Falling in Love
Happy February! I hope love abounds in your life during this month focused on affection and romance (and the Super Bowl and Olympics!) These days, I find myself falling in love. Except instead of falling for a person, I’m falling in love with my life, the life I was always meant to have. I have a feeling of richness and wholeness mingled with a sense of peace and freedom … a purpose for my days combined with heightened sensitivity and awareness of what is and what’s to come. Enthusiasm radiates from me like rays of sunshine.
If that sounds too opaque, I’ll simplify. I am filled with joy, purpose, and gratitude for the privilege of my life today. God continues to bless me with clients and open doors I never imagined existed. I have dedicated time to live a purposeful, values-based life—with space for growth in all areas. And I simply love each day and what it holds.
I’m excited for others in my circles who are taking steps toward a life they love.
• My friend launched her podcast—Anita Chat—a “podcast for the growth-oriented goal-getter women who want to laugh, learn, create impact, and support one another.” Listen here.
• Another friend, Stephannie Friend, created The Resilience Method Journal on Amazon to help people develop the ability to recover from or adjust easily after misfortune or adversity.
It’s pretty amazing to be surrounded by others with these goals, gifts, and talents.
TODAY IS THE DAY
Today, Off-Script: a mom’s journey through adoption, a husband’s alcoholism, and special needs parenting officially publishes. If you pre-ordered it, the Kindle version will be delivered, and the paperback will ship out. If you’d like a copy, I’d love to see you at my Coffee & a Good Book event on Sunday, February 13 at Goleta Coffee Company from 1 to 3 p.m. I’ll be chatting about the book, signing them, and selling copies. ($14 with tax). Goleta Coffee Company* offers indoor and outdoor space, so everyone can be comfortable. It can also be purchased here.
*Goleta Coffee Company is closing on February 15 after 25 years at this location, so it would be great to support this community treasure.
EARLY REVIEWS
“For those who’ve never had a first-hand glimpse at parenting a high-needs child in traumatic personal circumstances, Valerie’s raw and vulnerable depiction will be an education. If you’re going through something similar, you’ll find hope in these pages. If you’re walking alongside someone taking this journey, you’ll find hope, too, as well as clues for how to help.”
Robynne Elizabeth Miller, author, speaker, teacher, and mother of special needs kids
“Your story is well-written, engaging, and I believe it is going to bless and encourage many people. Katie’s struggles are unique, yet the general burdens of parenting children with mental health issues or special needs are ones experienced by so many, often without much, if any, support.”
Robin D., mother & educator
“Unputdownable!”
Pavon James, Police Investigator, Child Trauma
“Valerie’s story about parenting and marriage behind the white picket fence is inspiring. Her journey is a reminder that when we embrace the challenges and learn to let go, we find strength, deepen our relationships, and benefit from the gift of living a more authentic life.”
Rachael Ross Steidl, Founder, YouthWell and ParentClick
“Your book is honest, compelling, sad, heartening, tragic, heroic, interesting, and informative, written in a way that leaves you absorbed, wanting to read just one more chapter… at the end of every chapter! You have such an authentic, beautiful writing style that has a way of leaving you feeling lifted by the end of each chapter, regardless of the content in the middle. You have made sure that your reader does not finish a chapter feeling despondent, despite how difficult things clearly were.”
Yvonne Sloan, parent
“I highly recommend this riveting, raw, and authentic read. Many unfortunate circumstances that are compounded, hooks the reader in awe. Every woman can relate to Valerie’s life experiences and life lessons at some moment of her own journey. Whether it be through the lens of a parent, wife, daughter, or a young woman dreaming of her promising future. The prominent themes of control and surrender, teach us that life truly works for us in the most mysterious of ways.”
Anita R., parent
