However, as much as I love the people and the training, I didn't attend the sessions this week. It was a difficult decision, but I am focusing on what my priority is. In Nov. 2011 I began the process of writing Unlock The Door-Beyond Sexual Abuse. Two years have passed and it is hard to believe!
My book launch was at the end of June and since then I have been generally working my butt off at my 9-5 job and studying Harmony Integration (Note-there is a chapter about H.I. in UTD). Yes, I have sold several books, but I have not had 100% of my attention on my book.
As time turned into October 2013 I was feeling incongruent. Feeling a pull between my head and my heart/soul. As I wrote UTD I always felt 100% focused. It was like when I was refereeing a big game, taking a martial arts test, or cycling across Canada--one thought, one focus. But the last few months has been unfocused and blurry.
So, when I had to decide to go to Vancouver or stay, I stayed. I have planted and refocused. It is no good to write a book so meaningful and sit and think about what to do next. I have the most wonderful testimonials from people that have read the book, but getting it into more hands is key.
Monday I went to Chapters Woodbridge and left a copy with the manager who said they would put it on consignment. More stores to get on board as well as targeting Universities and colleges. Eighteen months to write - two years to market, that was my plan all along. Thirty-nine contributors, it is a special book, a healing book, an awareness book. A connection book for those who have experienced sexual trauma or know someone who has.
A few weeks ago I pulled out my black book and saw my list of people to give a book to....Arlene Dickison, Dragon's Den, was one of those people.
Last year I saw her on a tv program talking to Kevin O'Leary about street kids. It rang a note with me - many street kids have been sexually violated. I decided I would 'hand' her a book one day. That went into my 'to do' file and I have, like several other things, put it off. However, a month ago my business partner asked if I would like to go to the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce women's event. Arlene was the special guest speaker. Hell Yes!
There she was way over there and I was listening to her meaningful message taking notes. I kept thinking, how I am going to get my book to her through 500 other people who were sure to swarm her. Then she finished her talk and the MC said Arlene was taking questions-there were mics set at various places. My heart began to race, "What could I ask her?" Would I ask her? Five hundred people in the room-no problem if I am on stage...but to ask a question, go to that mic (If you read my first book, What Is Your Teenage Daughter Afraid Of? you know I didn't ask 1 question in high school or University because I was too afraid!!). There were not many going to the mics...
I heard my Kung Fu Master say, "When given the opportunity to lead, "lead" and I turned that into, "When given the opportunity to ask a question, ask a question." My mind was blank. I turned to my business partner and said, "What the hell." I stood and went to the mic not having a clue what I would ask. (Had a bunch of questions on the way home).
When it was my turn I said what I said- thanked her for being there, mentioned my book and that I would like to give her one....asked a questioned and heard her speak about the street kids and her involvement in an event where she would be sleeping on the street to help bring attention to Covenant House.
Soon after, I got to the front of the line, bought her book, gave her mine and shared a few exchanges that were meaningful. She mentioned Theo Fleury and wrote, "You make a real difference, Love Arlene" in her book Persuasion. I wrote something very similar in my book to her.
Not sure why it was so import to me to give her the book. Just one of those things I felt I had to do. She's just a regular gal who happens to be a celebrity. I'm just a regular gal who happens to follow my gut and do things 'regardless.'
Missing my team in Vancouver...but, I think they understand.