Six years ago, the idea of becoming an author changed the course of my life forever. I’d just finished lunch with one of my mentors, and was chatting about her new book when she challenged me, “You should write a book, too, Amanda.” I laughed out loud, first because the thought had never entered my mind, and second because she had unknowingly struck a HUGE, painful nerve…and laughing seemed better than crying.
I have the skills to write a book, but what would I say? And who would listen to this 27 year old who, underneath the apparent success and practiced smile, is actually pretty lost?
My mentor, friends, and family all thought I was on the fast-track to success, but I knew the truth. On the inside, I was losing everything and telling no one. My marriage was on the rocks, my dream career had become impossible, and I was broke. Under that plastic smile and laughter, I was a depressed young woman, disconnected from my purpose, struggling to make ends meet, wondering what had happened to my “happily-ever-after,” and hiding the tears from my 3 year old son.
Trying to keep my composure over my racing heart, I joked, “Maybe I’ll write a book and you can put your name, many degrees, and amazing accomplishments on there.”
She didn’t budge. “Amanda, you have something of value to give to the world now. What is it?”
I don’t know! I feel broken. Everything in my life is still a mess – my marriage, relationships, finances…all of it.
I don’t remember any of our goodbye. All I remember is turning and running toward my car.
I started crying the minute I got in, trying to release some of the pain in my chest. What value do I have to give to the world? I asked myself the question over and over, and then something happened. By the time I pulled into my driveway 45 minutes later, I had uncovered the message that had always been bubbling inside me, I had mentally outlined a series of books, and I knew that I needed a Secret Teacher to help me get the word out…
Everyone laughed when I told them I was going to attract a Secret Teacher, except one. I was working on Ursula Mentjes’ Selling with Intention, and when I told her, she agreed to hold the intention with me.
Three months later, almost to the day, Lisa Nichols walked into a Sizzler behind me…
The rest of the story is too long to share here, but here are the highlights:
• Lisa invited me to her workshop the following week, where I realized ALL of the reasons she was the Secret Teacher that had been placed on my path.
• I was accepted into her Facilitator Empowerment Program and, in the process of learning how to teach teens how to love themselves and make integrity-based decisions, I experienced the healing and transformation I needed to share my message powerfully.
• After my certification, I found myself at another crossroad. Would I dare to dream again and take action on the inspiration to create True to Intention, or would I let the dream go? (I share this story in Unbreakable Spirit and Upside-Down Mommy.)
• Only three years after I dared to dream, I can hardly recognize my life. I’ve been taken deeper into my purpose — helping messengers do the inner work and healing they need to do to write their books, produce their books, create spirit-driven businesses that allows them to live abundantly inside of their calling, launch their messages on a big stage, and then learn how to facilitate transformation for others.
What if Your Message IS the Answer?
…to what you came here to be, here, and give….
…to living, loving, and becoming with no limits….