transformational growth

Hey Gidget. Guess What? “I’m Fine Just the Way I Am” Book Update.

Yesterday afternoon the emotions stirred as I took another pivotal step in getting closer to publishing my latest memoir, I’m Fine Just the Way I Am. There is no denying it. I’m one sentimental gal. 

Early this spring three beta readers read my manuscript and last week I finished implementing their feedback. I also tweaked the afterword until it felt right. I then decided to let it rest over the weekend. I wanted to be sure I was ready for the next stage of the book writing process – handing my manuscript over to an editor.

Things progressed smoothly yesterday morning as I reached out to Dana who was my editor for my first two memoirs. She was happy to hear from me and said she is available to edit my latest book. Yay!

I’m really starting to think of all three of my memoirs as a trilogy now. Each one includes what I learned from each of my disabled dachshunds. I also think it shows a culmination of personal growth and transformation I’ve gone through since publishing my first book, Through Frankie’s Eyes in 2013 to Wisdom Found in the Pause in 2017, to this latest memoir.

After I sent my manuscript via e-mail to Dana I immediately thought of Gidget. I talk to her often and usually when I’m on my morning walks or before I go to sleep at night. Today was no different as I picked up the photo of her and said, Hey Gidget. Guess what? We did it! 

It’s because of her that I’m enjoying a new space of acceptance of myself. Because of her that I’ve done some really deep inner work. Because of her that I feel forever indebted to her. And this, of course, after all these months and all that she and I went through, is what prompted tears to fill my eyes.

I couldn’t have done this without her. And even though I’d have preferred the book to end differently than it did, I understand the gift in it in many ways. 

And I celebrate with Gidget in spirit just as if she was here with me physically. 

I’m also appreciating the timing of this stage of the process as it will be a 4-week turnaround for Dana to do the editing. Perfect timing as July is my birthday month. The perfect time to take some breaks and enjoy some just being time.

Though this morning as I came out to my writing cottage I’m feeling a void I’ve felt before when finished with the writing process of a book. It feels empty but fulfilling all at the same time. But another great reminder to honor it all.

XO,

Barbara

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The Fairies Came to Dance (video) Plus Oracle and Animal Guidance For the Week

What is it that we need to see a higher perspective of in order to break free?

This is the question that came to mind as I pulled these two cards for our guidance for the week.

The giraffe tall and one who walks with such ease and grace invites us to know that there is no hurry to fully understand a challenge or situation we may find ourselves in that we don’t yet know the answer to.

In order to gain insight and clarity, we are being asked to allow grace to lead the way, open our eyes and our heart to a larger and more vast perspective – simmer and rest in different views – and apply this contemplative spaciousness to an area we perhaps feel stuck in.

It’s in the allowing of our minds to clear of mental clutter, appreciating and soaking in the unknown, and allowing what needs to enter as a whisper from our inner knowing, that a breakthrough is able to flow naturally and help us see things from a different and more enlightened perspective.

It takes courage to follow your truth after you’ve discerned all the vast opinions and thoughts from others. But it’s with the grace and ease of Giraffe that you hold your head high and move forward with what matters most to your soul in order to evolve.

Cards from: Soul Coaching Oracle Cards by Denise Linn and Wild Messengers by Lola Pickett

***

As I was moving through my yoga practice this morning I was struck by the sun dancing through the birch tree leaves as I saw it through my window.

We are able to see energy though I’ve not yet been able to, but do know of someone who has experienced this. I couldn’t help but to at first think this is what I was seeing until I realized it was the sun filtering through the birch leaves and seeing it through my window made it appear in a light I’d not witnessed before. And then I just couldn’t’ help think it was the fairies that were here this morning doing a special and magical dance just for me to see.

I grabbed my phone and was able to capture the dancing of light or faeries if you choose to call it this too – and was surprised at how well it came through. Just look at the trunk of the tree and right in front of it you should see the sparkle of dancing light. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did!

Wishing you a beautiful week filled with lots of light…and a few fairies to guide you too.  🙂

XO,

Barbara

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