Awesome Friend,
Can I tell you about a cool thing that happened to me this year?
There’s this guy, Jeff Goins, who has a blog about writing. It’s pretty cool. You should check it out. He’s been on my radar for a while now but something wild happened to me back in March that changed my life forever.
Mike and I were going through a crazy challenging time and life seemed harder than it should be. It’s hard to be transparent about how difficult life can be. But that’s just the truth of where I was. My grandma used to say, “It’s always darkest just before the dawn.” She was right. I asked myself repeatedly, “Does it get any darker than this?”.
The next day, I got an email from Jeff telling me about this book he wrote called The Art of Work. For some reason it just connected with me right away. I bought it, downloaded it, read it and had my mind blown.
More importantly, my heart was excited. Someone was writing a book that spoke *directly* to my struggles. This book gave me more confidence than I can explain. It changed my perspective on my struggles (they do have meaning even though they are gut wrenching), it made be believe that my purpose is definitely embedded within me (it cannot be taken away), and it gave me hope that I could and would make a difference in this world through my writing (I am not alone in my hard times).
More than all of this, reading the book marked a turning point in my life. If everything up until that moment had been darkness, then reading that damn book was the dawn. It’s not that Jeff is magical or anything, it’s just that the timing couldn’t have been better…
This is where the unexpected thing happened.
I got a wild hair to tell Jeff what his book meant to me on Instagram. Then…Jeff became my friend.
This dude Skyped with Mike and I about stuff, invited us to Franklin to hang out and connect with people, and even gave us a seat in one of his courses. I could give you more specifics about how much Jeff has given, but the point is he went above and beyond what is normal. His behavior is not usual. His style of giving is not common. I actually think he’s all right.
I’m not getting anything to say this. I just needed you to know. This is a part of my story. I need you to know that there are still people in this world who do show up. I can show up. You can show up.
I know you doubt it sometimes and wonder where and if these givers exist. So I had to tell you that they do.
This experience and reading all the stories of the people in the book started to do it’s work in me. Slowly, I began to step out from behind the people I was hiding. Instead of giving friends, strangers and family the advice, “You should become a writer”, I started to give myself that advice. Something inside kept calling and eventually I started to listen. The #1 best concept from the book is this: listen to your life.
So if I was supposed to listen to my life, then what would it be telling me based on this unexpected shift in the norm? Should I call it what it is? After all this hustle and trial? Yes.
I am a writer.
Now, 6 months later I am here – still fighting for my life. That darkness that my grandma spoke about only got darker. But the ballast in the storm was remembering the real stories of the people I read about in the book and the people I met in Franklin. If they could find their calling out of the ashes of the darkest battles, then so could I. And I am.
Writing has become the friend that I always wanted. It’s become the beacon calling me ashore. These words and letters are a stable and unchanging fortress for me. Jeff didn’t give that to me. But he did call it out. He put that under my nose and I was willing to track it.
In about a week Jeff will be hosting the very first run of, what I’m sure will become, a “must attend” yearly conference. It’s called Tribe Conference. I want to be there. I want to listen to my life, be balls out, and say ‘yes’. So here’s where I need your help.
The expense to get to Franklin is not huge or anything, it’s just out of my budget right now.
As some of you know, Mike and I recently had both of our cars smashed at the same time by a hit-and-run. Huge bummer. This crazy unexpected inconvenience just blew us out of the water. So some things needed to be put on the back burner.
In all honesty, saying ‘yes’ to your life doesn’t always come in a package with a big bow on top. Sometimes saying ‘yes’ looks like not taking ‘no’ for an answer.
I thought of all the amazing people in my life and wondered what they would do. So I started a crowd funding page. I need your help to say ‘yes’.
While I was in Franklin in March, Jeff gave me some copies of his book to give away. All the closest people in my life got a copy. I still have 5 left. I’ve been holding on to them for Lord knows why.
But in the style of perfect timing, I think this is why: I want to be the generosity that I felt. I want to not forget what that felt like to be given to. It’s powerful. And I can count on one hand how many times I’ve actually felt generosity.
So I’m going to be that.
In the spirit of giving and receiving, I want to give you a copy of Jeff’s book, The Art of Work.
If you’re like me, struggling to find your purpose in this one wild and precious life and feel like this book could be just the spark that you need, then I want you to have a copy. Share your story with me the way I shared mine with Jeff and I’ll give 5 copies away to the 5 stories that strike me most.
Here’s the extra cool thing. I’ll also give you what Jeff gave me. The most valuable gift anyone can ever give: time.
I want to talk with you about where you feel most stuck. How can I help you get unstuck even a little? Write your story in the comments. Get a book and have a conversation with me. If you feel moved to donate to my cause then do it!
I need your help. Of course I only have 5 books to give away. But I have so much gratitude for you in my heart already.
Bri
Normally I wouldn’t write what I’m about to, but like you said – perfect timing.
I want to be a writer. I always knew I wanted to write but it’s only recently I’ve begun to figure that out. The problem – where I feel stuck – is my health. I have been ill for four years with a debilitating chronic illness. I have better periods – times when I am able to leave the house everyday, go for half hour walks, and do some work on my phd and my writing. I also have bad periods. Like now, where I struggle to manage at home, let alone head out anywhere, or think clearly, or be creative. It’s frustrating. I try to find advice about “getting unstuck” but most of the time i can’t relate. I feel like to get unstuck is simply a matter of being well, and there is no guarantee of when that will happen for me, and if it does, how long it will last. I’m not sure how you can help me, but I thought, why pass up this opportunity to share a little of my story?
Thanks for the opportunity. I’m not in this to win a book as I’ve already got a copy 🙂
Wow!
