5 Life lessons from writing and publishing Soul Love: How A Dog Taught Me to Breathe Again

It’s been a year since the launch party for Soul Love: How A Dog Taught Me to Breath Again. I’ve spent time reflecting the good, bad and the ugly of the year of living the author and published book life. I thought I’d share a bit of his journey to wisdom that builds resiliency.
 
5 Life lessons from writing and publishing

 1. Positive outlook is central to success

• Example: Viewing a virtually empty book signing with few sales as a learning opportunity.  Of course, that’s after the – augh – I suck, tearful sad/mad crummy tide passes. Especially after you’ve done everything you’re “supposed” to - book in advance, advertise, partner with the place, social media, press release, get RSVP’s. etc.
• What did I learn? – You can do everything “right” according to others and still not have the outcome expected. Extra lessons - Not the right place for my type of product, ask more questions about the foot traffic, rain effects in person events, and more.
• Pay off – future book signings were a hit and almost overwhelming in the number of signed books and sales!

 
2. Flexibility is an asset

• Examples: Arriving for a book signing and uh-oh there no table for me – after I confirmed it. Or someone else is there in MY space!
• What did I learn? – it’s perfectly okay to procure my own table, borrow/share space and be kind while you flex around the venue and people.
• Pay off – venue perks, freebies and meeting new people, who often moved or at least apologized since they had “taken” MY space. (Like I owned the space anyway…lol).

 
3. Planning is key - with flexibility built in         

• With no plan there is no action. 
  This is true for me and my business. If I don’t have a plan I’m less focused and less is accomplished. I have to have a plan & actions.
• Example: Fall plan changed to taking time off  to care for myself due to illness. During this time sales dropped and business almost ceased. No action or plan.
• What did I learn? -  Health is #1 without it, nothing is worth it.
• Pay off – I learned new ways to stay active in social media (new plan & flexibility) and work with my auto immune disease vs. fight it. Self-care is key.

 
4. Persistence pays off

• Example A. When trying desperately to schedule book signings and the answer was no or worse – NOTHING.
• Example B. Writing is hard work, my grammar needs a lot work, I don’t want to think about this much less write about it. I don’t know what I’m doing …
• What did I learn? -  It often times has nothing to do with you and people are busy. Keep asking and pursuing what you want. You may just get a yes.
  Keep writing, just write, research, ask for help, take classes, join a critique group(s), keep at it and make a serious plan with weekly/daily actions.
• Pay off A.– book signings in Florida happened when I thought it was hopeless. Here’s an article with those details on persistence...
• Pay off B. The book was finished, edited, I met new friends through the critique process. I published it with help and professionals by my side. See below for the best pay off

 
5. Trust and Let Go
Give it to the Universe/God/Divine to do the work and bless the world.           

• Soul Love has gone out and blessed more people in unique ways that I ever imagined.
• Example: Powerful personal conversations, tears, testimonies, reviews and personal emails my readers have shared with me. I’m so blessed by you.
• What did I learn? - When I trust and let go the most amazing things happen. They are easy and joyful. I stopped worrying and driving myself nuts with the what if’s and negative head chatter.
• Pay off: Knowing the hard work, travel, expenses and emotional drain of writing was 200% worth the effort.
  Knowing that I followed what God/Divine/Universe kept urging me to do was needed by so many with their own stories.

 
May you these 5 life lessons bless you.

1. Positive outlook is central to success
2. Flexibility is an asset
3. Planning with flexibility in mind
4. Persistence pays off
5. Trust and let Go

 
Which resonate with you? I’d love to know your thoughts. Looking for support.

Teresa Q. Bitner -  PMP, ACC - Resiliency, Change and Loss Coach
Partnering with those who have been knocked down my life and want to build resiliency and move forward and live a bold life.

[email protected]
www.boldfulfilledlifecoach.com
Author of Soul Love: How A Dog Taught Me to Breathe Again

 
PS. Last week to get Soul Love: How A Dog Taught Me to Breathe Again for 30% off. 
(offer valid until May 24th, 2019)  
 
To get a signed paperback 30% off: Go to to this page
Scroll down to Order a paperback copy from Teresa. The discount is already included in the Add to Cart Button. 
 
To get 30% off eBook format from Amazon.  Click here

Help me celebrate and share with those you love who’ve lost someone or may need some understanding. Let's spread hope and inspiration!
 
P.P.S. Download your free book discussion questions - click here - a great book club resource. I'd love to know what you and your group thought about the book.