Take a Dive and Immerse Yourself
In embracing writing as more than a passion project, I decided to get more serious about the mechanics and the art of writing. As you might imagine, I’ve been doing research and as a result have been bombarded and targeted by constant social media advertising and sales pitches for authors everywhere I turn. Like everything else, there’s a whole industry around finding success as a ______________ (fill in the blank).
Periodically, I find it all a bit overwhelming and distressing, uncertain where to focus and direct my energy. Everything sounds so helpful and important to know, and then you realize that the industrial marketing complex makes us doubt ourselves. It’s been designed to make us feel inadequate and unworthy unless we buy their products to save us from ourselves.
Having learned from some previous mistakes (those over-zealous trigger finger buys), I’ve decided to be more intentional with my choices now. We don’t need to comply or go along with what everyone else is doing. However, that requires us to have a strong sense of ourselves and our own needs. What do we want and how might we benefit from every opportunity that presents itself? It’s up to us to determine which activities are right for our unique goals.
IF IT AIN’T BROKE, DON’T FIX IT!
We are not damaged shoes that need mending, to be cobbled together with new soles, heel taps and water protection spray (all clever inventions to increase our wear and tear). Sometimes getting additional support can help break us in and make us more comfortable for the long haul.
While I don’t believe that we are ever broken beyond repair, sometimes we may be in need of reimagining what is possible. Particularly when creating a new identity that may seem outside our comfort zone. We can and should be open learning because we don’t know what we don’t know when we’re entering a new arena.
Embracing Beginner’s Mind
This summer after attending a book event in a nearby town, I decided to join a local writer’s group. Every year they hold an annual conference which happened this weekend and I learned a number of things.
Here’s why I found the experience valuable and five suggestions for how you might approach anything new that you would like to create for yourself.
- IMMERSE: Surrounded by other writers with various levels of experience and ability was inspiring. I discovered a community of peers, many of whom had walked the path before me and some who could explore with me. Having a financial technology background didn’t bring me into too much contact with non-technical writers, so it was amusing to find a private equity guy who began writing fantasy romance novels after COVID. I was exposed to a new world that I never knew existed.
- EDUCATE: I learned and absorbed as much as possible like a sponge. From workshops on the craft of writing to the practical skills writers need (think marketing), I was introduced to many new areas I was not familiar with.
- CONNECT: From informal lunch conversations to overall networking, I met some interesting people and hope to build a community of peers that I can learn from, share with and support.
- PRACTICE: Lugging around my book and workbook to show anyone who asked about my work was a bit like show and tell in elementary school. While heavy to shlep, it was worth pulling them out so I could kvell and show everyone my babies like a proud mama. (Here’s me unveiling my first author’s book delivery at home). I got to show up in a different way as I begin embracing this new identity.
- REINFORCE: The event reminded me of the value in being part of a community of practice. Being surrounded by others who are walking a similar path in what can otherwise be an independent journey felt like a wise and important decision instead of choosing to go it alone.
Where are you wanting to grow or expand your interests? How can you immerse, educate, connect, practice and reinforce the new version of yourself that you’re trying to create?
Just like going to a gym regularly or taking a class in something you enjoy, could you commit to doing one thing this week that can expose you to an area that you want to learn more about? Let me know what you decide to do, I’d love to hear about it!
Get the Support You Need
As I experienced, one way to make significant changes is to surround yourself with others who are walking the path so you don’t feel alone. This is why I’ve created the Authentic Alchemy Path Mastermind. Over 10 weeks and 9 sessions, I will guide you through my eight-step framework to make the changes you desire in your life and work. You will be supported at every stage with check-ins, exercises, practices, rituals and coaching to clarify your vision, shift your thoughts and create the new reality you desire.
This intimate growth accelerator will give you accountability and inspiration to release your blocks and take thoughtful actions to align your mind, body, heart, spirit, energy, emotions and environment. You can find more about the group mastermind here and get an overview here). Schedule a complimentary discovery call here to learn more or shoot me an email with your questions to explore whether the Mastermind or private transformational coaching with me could be a fit.
Let’s meet up!
Check out my events page here to see what I’m up to. And of course, if you know of any local groups or organizations who might like to explore creating greater personal and professional alignment and learn about the book, please connect me to any speaking opportunities (formal and informal).
If you’ve read the book and found value from it, I would so appreciate your positive feedback on Amazon (leave your review here – just scroll down the page to the Reviews section and look for the button that says “Write a customer review” under Review this product). I am grateful for your support!
To immersing yourself in what you love,
Lenore
