I look back at the past few weeks with a full heart at how great it feels to have my book in the world.
I waited patiently for the first copies to show up on my doorstep. I had envisioned this moment for years, what it would feel like to hold my words in my hands. The books were finally delivered late on a Wednesday evening while we were sitting in church. A message from God maybe, that He was, and is, in control of the timing of my entire life?
When we got home, there was a little fear that came with unboxing the book. What if the color didn’t work out how I wanted? What if the margins or page numbers were cut off? What if all the pages were out of order?
A big reason I set the publishing deadline goal that I chose, was because I knew I was going to be a Keynote Speaker at a local event for women with cancer. That event was only about a week away now, just barely enough time to review the first order of books and get my second order in so that they could be printed and shipped in time to have them at the event.
I opened the box of 10 books late that Wednesday evening. I was holding in my hands, a compilation of my hard and beautiful moments. The joy I had envisioned all these years for this very moment, was now a reality. I paged through my book with apprehension and excitement. With each turn of the page, my fear lifted. I reviewed the colors of my own photography. I checked the margins, page numbers, table of contents, dedication page, and so much more.
It was beautiful.
That same evening I was ordering my next set of books, with plans for them to be delivered within a week. I wanted to have my books available for the Keynote Speech I was giving.
The books were delivered just in time. There’s another story about that second delivery, but I’ll save that for another blog. I’ll say though, I was stretched to literally “practice what I preach”. HA! Oh, the irony and truth of the life lessons we are challenged to learn.
It was an honor to speak at an event in a room with over 150 women cancer survivors. I spoke about the uncertainty that comes with living with cancer; and how I’ve built resiliency to overcome many of the challenges.
To receive a standing ovation after my 30-minute speech, was a moment I will hold tight too, just like holding my newly published book.
Moments later, I had the honor of personalizing and signing my book for those who had just heard me speak. I will never forget visiting with these women, one by one. Many of them had tears in their eyes, as they thanked me for sharing my story. I had tears in my eyes as I stood there in awe at my dream, my life mission, unfolding before me. I get to serve and inspire others to heal and grow.
Like what you're reading?
Please share this blog with someone you think would also appreciate it.
0 Comments