The Gifts of 2021

It’s hard for me to believe it’s already December. So much has changed this year, and I’m pleased to share some gifts of this year.

In January I received an email from Hay House about a free week-long writers’ workshop which required an investment of an hour workshop each day + homework. With the pandemic and continued “stay at home” guidance, it seemed like a phenomenal use of my free time. After that week, I signed up for their year-long membership and started writing my memoir. Each weekend I sat at my kitchen counter for hours writing and editing and editing again. That led, not only to a completed manuscript and a book proposal but also to amazing connections with several authors from around the world. I’m grateful for the gift of learning and these new friendships.

Another gift of 2021 was an internal awareness that I was ready to move to something new professionally. My soul was craving something that energized and inspired me, which was also meaningful and impactful. Author Jenn Lim describes this feeling as the other ROI, ripples of impact, or work that matters.

So, I am part of the global resignation—the trend in which millions of people are switching jobs or leaving the workforce—because the pandemic has helped people, myself included, recognize what is truly important. At the end of December, I will wrap up my job as Director of Communications and become a full-time consultant. Since I made the decision in June, everything has reconfirmed that this is the right direction for me—and I’m excited about the new adventure.

Let’s be honest, it’s also a bit scary. While I have work lined up, there are a lot of unknowns ahead. But instead of giving in to fear, I’m embracing it with a sense of wonderment at how it will all work out. I’m choosing to see the availability and capacity as space being held for something extraordinary ahead. It may be related to meaningful projects, volunteering, or even the book. I don’t know, but I continue to trust that God is in control. I don’t need to know the path ahead. I just need to take one step at a time.

Finally, I’m still working on being a recovering perfectionist, and it, too, is a gift. The book and business development process are refining me in that area and I’m learning that good enough is truly good enough.

There will always be people who have different input and preferences for writing, editing, and design. There will always be more marketing and promotion to be done. So, I continue to check in with myself on whether my actions and activities are representative of my goal to help others.

Can I trust I’ve done enough so the right people read the book at the right time?

Speaking of the book, it will be available for pre-sale on Amazon in an eBook format and in paperback on January 1 and will publish on February 1. This means it will be released to your Kindle or mailed out for delivery on February 1. If you are local, I will also have copies, which I would be more than happy to sign and deliver, and they will be on sale at Chaucer’s, too.

While we’re talking about the season of giving, may I ask for a gift from you this holiday season?

Each of these actions helps raise the book profile, exposing more people to the content. This is the book I wish I had during the toughest days of my journey, and I’m hoping to reach others who need the same encouragement and hope.

Thank you for your continued interest and support. May your season be filled with joy and wonderment this holiday season.

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Valerie Cantella

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