About the Book
In 2013, I had the opportunity and privilege to take part in a book entitled, In the Spirit of Abundance. The sole theme of the book obviously is that of abundance. One theme, perhaps, but abundance can mean different things to different people at different times in their lives. Abundance can show up as freedom, wealth, good health, opportunities, doing fulfilling work and so much more. This diversity is so clearly depicted in this book.
As Sandy Forster states, in the foreword of this book, “abundance can be defined in many different ways. If you were to ask a thousand people what their definition of abundance is, you would (sic) a thousand very diverse answers, each of them with their own definition of what abundance means to them”.
This book for me is both positive and uplifting. We all face challenges at some point or another and there are times when these challenges seem insurmountable. If you are in this place, you can take comfort in knowing you are not alone. Others have gone before you and have come through to the other side, and while it can seem hard to believe, they are actually stronger and so much greater for having had the experience. This is what this book is all about. The personal stories shared, offer hope.
Best-selling Authors
As well as the personal recounts, there are contributions made by several best-selling authors to the book. Sandy Forster, who compiled the stories is one such best-selling author. Sandy’s journey took her from living on welfare, with two small children, to becoming a millionaire and a best-selling author.
Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen make a contribution to the book, with a chapter based on habits and how they really work. Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen are best-selling authors and probably best known for their hugely successful Chicken Soup for the Soul, series of books.
Brian Tracy is another best-selling author, having written over 70 books including, ‘Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time’. He is also a global leader in self-development. His contribution to the book is on the topics of changing your thinking and on the importance of being an optimist at all times.
Arielle Ford is yet another best-selling author who has written 8 books. Her latest book, ‘Turn Your Mate into Your Soulmate: A Practical Guide to Happily Ever After’, is due for release in late December, 2015. Arielle’s chapter featured in this book, is about finding a soul mate/life partner. She outlines the top 10 things to do and to remember to attract a soul mate into your life – no matter your age.
My Experience
Being part of this book brought up so many feelings. It brought up fear in ways I couldn’t have imagined. My mind went into overdrive. Was I ready to share anything about myself in such a public way? It brought up feelings around worthiness. Who was I to be in this book? I am no-one special This sort of experience happens to women every day – how will my story make a difference?
In the end, I went with my gut feeling which told me to go ahead. I stepped out of my comfort zone. I felt the fear, but decided to contribute to the book despite that fear.
Once I began to put together my chapter I wondered how I could get my story across in a mere 1200 words? I had built up a life of which I felt certain, over the course of almost 20 years. Now it had been completely dismantled. There were so many layers, so many feelings, and so many words. How could I possibly condense that into 1200 words? I would need that number, just for the introduction. But I did it. I got the words down onto paper. I just went with it. It was actually a cleansing experience.
When the book was published, the fears arose all over again. I wondered if my contribution was good enough? In my mind, the other co-authors had more to offer. They had come through the storm and found success. I, on the other hand, had managed to find abundance in the form of courage and strength to let go, but my success or what I defined as success was still a work in progress.
I think the greatest concern for me when the book was published was that I wanted to protect those I loved. I didn’t want to cause embarrassment or any hurt – not that there was anything damaging in my words. But there had been enough hurt. As it turned out, my ex-husband had been involved in affairs during the course of our marriage. Along with the affairs, came a web of lies, deception and betrayal. Nothing good can come from living a life in that way and nothing did. The exceptions were the lessons that it brought and the wonderful children that came from the marriage.
Now is the time. I have walked a fine line between speaking my truth and protecting those I love. My children are now young adults. It is time for me. It’s time to take ownership of my story – without shaming or blaming. As Brene Brown states, “you either walk inside your story and own it, or you stand outside your story and hustle for your worthiness.” I choose to walk inside my story.
Information on ‘In the Spirit of Abundance’ can be found on my website,www.coaching-i-am.com. You can purchase the book, for AUD $15.95 (plus postage) at my Etsy store. Here is the link www.etsy.com/au/listing/261139554/
Clare Lavender is a Mother, Creative Entrepreneur, a Mosaic Artist, an Accredited Life Coach, a Licensee and Facilitator of The Desire Map Workshops (by Danielle LaPorte) and a facilitator of Mosaic workshops.
(This means that I facilitate, create, and deliver one-on-one personal development, life coaching programmes and art therapy workshops for women. I am also pleased to have created my own ‘Daring, Divorced and Divine’ coaching programme for women aimed at inspiring, empowering and supporting women to move on to greater well-being following divorce).
If you are interested in any further information, working with me one on one or joining a workshop please contact Clare at coach@coaching-i-am.com or visit www.coaching-i-am.com.