I’m writing a book.
Photo by Marcos Paulo Prado on Unsplash
On a recent networking call, the person greeted me with: “I see you’re writing a book. Congrats!”
This was news to me.
I felt I had burst the bubble of excitement when I informed this person that I was not an aspiring author.
What’s interesting, is that I do talk a lot about my experience transitioning careers as being the start of a new book. My career, and actually my life prior to this transition doesn’t feel like a chapter that could live within the same binding. The two are almost mutually exclusive. For many reasons…
I was starting a new life without my mother…my best friend…my person.
I was approaching mid-life. A significant point of reflection about who I was, who I wanted to become, and the purpose of my life.
The corporate world was behind me. I was building something on my own without a handbook, policies, and (thankfully) politics.
The author of book two in what I’ll call my “series of life,” is still me. It’s a version of me I don’t know very well though, but am eager to learn more about.
This author is open to taking risks and betting on myself.
This author is ready to “own my truth” and be my authentic self…unapologetically.
This author is okay saying no without guilt or fear of rejection.
This author is drawn to challenges, no longer seeking the “easy way out.”
As I write this list, I am reminded of a quote from a commencement speech Matthew McConaughey gave. He said, “You are the author in your life. Turn that page.”
For the first time, I know I am the author and truly feel in control. Are all the chapters outlined yet? Some, but definitely not all. While I have a plan, I am open to writing in real-time as staying present in the moment is a new priority. Who knows, perhaps writing an actual book will turn into a priority someday – but for now, we’ll keep it in metaphorical terms.
Let’s metaphorically turn it to you now.
Who is the author in your life? Are you unsure? If your life doesn’t feel like a page-turner, what do you want to do? Do you want to start a new chapter or write a new book?
If you don’t know where to begin, stop thinking. Just pick up the pen and start writing.
