To become an International #1 Bestselling Author overnight is quite the thrill! Listen in to my author interview with Gail Watson, President of the Women Speakers Association, as I share how putting my story into words was not in my near future – maybe one day – I thought!
But that all changed when I heard the title of the book. Women Transforming the World.
Boom! I heard the words, but more importantly, I FELT the words. The title landed in my body, in the pit of my stomach like a brick. Thug. Women Transforming the World. The title deeply resonated. I’m a woman on fire and transforming the world. I knew at that moment that I had to be in the book. How could I not be a contributing author with a title like that?!
I gave time and space, and took pause to consider the obligation as an author. But I kept going back to the ‘feeling’ I had felt in my body. There’s something there. So I listened to the little voice.
That quiet knowing that maybe now was the time to share a glimpse into my past. Maybe now was the perfect time. The two words – ‘but’ ‘and’ kept coming up in my mind. But it’s uncomfortable to be vulnerable. And maybe it’s time.
So I sat down and wrote it in less than an hour. My story had been there, in my mind, in my heart, for many years.
I wrote it initially with a great deal of detail. My good friend, writing buddy, and fellow co-author Susan Isaac, said something that totally resonated. “Readers don’t need the play-by-play, but rather that some *sht* happened and how you moved through it, overcame the odds, and what you did with your lessons learned. So I trimmed it down to share how I rewrote and reframed my story, and connected my life purpose to my life’s work.
In my chapter, you’ll hear an early narratives that might have been your narrative too: ‘Children should be seen and not heard’. For many, many years I felt like I didn’t have a voice, especially in times of conflict and violence.
It took me years to find my voice. I dedicated most of my adult life to the cause of ending violence against women and girls. You can read about it in my chapter.
I was inspired to write my chapter – Soul Lights Shining Brightly – for three reasons:
- A deep connection with the book title
- I wanted the reader to see that no matter life’s circumstances we have a choice – we can be a victim or we can move out of that. For me, I had to reframe my life story to move past that, write a new narrative, and create a new future for myself. And to draw a connection between where I was, where I am today, and why I’m so impassioned to help people connect to the cause that lights them up so they can take action on it and make a difference in the world.
- To illustrate how we can live our life’s purpose, because we all have one! I’m living my life’s purpose in using my voice, vision and heart to make an impact on humanity and our planet, and guide others to do the same, using their business as the vehicle for good.
We all have the power to change the world (or our little corner of it). I believe everyone deserves to have their soul light shining brightly, free from exploitation and violence, so they can live a life of full potential.
I AM a woman transforming the world!
