Wow! What a ride this year has been! What a time for honing in on our priorities, recalibrating our mind set and disregarding the superfluous thoughts and actions that no longer serve us. No wonder they say, “only the strong survive.” I believe this year has been an exemplary example of that phrase, and a testament to our strength and perseverance – and it’s not over yet.  In the midst of political, financial and for many, personal upheaval, it has been a challenging year indeed. I simply want to congratulate all of us for hanging in there, for not giving up and maintaining a positive outlook.

It takes work to stay happy and healthy. Don’t you agree?

I only know of one person who rides the unpredictable waves of life magnificently! He is a dear friend whose name I dare not mention, as it might embarrass him. Nevertheless, he is someone I place in high regard because he always sees the best in all scenarios – no matter how upsetting the situation could feasibly be. His mind remains steady and he is able to see the macro and micro aspects with equanimity. It blows my mind. This ability to be “the witness,” to stay neutral in times of flux and uncertainty must have stemmed from his mother who he claims made sure he left the house each day, in a good mood and imparted to him that life was not about suffering. Who knows what mantras she uttered to him before he went on his way – what emotions she instilled in his little brain. Clearly they were positive ones.

Just thinking about all the positive affirmations and mantra repetitions I have repeated throughout the years – just to get through the day – makes my head squirm. I don’t know about you, but words of love and support were not a ritual in my upbringing.  We have all needed to find ways of dealing with confusion, vulnerability, apprehension and adversity – but have we become steady consistently? Personally, I strive for this daily.

And so, this brings me to the essence of this BLOG.

What are we doing to make our lives feel secure, fuller and richer – in the midst of mayhem? I thought I would end the silence I have maintained these past few months and share some thoughts I’ve had about my own journey that relate to these questions.

Many New Age speakers, which I believe I am one of, rarely speak about the times they feel vulnerable. We spew out ways to conquer fear, wealth, and freedom – and yet very few, if any, talk about the valleys and pit falls we often times experience along the way. I never hear that it’s okay to feel vulnerable. We only get the pep talks. But do they create transformation? That’s what I look for in a speaker.

I am announcing the fact that I am in that state now. And yet, I want to make peace with it. Be okay with it. Accept it. Actually, just by writing about it, makes me feel better. I loved listening to Brene Brown talk about the power and significance of vulnerability on TED.com (You can look her up on TED.COM. It’s well worth the time) and when Elizabeth Gilbert also shared on TED how she felt pressured and insecure about having to write another bestseller – after the tremendous success of Eat Pray Love. How does one top that? How does a writer feel comfortable writing her next book after the awesome success from the first? Especially when we see J.K. Rowling of the Harry Potter series and Stephanie Meyer from the Twilight Saga top their previous books, time after time. What an experience that must feel like! Kudos to them for accomplishing such incredible success! I hope to know what that feels like very soon!

As I wait to hear from publishers about my novel, Pushing Upward, and production companies about my screenplay, I feel this vulnerability. Waiting has not been my forte’. I have worked years (twenty to be exact) to make sure both properties were ready to be sent out at the same time – to gain interest from both the film side and the publishing side. I have found a wonderful literary agent who has sent my book to several publishers. Nevertheless, all I can do is prepare the marketing for these projects and wait to hear back. Surrender to the process. Move into Shiva (from the Science of Spiritual Marketing) and let go.

As I let go, accept this vulnerable state and move forward. I come back to what I do best. Support other’s in their journey. In other words, I am back to be of service to you – to help you prepare your book, your proposal, your query letter, yourbusiness. To help you market your product or service, to create your website and support you in your process.

If you are experiencing states of apprehension, vulnerability or none of the above states and simply need some guidance and support, give me a call at 310-597-1462 or send an e-mail to: andrea@holisticpr.com

I am also offering a FREE tele-class to talk about the process of writing your book and the book launch on Monday, November 21st at 5:00 PAC  – 8:00 EST. The call in number will be given to you when you RSVP at: andrea@holisticpr.com

With great respect and with great love,

Andrea Adler