Why are you choosing to participate in this book?
Honestly, it never would have happened but for any number of people along the way.
I’ve always wanted to write a book, but if you had told me that this would be my first one, I would have told you that you were crazy! To be open and honest about my past was never my intention. In fact, I struggled greatly to reveal nothing of my past to anyone.
I had been running. I had been running from my past for so long…buried it in the recesses of my mind that facing it was difficult. In some respects, I suppose it had begun to diminish in importance…or so I thought.
In my running, I had gotten into some compromising and dangerous situations. But eventually, I came out on the other side with a a wonderful husband, two beautiful children (both boys) and some of the most amazing friends that a person could ever dream to have. In addition, I’m a professional speaker, author, a successful business owner, and radio host.
Then, in October of 2008, everything changed.
I went to a Speaking of Women’s Health event – 1200 women from all walks of life, 3 keynote speakers, 20 break-out sessions, vendor booths and representatives from local hospitals with health check-ups. It was our day to be pampered and jazzed!!
And I enjoyed all of it. I ran into friends, made new friends…I had an absolute ball!! And, honestly, towards the end of the day’s events, I was getting a little tired, in fact, several women had left the event. I stayed. I wanted to hear the last keynote speaker.
Her name was Rhonda Britten.
Rhonda came out and immediately all eyes were on her. She drew everyone in with her charisma. After she had everyone’s attention, she began to tell her story.
That’s when it happened.
I could see my future with such amazing clarity, it scared me. No, that’s not a strong enough word. It TERRIFIED me. What I saw in my head was a video of myself standing on stage in a convention center with 20,000 – 50,000 people in attendance, sharing my story and inspiring people to have hope and share a message of hope with their friends and family. I could see the books, I could hear the conversations.
I was so terrified, I began to shake in my seat. Then a tear rolled down my face.
The fear didn’t come from the idea of standing on stage…I LOVE to speak with audiences, engage with them and laugh with them. It’s actually quite a high.
No, the fear was in the telling. The telling of the entire unsanctimonious truths of the depths of darkness and despair that a person can live through. Not just live through, but survive…flourish. The telling of how there is hope even when you don’t believe it. There is a light even if you can’t see it. There is love even if you can’t feel it.
I knew on that day, that it was my destiny to share my story. Other people needed me to follow the path laid before me…I wish I could tell you that I embraced the idea immediately.
LOL – nothing could be further from the truth.
Funny thing happens when you try to run away from your future…
it keeps reminding you that it’s coming!
I finally stopped running and was interviewed about my life by Marilyn Shannon from Reenchant Planet Earth. She recorded the interview. The first step was the hardest, but honestly, I knew at that moment that I was going the right way.
After the interview, the idea to write the book came to me, but as I began to write it, it felt wrong. Then I realized what the problem was. I wasn’t supposed to be the only person in the book. I began to think about how many other women who are out there just like me that could help share the themes in the book…give them strength and touch more people than I ever could on my own.
And there it is.
Over 60 inquiries, 29 returned questionnaires and 25 signed releases from amazing women. The stories are powerful…they deserve to be heard, they deserve to have meaning for others.
Where will letting go of your fears take you?
Let go and see!
Deidre Hughey
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