I just returned from the East coast where cooler mornings and evenings greeted me with signs that the seasons will soon begin to change as fall approaches. Quiet moments, soaking up the morning sun, nature sounds, morning and evening walks with deer grazing a few feet away, all were times of renewed energy, focus, and purpose.
It was my first out of state book signing and I was excited to do a book signing at the Barnes and Nobles in Ashburn, Virginia. It was wonderful to have so many people stop at my book table where we shared stories together of hope and resilience. Each one of them touched my heart and inspired me. They were eager to learn about my story from tragedy to triumph; a story of overcoming, and a reminder that we can do hard things. No matter where my travels take me, the people I meet remind me that we have more in common than we think we do, and together, we have community. We laugh, we cry, we share our stories, we heal, and we find courage and strength for our journey.
Summer has been flying by, and I was grateful for the time to enjoy the fresh cooler air and sunshine. I am thankful for the time to be with friends and tour historical sites in VA, DC, and Gettysburg. Ice cream, sunsets, walks and talks, ping pong, and setting intentions for my writing goals, helped to reflect, reset, and recharge. I went to a country club where I found a shared library. I gravitate and find myself being led straight to the library if there is one. The library was neatly categorized according to genre and was available for people to freely take and return. I was happy to donate one of my books to the community library.
I hope you have enjoyed summer reading, are celebrating you, and taking time to recharge and reset. When I was in the thick of my career, I never thought I had time to read. One day, it dawned on me, I could read ten to fifteen minutes before I went to bed each night, and before long, I was looking forward to where I left off the night before. I still read every night and have finished many books this way. So, keep going and find time for you every day. Protect your time and honor yourself.
Remember to seize the opportunity, and…. Until next time – read, write, and learn…. J
