family · fear · gratitude · Inspirational · Life · mind set · Overcoming · Uncategorized

The Queen of New Beginnings

Hello Beautiful People! “Each new beginning asks the same question: who will you choose to become now?” — Maria Hagberg

As most of you know, I am an author. I write early reader chapter books for elementary students, I have written and am currently writing a novel, and I’m working on my first — and probably only — non-fiction book. I love writing my blog (non-fiction), so I guess technically I enjoy non-fiction the best… hmmm, food for thought for myself.

My actual point to this was to share the kinds of books I like, because as an author I actually spend a lot of time reading. I love books about second chances. I read a book a few weeks back called The Queen of New Beginnings. That sent me down a rabbit hole of second-chance books. I actually love when the second chances are about themselves — not about finding a new love or job, but when people find themselves.

One of my favorite “things” about people is when they know who they are. Like they went through something but came out not harder, but stronger. Most of the time not because they wanted to be, but because that’s what happened — they had no choice in the matter. I always love a new beginning, a new chapter in someone’s life. I like to think of life as chapters. I’m still working out if each year is a new chapter or if every day is. I just know that for me, I like to be the best version of me, and every day I try to be better than the day before.

I won’t say I related to the book The Queen of New Beginnings — some crazy things happened in that story — but I do relate to the title. I think that’s the beautiful part: we can always start over, as many times as we need to. Believe me, I am the Queen of new beginnings. Thankfully, I always find the good in my life, and I hope that no matter what chapter you are in, you too can Find The Good In Your Life.

Entrepreneur · family · fear · gratitude · Inspirational · Life · Overcoming

Worth the Struggle

Hello Beautiful People! “Our struggles can be strengths.” ~ Jim Kwik

Growing up I definitely was not the smartest girl in school… probably even in the bottom. I was in speech class, was/am dyslexic, but they called it stupid or slow, couldn’t spell to save my life and would get punished for not doing well, all because I couldn’t comprehend what was being taught. I dropped out of high school once I was 18 because it was too much for me. I worked my butt off at any job I had, because once I understood the job I could work circles around people. But I had a passion for reading and writing, even though both of those things did not come easy for me.

When my kids were little I would tell them stories before bed. Rarely did I ever read to them, because unless I pre-read something, it’s hard for me. One day my son asked me what was the name of the story because he wanted to go to the library and get the book so he could read the story again. I told him it was a mommy story and that they weren’t in libraries. Fast forward many years later, I am working in corporate America. I had worked my way up the ladder because, once again, my work ethic will out work anyone if I want it bad enough. I was not happy because I was not living my purpose. What was my purpose? I still am not completely sure, but I did know it had to do with writing and speaking, so I did it. My family encouraged me and would always ask when was I going to write my books. Finally, I quit that job and wrote my first children’s book. It took me a moment because of the research that went into it. The writing was hard for me at time. Thankfully I have an amazing husband who said, “You write and I will help you with the grammar.” He still does that to this day with every blog, every book I have written, and sometimes before I post a long post. (Thanks Babe you’re the best!)

I think about that young girl who people doubted, and at times doubted herself. I never get upset with those people. Honestly, I’m not sure we knew what dyslexia was until after I was out of school. I feel bad for all the kids that were just called “lazy” but we actually loved things like English, but the thought of having to read out loud would send us into a complete panic attack. Now that I am a 3-time Best Selling Author and I speak on stages in front of thousands of people, I am thankful that I get to share my journey with so many and give them hope that they can turn their struggles into strengths, and I hope you too can Find The Good In Your Life.