Sometimes when I declare something (out loud) it leaves me feeling frozen, shaky, vulnerable. If you receive my monthly letters, or if you follow me on Instagram, you already know that I’ve shared (out loud) my intention to write a book. What the what? Yes, it’s true.
I have ideas and photos to sift through, and new ones keep coming. I am dancing somewhere between inspiration and overwhelm. Though dancing is perhaps a bit generous. It’s more like tiptoeing. I tiptoe a few steps, then freeze in my tracks. What am I doing? Who do I think I am? Look at what so-and-so is doing/can do/has done. I am frozen. Shaky. Vulnerable.
In The War of Art, Steven Pressfield writes:
Fear is good. Like self-doubt, fear is an indicator. Fear tells us what we have to do.
Remember our rule of thumb: The more scared we are of a work or calling, the more sure we can be that we have to do it.
Resistance is experienced as fear; the degree of fear equates to the strength of Resistance. Therefore the more fear we feel about a specific enterprise, the more certain we can be that that enterprise is important to us and to the growth of our soul. That’s why we feel so much Resistance. If it meant nothing to us, there’d be no Resistance.
So, be assured, that this book is important to me, because I feel major resistance. I can’t wait to share it with you some day (the book, not the resistance). Recently, I had the honor and pleasure to talk with Christine Mason Miller about the beginnings of my book on her podcast, The Conscious Booksmith Podcast. If you fancy a listen, you can find that interview on SoundCloud and iTunes.
My book will be a reflection of the little, of the showing up, of the practice of it all…things we talk about here. I believe in this practice so much. Whatever fills your day today, I wish you strength in the doing. Whether it’s writing a page of a book or washing the breakfast dishes, voicing an opinion at work or knitting three rows. Show up and do your work. Value your voice and value your being. What you say and do matters. How you say and do it matters too. Watch for resistance and let it be your ally. Let it lead you to a truer you today, right now.
Tiptoe or dance full-on. Do the doing. I’m with you.
sending a little love, m
Michelle GD 
Sign me up. I’m ready to purchase your book! From one of your adoring, long-time fans. So much love and congrats for sharing your gifts.
you’ve made me smile, Carolyn.
thank you for your ongoing cheers and support. xo
Michelle, I am so happy that you are going to be courageous and share your wisdom and creativity with the rest of the world! I cannot wait to hold your book in my hands and know that the words within were written by a beautiful spirit who so often has guided me on my own journey. Sending you love! xoxo
oh, you’re lovely, Grace! thank you and thank you and thank you. xo
Because you are feeling “vulnerable”, I just know the book will be beautiful, that you will put such care into your words and images. Like many others, I cannot wait to hold it and read it. Warm wishes.
thank you for your gentle comment and cheers, Patricia. xo
What a joy to read this, Michelle. It feels so right and such a natural progression of your thoughts, your words, your work. Bravo, tiptoe with purposeful steps and hear the cheering.
I hear you. and thank you, always. xo
You HAVE to do this, I would buy your book in a heartbeat, Michelle. Good luck with your wonderful project, cheering you on too xx
thank you, thank you, thank you and kisses. xox
good luck, you can DO it!! and we will cheer you on every step of the way :)
your cheers – and those of others – mean SO much to me.
thank you, thank you. xx
What a lovely and inspiring post. Thank you. These are exactly the words I need to hear today.
the best is when my words mean something to someone on a given day. so I’m very glad for this, Kym…and thanks for telling me. xo
Oh M, you have such a bright soul with so many beautiful messages to share. Your book is important to the world. You’re taking brave steps. Even if it only feels like tiptoeing right now, the movement is there. You’re doing it. I’m cheering for you every tiptoe, step, and leap along the way.
Love always,
J.
dear J, thank you for the cheers and the love and the kind words. always. xo
Yes yes yes! Please write this book, one breath at a time. Blessings!
that’s it…one breath at a time.
thank you, sweetest Rosaria. xo
Yes! Can’t wait to be one of the first readers – and to hear about your journey along the way!
oh, you’re lovely Donna…thank you for all of that.
xo
Game face on! Good luck with the book.
you just made me smile a huge smile. {thank you} xo
😊