I am so glad that you decided to share. I can relate to that feeling of stuckness. That’s a hard one for sure. You sound very brave. For me at least, in my experience, stuckness can be tackled on several fronts. Emotional, spiritual, physical and environmental. When I find myself getting stuck in the “same place” over and over again, I now know to immediately reach out for support (something I NEVER used to do). I regularly attend a support group so that I can be encouraged and motivated. Also, when I start feeling stuck I try to take on more projects and activities in an attempt to “do enough good” to get things going. Basically, I’m thinking that id I do more, I’ll have more to do which will give me momentum to get un-stuck. For me, that never works. If I’m overloaded with more than 2 or 3 major projects in my life – I crumble. Self-care and being gentle is a new language for me. But over time, I’m starting to simplify my life so that I can nourish myself. It’s the only way I know to start to feel sane again.
Do you know the Serenity Prayer?
HI Bri,
I saw this post on The Art of Work Facebook page, and your story resonated with me for many reasons. First and foremost, I know the feeling of wanting to go to a conference, and it’s important that you get there if you think it’ll take your project and/or our journey to the next level.
Also, I’d love to have the opportunity to chat with you about my story. In March (right after reading The Art of Work) I started building my blog and I launched it at the end of May. Although my posting has slowed down with my 3 kids being home for summer, I’m gearing up now for the fall.
I’m using my blog to practice my writing, show my passion for business, to inspire others and to share inspiring stories about people pursuing their passion at the Jersey Shore. So far it’s going great!
My real dream, however, is to write a book about a personal experience I went through because I know sharing my story could immensely help other women encountering the same situation I did. I’ve already started writing my story but I’m stuck if I should share hints of this experience through my blog posts. My blog is about people pursuing more of what they love in life and business … but I’m just stuck on whether or not it’s appropriate to get more personal, etc. I think there are subtle ways to weave it in.
Anyway, I want to do my part to cast a vote of confidence for you and help propel you on your journey in some way. I’m actually heading to Nashville for a conference on Oct 1-2 … Story Nashville … very excited. I don’t even remember where I heard about the conference but when I checked it out, I got a strong feeling that I needed to go.
I look forward to connecting with you and wish you the best!! Ellie
Hi Ellie!
Thank you for sharing your story with me. Thank you for supporting me and seeing yourself in my story!! I love what you do. What a wonderful journey you’re on. Congrats on sending your 3 babies back to school! WooHoo! I don’t have kids, but several of my friends have kids and are celebrating the B2S season. 😉
I’m excited to connect so I can hear more about your dream. It sounds like you’ve got wisdom that you need to put out there. Keep following your heart. There are people who need to hear what you have to say. I’m excited that you’re attending a conference in Nashville. Is it the Story Line with Donald Miller?
Looking forward to connecting Ellie. Hugs to you,
Bri
Hi again Bri, My pleasure! I am familiar with Donald Miller’s Story Line conference and his company, Story Brand but this conference is just called Story .. since it’s in Nashville this year it’s called Story Nashville http://www.storynashville.com/ Something about it really resonated with me … plus, I’ve always wanted to go to Nashville! My kids go back to school on 9/8 so why don’t we try to connect some time after then. Can’t wait to hear about your experience at the Tribe conference! All the best, Bri!! Keep following your dreams!
Ellie!
That’s so cool. I’d love to attend one of his conferences. Story was originally formed in Chicago. I’m from there and had heard about this event before I moved to Tennessee. Nashville is amazing. It sounds like you’re going to have a blast. Please email when your kids get back to school. I’m looking forward to connecting with you! Peace to you – Bri
Hi Bri,
This was a good post. Jeff, the My500Words have helped me find my purpose too.
Whatever is the darkness you are having to deal with right now, I hope it passes for you soon, and may you continue to enjoy that feeling of freedom that comes with writing.
Hi!
Thank you so much for saying so. Isn’t Jeff’s ability to create a community amazing. Where would we be with it? It’s priceless. What did you discover was your purpose? I’d love to know what your story is. Have you read his book, The Art of Work?
Thank you for your encouragement and kind words. The darkness won’t pass soon. That’s ok. Life is a mixture of dark and light. The good news is that I am healing. I’m getting support and am feeling braver as the days pass. You’re right. The freedom and confidence that writing creates is a true gift. So grateful to have it.
XX,
Bri
I wanted to drop a note in solidarity. I, too, found a lot of hope in Jeff’s book. I shared it with my classes of low socioeconomic students, and they, too, are beginning to feel a change. It’s amazing how this has happened. I also wanted to congratulate you! You are going to the conference without a doubt. I’m so happy for the generous people out there that were able to contribute. (I, sadly, was not one of them since we are having dark financial times as well.)
Speaking of, here is another ray of hope. There is a charity out there called Modest Needs. It helps people get small grants for things that can help ends meet. So those two smashed cars? They are important to be able to get to work and make ends meet, and thus you may qualify for a grant to get those fixed up. Check ’em out at http://www.modestneeds.org
Here’s to the future, the end of dark times, and new beginnings. You can do this.
Hey there!
It’s great to hear from you. Solidarity and connection are far more important than money. So you’re a contributor all the way! Also, what you’re sharing with your students is priceless. Trust me. Some will never forget what you have taught them. God has a way of using our hard times to bring us absolute clarity. Many negative character flaws are being worked out of me during this process of trial. It sucks in the moment. I never think I am strong enough to get through it. But then somehow I do.
Money is a strange thing. I wrote about it recently.
I’m working through all the beliefs, feelings and habits I have associated with money. Hopefully, soon I can have a good relationship to this infamous currency. Thank you so much for sharing the charity resource with me. What a blessing to have an organization that’s designed to help fill the gap. I will look into it for sure and let you know how it goes. If there is anything that I can do to help, please let me know!
XX,
Bri