On the last episode, I talked about getting a new German Shepherd puppy and if it was the right time to bring one into the family. Well, Cali now has a new little brother named Trooper, and it looks like they are going to be best buds. When I said yes to this pup, I knew it would be a lot of work, but I am thrilled to see them bond. Their playfulness and curiosity have been super fun to watch, and that lights me up.
I had two monumental events in the span of five days; we got Trooper, and I sent the unedited manuscript version of my book Heart Value to a small group of advanced readers to get their feedback.
So on today's wise walk, we think about where we can celebrate our yes milestones that we had the courage to take in our lives. As we stride together, the questions on our minds are: What are you thinking about saying yes to that requires courage? As you commit to your slightly scary yes, did you take time to admire your bravery? And who are the people in your life that challenge and support you no matter if your brave yes goes right or wrong?
As a first-time author, I didn't realize what went into writing or publishing a book. A book isn't just about a big idea; it's about crafting your thoughts in a way that meets readers where they are so that you can take them on this personal journey. I worked with a developmental editor, AJ Harper, who is fabulous, and she kept me honest about the structure and flow to benefit readers. AJ's favorite thing to say is that a book isn't about something; it is for someone. She challenges her authors to put the readers first and write a book that will change lives, including my own. Writing my book Heart Value has changed my life, and the ways it has changed will be a topic for a different episode, so stay tuned.
Oh, the waiting place. My mom loved the book Oh, The Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss, and she gave it to us all as kids, and she still pulls it out to read from time to time. I will never be too old for Dr. Seuss. My friend Deanna just bought a house in St. Augustine, but she made several offers on different houses before she got a final yes in return. So many times we say yes and we have to wait for the next steps because the ball is in someone else's court. I feel like I've done my best to communicate what's in my heart, then I have to trust my inner compass to manage the outcome, whatever it is.
Depending on the circumstance, I manage my waiting place by faith, surrounding myself with lots of support and self-praise. Because whether I get what I think I want or not, I will be one step closer to what is right in my heart, and I will not second guess my yes. When I am in this waiting place of getting responses to my manuscript, I have learned to relax, breathe, be present, trust the process and stay focused on my end goal of improving my reader's experience.
In this episode:
[00:24] Welcome to the show!
[01:00] Welcome to the family, Trooper!
[02:59] What are you thinking about saying yes to that requires courage?
[03:19] As you commit to your slightly scary yes, whatever that is, did you take time to admire your bravery?
[03:31] And who are the people in your life that challenge and support you no matter if your brave yes goes right or wrong?
[04:21] As a first-time author, I had no idea what went into writing or publishing a book.
[06:16] Waiting to get feedback from the advanced readers isn't easy.
[08:00] I am so grateful to the advanced readers that wanted to read my book.
[08:30] What's a yes milestone you made recently that took courage?
[08:41] How can you channel your courage to see what's possible instead of what might go wrong.
[10:41] I can't control the outcome; I can only control my response to it.
[11:58] I see my life as an adventure.
[14:11] I gave my readers two weeks to read my manuscript and send back their responses.
[16:58] After taking your bold and daring step, how are you handling your mind chatter?
[18:31] Thank you for listening!
Memorable Quotes:
“A book isn’t about just a big idea, it’s about crafting your thoughts in a way that meets readers where they are.” “As AJ Harper, founder of Top Three Workshop, states, a “book isn’t about something, it’s for someone.” “I want to empower others to become their own Heart Value experts.” “I know I can’t control the outcomes; I can only control my response to them.” “Holding on to negative thoughts is not helpful.” “The choice to do nothing is an action.”
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