2 years ago I launched my book Find Your Way! It was a monumental milestone. I had achieved my goal of publishing my very own self-help book. Hip hip hooray!
I had learnt a lot about myself and the publishing process and thought my time with FYW was complete and could begin my next book.
Little did I know my journey was far from over - this little book had more to teach me.
A few months after its release sales started to dip and I slid into a pit of self-doubt.
My belief in myself and my writing plunged. I questioned my creative ideas, my beliefs about life and my place in it, my voice and what I had to say - every aspect of the book and its production were dismantled. As was I.
My conclusion: the book wasn’t good enough. And I had failed.
That feeling lasted for about 18 months until I finally separated myself from my actions and their outcomes.
Yes I had failed - but not in the creation of the book.
I had failed to market it effectively. (And as you may know this is something I still struggle with!)
But I had also failed to see that regardless of the sales I had learned so much about what really mattered.
I had healed the ‘not enough’ wound and the mistaken belief that my voice doesn’t matter.
I discovered where self-worth and value really comes from.
And after years of self-abandonment I finally showed up for myself and all the love and care I had so easily and generously given to others, I gave to myself.
You see ‘the becoming’ - the evolutionary journey we are all on - is the truest measure of personal significance and success we can achieve possible. Period.
Because we can always learn more about ourselves. We can always let false beliefs and outdated ways that hold us back go.
There is always room for us to become more connected, more kind, more open, more wise - with ourselves. And to extend that openness and kindness and wisdom to others.
What really matters is WHO we BECOME as we make our journeys and all the ways we change when we let ourselves be changed.
As Marianne Williamson said:
The only real failure is the failure to grow from what we go through.
For me, the learning and healing that came from and through FYW has been hugely healing and has helped me reconnect with my mission and reignited my passion to share the value of growth, awareness and self-love.
So…I’ve been busy making you:
+ a new podcast episode sharing the biggest learning I’ve made to date
+ some short videos to help you ‘use’ FYW and help you choose a journal which are here on Substack
+ an email series that will take you through FYW with journaling prompts to help you reconnect with yourself and your life
So join me in celebrating the birthday of this little book that continues to change my life and other peoples lives for the better!
And a huge heartfelt thank you for all the love and support you’ve given me along the way.
Honestly there have been many times I’ve felt like giving up but then one of you would write a beautiful comment confirming for me that my message matters. So thank you with all my heart!
And let’s keep journeying together…
love Gena xo
PS. Shipping is EXPRESS + TRACKED + ON ME for FYW until the end of June! So if you haven’t got a copy now is a great time - or maybe you have a loved one who could benefit. Just remember to make a note on the order form if you want a personal message written inside : )