When I was growing up, oh so many years ago, I was told that good little girls are seen and not heard — but somewhere along the line I decided I really didn’t want to be a good little girl, and I’ve been pretty loud ever since.
However, this imprinting still holds me back when it comes to asking for help in getting my message out there. Somewhere in the dark recesses of my mind is that idea that I should not be pushy, that people will not like me, that they will think I am a brazen hussy.
This old brainwashing has me on the horns of a dilemma with regard to getting my book, Choosing to Be, out to the world in a big way. I know from all the feedback that the book makes a difference in people’s lives. Everyone who reads it loves it, the reviews on Amazon are amazing, and Findhorn Press is behind me one hundred percent. And — we are making progress.
But when I see something like this latest review of Choosing to Be, I get that fire in my belly again, that Don Quixote spirit to once more get out there and tilt at those windmills.
| P. C. Bostrom “Mystery Fan” (Colorado, USA) |
I am a beginner in meditation and suffer from Major Depressive Disorder. WOW! is what I can say about this book. It seemed like it came into my life at exactly the time I needed it. “Choosing to Be” is about everything I’ve been feeling for the past few years and gave me more willingness to sit and just be. I am ordering another copy to take to an inpatient unit that I occasionally go to when my depression becomes unmanageable. I think I may also watch my cats a little more to see if I can glean more tips.
These are the kind of messages I receive about what this little book means to people who are struggling just like I was. I know that over $40 BILLION DOLLARS is being spent on antidepressants. I see the ads on TV telling people to just take this little pill and they will be all better. (Yes, sometimes medication is needed, but it is not the only solution.) I see too clearly and painfully that we have lost our collective minds to have allowed big pharma to brainwash us on a daily basis — without so much as a whimper. (TS Eliot had this one right…)
Before I saw this Amazon review on Sunday, I was feeling a little discouraged. I started writing Choosing to Be about my journey out of depression over 17 years ago. I finally finished it and self published it in 2007, slugging it out on my own to get reviews and media mentions for 2 years. And then Findhorn Press decided to pick it up and put out a beautiful new edition. It is wonderful that now I am not alone on the plains like Don Quixote — but this still isn’t enough. We are not reaching nearly enough people to turn the tide.
Shortly after reading this review, I got an email from book marketing expert Steve Harrison about making a Quantum Leap to really get your book out there. He said we need 3 things: 1. Burning desire, 2. Resources, and 3. Willingness to Change.
I’ve got the Burning Desire. I have some of the Resources and can probably get more if I ask for them. Ah — the Willingness to Change, there’s the rub.
What is holding me back? Right, that old childhood fear of being a brazen hussy.
And then I finally got it. (Thanks, Steve) Most, if not all, of the women I really admire have probably been called brazen hussies, and much worse, in their time. What am I so afraid of? Who the heck cares?
So — I took this Amazon review that once again lit that fire in my belly, and sent it to my friends and the people I have helped get their message out — and I asked them to help me get my message out.
And you know what, not one of them called me a brazen hussy. They just supported me like I was a good little girl . . .
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See more reviews for Choosing to Be on Amazon
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Oh Kat, I can so relate to this. And thank you, not only for your wonderful book, but for the timely reminder about conditioning! Me too!
I’ve bookmarked this page as inspiration. Wishing you the huge success you deserve.
Ann