Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, Where Does My Self-Love Fall? you help readers probe their thoughts & emotions to uncover their self-concepts and provide tools to reshape them to live a fulfilling and happy life. Why was this an important book for you to write?

Wow, a great question! There were many reasons which compelled me to write this book. I’ll give you the twofold answer.

Briefly, I’ll speak on the ‘awakening (i.e, the beautiful awakening) moment’─ where I’d been and the new person I had become.

Revisiting my journey, I recalled all those broken pieces I’d lost along the way; while leaving that little girl inside me in pain. Abusing her so badly, a lot of my self-concepts were lost and scattered, e.g., self-worth; self-confidence; self-forgiveness; self-dignity; self-esteem; self-love; and other self-dimensions. I was like that Humpty Dumpty broken in pieces. I’d fallen down hard and needed help to get back up. I had to go back to pick up those broken pieces and start the work on “self.” Intitally, it was an extremely difficult challenge, but I never gave up. The struggle began having to rid self of those negative thoughts, figuring out all that was lost, and backtracking to pick up the pieces.

First and foremost, I had to forgive myself before I could move forward and begin the journey to “fixing self.” Once I put the energy and hard work into nurturing self, I saw a complete transformation. I’ve gained an appreciation for the use of affirmations, as well. There I was a new me ─ feeling different inside and out. Making that transformation equated with hard work and positive results. That’s when a light flickered (it’s book time), How many others have gone through a similar journey?

Originally, I wanted the book to be a companion to my memoir. After speaking with my publisher (Terri Leidich of WriteLife Publishing), we came to the conclusion that no one should have to read my storybook, Not a Blueprint, It’s the Shoe Prints that Matter, to do the work in this activity guide. Unfortunately, there are too many people out there who forfeit themselves through their journey, and don’t know where their self-love falls (i.e., lies). With that realization, we decided I needed to rewrite the material as a stand-alone. In all honesty, I thought it was going to be rather difficult. Yet, the more I’d gotten into the writing the easier it became to structure it.

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone who is struggling on the path to self-love?

I’m a strong believer in self-talk. Many know this talk as ‘those inner voices in the back of our heads that feeds us messages all day long.’ So, what I’d tell them is two-folded, “The use of daily affirmations plays an integral role in self-nurturing, Don’t give up on yourself!”

What is a common obstacle you find many people face when it comes to self-love?

There are several obstacles one faces when showering love on self. The major one which comes to my mind is, “We can always find the time to love on others. Rarely, do we take time out to love ourself. Think about that!”

What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?

Psst! Psst! . . .

Yes, I’m working on something. I’m a huge fan of those “true-life-stories.” That’s right, it’s one of those non-fictions and rather not reveal the full details, as yet. Be assured, it’s not a memoir. But, it’ll be a doozy ─ one that’ll knock your socks off and others’ as well.

To say the least, “It’s an eye-opener; with a splash of humor; and lots of heartbreaking moments.” I can share that much as I’m still pulling the research together.

With this one, there’s lots of research involved, which seems to be endless. At some point, I’ll have to cut it off and get busy with the writing phase.

When it’s ready for release, I’m confident many people will find this story relatable and embraceable with their interactions and what’s happening around society, today. All that’s involved in developing into a storybook, it definitely won’t be a release for this year. That’s for certain!

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