone. Reviewing, editing and repeating causes a continual reminder of my story. While there are hard parts to hear over and over, there are many parts that prove I had hope. Read something that you wrote or thought and say it aloud. You words mean something and have impact.
The Joys of Spreading the Word
It seems that getting my thoughts on paper was the easiest part of this book. After that, it was a ritual of editing my words, over analyzing them and letting doubt question if it was good enough. How could losing someone not be “good enough?” A word kept entering my thoughts: THRIVE. We are here to thrive not to doubt. My hope with this short memoir is that I can connect with people who needed confirmation that it is ok to feel and hurt through loss. My family and friends have my back, that I am sure of, but to be able to align with those who need it and to stress the extreme importance of the donor registry for various backgrounds. This will in fact, save a life.
It’s Happening!
I just uploaded my manuscript to Amazon Publishing. After years of procrastinating and debating if anyone would even care about my story, I finally did it. It literally was a life time in the making. I can’t wait to share my experiences and put it out to the universe that I am ready to listen and help others cope with their loss(es). More to come on the launch date….stay tuned!
Putting it All Together
Links of Life…
Writing the book and keeping up with day to day needs has created little links in my life. Writing has one link, connected to my family link which is linked to a link personal responsibilities, and so on. The true challenge is to allow your links of life to expand or interchange as necessary. Today is a day of multiple responsibilities so my links have been trading places like crazy. It is during hectic times that we need to exude the most patience. When your links are all demanding something from you, take a deep breath before you proceed. Part of the journey is to figure out what our links are about. Write them down and see where they take you. You’ve got this.
Everyone needs a beginning…
Writing a book has been a rollercoaster of emotions. It brings back memories, tears and allows for reflection. It puts things in a much different perspective since you have already experienced it.
However, writing the book was the easy part. Learning the logistics, self publishing requirements and seeking out reliable sources was challenging.
This blog will serve as a resource for writers and followers of all kinds as well a little dip into my personal life experiences.
Until then, happy writing!