When best-selling publisher Linda Joy asked me about contributing to her forthcoming book, Midlife Transformation: Redefining Life, Love, Health & Success, I declined. At the time, my life felt like a blur. It was messy. Chaotic. Uncertain. How could I possibly write about transformation, I asked in exasperation when I am smack dab in the middle of it?

Without missing a beat, Linda told me that was exactly what I needed to write about. It’s important, she said, for readers to understand the sometimes transformation can feel uncomfortable. The important point is knowing to keep one’s eye on the goal, the intended outcome.

She was right, of course. I accepted the challenge to write my story. At first, it felt stilted and incomplete until I realized that I was holding back. Whenever I sat down to read it, the story never felt like I was hitting the mark. Then I realized my words weren’t entirely authentic. There was a part of me that didn’t want the world to hear my truth, my vulnerability. It continued to evolve into real truth with every rewrite.

The resulting piece is titled The Tigress. I feel it’s one of the best stories I’ve written.

The Tigress and my inclusion in Midlife Transformation would never have come into existence if Linda didn’t have the vision to see value in what I had to offer. Nor would it have ever have been written if I didn’t have the courage to be real, to be vulnerable.

That’s the beauty of all the books published by Linda Joy and Inspired Living Publishing. They contain stories of truth, love, mystery, and healing. Midlife Transformation: Redefining Life, Love, Health & Success reveals the miracles that happen when a woman makes an empowered choice to release the weight of her past, step out of the shadows, and embrace a life that fully honors her sacred truth.

On every page, you’ll discover the intimate stories of 28 women who found the courage to follow the whispers of their hearts, move through the darkness of fear and doubt, and embrace their purpose, passion, and calling.

The other authors, like me, each share a life story about a profound realization that helped her understand that she was no longer in alignment with who she was. Through the fires of transformation and, each of these courageous souls emerged on the other side (or are in the process of) creating a life by design.

If you are looking for inspiration, this is your book. Written by women for women, it will touch your heart. It will give you hope. It will make you laugh and cry.

I’m grateful that Linda didn’t give up on me. And I’m immensely proud of myself for not giving up on me either. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Life is a journey, not a destination.”

I’m making the best of the ride! What about YOU, Braveheart?

Update 14 March 2017: Midlife Transformation became a best-seller — so far in three countries and numerous categories. I love that women are sharing their truths in hopes of lifting each other up. I’m so grateful for the sisterhood.

Order your copy of MidlifeTransformation today at www.MidlifeTransformationBook.com and receive over 60 free gifts **AND** an invitation to come to today’s Facebook giveaway and party! Grab your copy of my book and swing by the party to enter your Amazon receipt # for a chance to win clothing, jewelry, and so much more!

Join the Braveheart community on Facebook and Twitter for more inspiration!