Today is the launch of my new book “I Love Me More: How To Find Happiness And Success Through Self-Love“! I have this incredible feeling now – like everything I have overcome has brought me to this important moment.

It feels like my soul is literally on fire!

This event is the culmination of two years of hard work, late nights, and many emotional moments during the writing and editing process. It is also the culmination of a lifetime of learning how  to love and believe in myself.

In choosing to reveal some of the most painful moments in my life, it felt like I was going through heart-wrenching therapy sessions.

I kept many of those vulnerable stories hidden away for years, decades even. I rarely shared them with anyone prior to writing about them in my book. And suddenly I found myself not only writing about them, but re-reading them over and over in the months that followed. Each time my editor would send me another round of updates for review, the band-aid would get ripped off again.

I thought to myself, how am I going to keep it together when talking publicly about some of the painful moments in my life that I shared in this book? 

Thankfully now I can talk about these times openly and easily without getting emotional. So if you’re going through something similar, please believe that there’s light at the end of the tunnel. 

Through the feelings of pain and shame and anxiety that were dredged up in the process of writing this book, I’m grateful for this experience.  In revealing my not-so-pretty past, sharing my story had unexpected effects on me. Rather than making me feel like I want to run and hide – or worrying about being judged – or feeling like I’m less worthy than others who had a stable childhood, openly sharing those secrets has liberated me!

What’s even more inspiring is to see how sharing my story openly and vulnerably has helped to give others permission to consider doing the same.  

It’s been amazing to see how powerful owning your story can be. Your whole story, the good-bad-and-the-ugly stories.

We can better relate to others through their stories, and I’ve witnessed the power that some of my stories have had on the lives of others.

In the book, I talk about the stories that we hide from. I dedicated an entire chapter to owning your story.  Though I didn’t hide from some of the painful stories that I share from my past, I also didn’t readily talk about them either. Now friends who read my book are going to know me a whole lot more intimately now!  

A few weeks ago, I received a shipment from my publisher containing the first hard cover copies of my book. When I opened the box, tears came to my eyes. It was a surreal moment. I thought back to the very beginning of this journey, when I almost stopped myself from even beginning to write … letting those limiting beliefs such as “who am I to write a book” and “I’m not a writer” start to dictate my actions, or lack of action. 

Seeing my book in print, I felt a deep pride and satisfaction – because I believed in myself and in my vision for the future. I did not allow those self-sabotaging beliefs get in the way of experiencing this very moment right now.

And now here we are today, a beautiful hardcover book filled with ideas on how to love ourselves more that’s now sitting on shelves  in bookstores all over the nation, including a ton of airport bookstores! It’s already been featured in magazines such as Forbes and Authority Magazine, been in news segments, television series and podcasts.

Here is my unboxing video

It’s so important to celebrate your successes, both big and small. Writing a book is no small accomplishment.  So you can bet I’ll be celebrating this moment big time!  

I’ve discovered that, by patting yourself on the back for wins throughout your day, you build this positivity muscle that makes you feel strong, empowered, and content. Congratulate yourself for getting your errands done and for cooking that healthy meal. For sticking to your morning routine. For writing that book! Focusing attention on our inner cheerleader (vs the inner critic) is a practice that uplifts us. And the inner critic will make far fewer appearances!

As far as what the future holds from here, I’ve got a lot more to share with you in the months and years to come!  I’ve got plans to release a course, journals/workbooks, workshops, speaking events, and a retreat – all to share lessons on how to love ourselves more!

If you are ready to get your roadmap for your journey to a happier, more successful, more peaceful life, pick up a copy of “I Love Me More: How To Find Happiness And Success Through Self-Love” for yourself or a friend or family member as it’s officially available as of today! (What an incredible feeling it is to write that).