I Feel Naked
I feel absolutely naked.
Metaphorically, of course.
My book is launching June 15th. The closer the date gets, the more I feel paralyzed to do anything. The list of launch activities on my desk is yelling at me. I’m slow to respond.
I know why. I’ve been here before. I’m putting my piece of art on display. What if the response is lukewarm? What if all my hours of labor in writing and marketing fall flat?
High-achievers love taking on projects where they know they will succeed. I can write a book. I can create websites and promo materials. I can inspire my friends to cheer for me.
I can’t control a faceless audience.
My brain is doing its best to take me to a screeching halt. I have to do my best to overcome it in spite of the unknown future, which of course can be wonderful…who knows?
So I keep reminding myself that the stress and trepidation means that something is trying to be born. This force has taken me this far. It’s time set it free to create whatever is next for me.
I also have the pleasure of reminding myself that no matter how strong I am on the outside and how confident I am in my abilities, I have a soft spot inside that that suffers from bad reviews and fears disappointment.
I am human.
Sigh.
Now, off to work. And please consider purchasing Wander Woman on June 15th. If you send me the receipt, I’ll send you a bonus Workbook. Thanks…I can now check one more thing off my launch list!
Dear Marcia, I went on Amazon to read an excerpt of your book and…WOW! I identify myself and several clients already; thank you for this wonderful gift and its powerful content – I’ll definitely buy one and refer it to my network (well, those who can read English in Quebec
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Be ready to receive, open up to the wave you will create and surf on it with Joy and Gratitude for the great gift you received on this planet: YOU!
Marcia – you know what’s happening! all that effort, focus and determination and now you’ve pulled it off. your adrenaline levels will drop through the floor and it will take you about three weeks (minimum) to feel remotivated and ‘in gear’. Remember how you felt when you finished your PhD – and any of your readers who’ve had children will remember the ‘baby blues’ – that terrific dip in hormone levels after giving the tremendous effort of giving birth. Like your earlier commentator, I TOTALLY identify myself with your book and i’ve passed on the information to people in our (UK) network. Let me tell you who they are: hardworking, intelligent, determined women who have something to offer, who don’t believe that their current role is the only option. They want to give more back to society, achieve more and, in some cases, run their own businesses. They need you to tell their story and support them in their journey. As your Grandmother would have stood up and said “God bless you, and God bless America!” xh
Now I’m smiling, or even more, laughing! Thank you so much. Yes, we have to tell our stories of who we really are, not what the books and media make us out to be. I’m ready to help create the platform.
I’ll be finished with the book tomorrow. It is one of the best books I have ever read. I am inspired, grounded, and feeling clear and happy about my path.
You have the uncanny ability as an author to make this reader think you tailored this book for me alone. My Board of Directors smiles each morning when I greet the possibilities of the day. I summon various combinations of archetypes to see how well they play … They respond energetically and joyfully to each challenge and they appear happy to be acknowledged.
I do not think you need to consider bad reviews. This book is a treasure.
I, and many others, have already been following your posts and articles about the book, so we know it will be worth reading. Mine has been on order for a while, I can’t wait for it to get to South Africa.
You need to reward yourself by doing something you enjoy, but have probably been neglecting while working to get the book out.
Good luck!!
A friend reminded me what Greatness meant…not in number of sales. Thank you all for reminding me that what I give is always good enough, even better, because I am doing my best with good intentions. I hope you all feel that way, too. Thanks!!
When Tom Brokaw interviewed Aron Ralston (the hiker who cut off his own arm when he was trapped in a Utah canyon in 2003) about his harrowing experience, Ralston said that the hardest part wasn’t reaching the decision to cut off his own arm. The hardest part came later. As he retraced his steps out of the canyon, he reached a spot where he had to rappel down a cliff face he had climbed up six days earlier. He lowered himself with one arm to the edge of the cliff. And at that point, he said, he was terrified. Having to choose to swing out and away from safety and being uncertain if he could hold on with just one arm…that was what shook him to his core. That was when he was truly afraid.
I think that pushing off and away from safety is the thing that shakes all of us. It reminds us of our beautiful humanness. It reminds us of everything we know of failure. But, if we dig deep, we also will remember another sensation that follows pushing off from the edge–flying.
Stretch your wings my friend. You are poised for a magnificent flight.
Yes Marcia it does sound like you are giving birth because you certainly are having labor pains. You are and therefor will be nothing short of spectacular. Returning the volley you lobbed in my direction the other day, “You have something of value to say and the world needs to hear it.” Say it LOUD. Say it Clear. And know that your supporters are right along side you in spirit.
From Labor to Launch!!!
Best – Anne aka@bizshrink
Marcia, can’t wait to read your book. I heard you speak and looked at excerpts from the book. I am purchasing one for myself and one for my daughter, Julie, who is one of those great and strong women creating and following her own path as a dynamic mother of 3 children (the oldest who is 5) and as a powerful coach creating a coaching format that honors her passion and commitment to integrating body awareness and yoga as part of her coaching.
Your honoring your passion and writing this book is enabling lots of us to move more into honoring our own passions and living in our own light.
Enjoy the light that is shining on you as you put your work out into for all to see. I know you will shine.
Warmly, Sharon

