Update

Last month I was asked to write an update about my like since The Lemonade Stand Book was published for a magazine. Below is what was published as well as a link to the magazine.

If someone had told me all of the changes that would happen to me in one year…that I  would connect with some amazing women, write my story and become a bestselling author, I would have told them they were silly ….but a lot can change in a year! 
In the spring of 2019 a high school friend of mine invited me to be a part of a book project. She had been following me on social media and knew part of my story. She said that this was a perfect opportunity to share my stories, inspiring others, as I had inspired her. 
Well, through her insistence, I connected with the publisher and editor multiple times. I gave them every excuse not to be a part of the project and they had a response for each one!  I had recently started a new business. The additional investment of this project scared me to death. They soon helped me realize I was investing in myself and my future. We then created a financial plan that worked for me and my budget. 
Once I took that initial step forward, it was all downhill from there. The scariest part was over!  Ok, that is not really the truth but I had taken the first step on a journey that would further change the course of my life. 
Forward is a pace has long been my motto. It matters not how fast I am going as long as I am moving forward. One step was leading to the next as I moved forward. 
Step two was actually putting the words on paper and writing out my story. Once I sat down and got centered, the words flowed out like water, flooding the pages. It was one of the most cathartic experiences of my life!  Putting my story on paper was like opening the curtains and letting the light into a room that had been dark for far too long. I think I had forgotten the feeling of the warm sunshine on my face, the freedom that comes with sharing what has been hidden. The freedom that comes with sharing the truth . Oftentimes the reason that truth is hidden is because, like in my case, it was not pretty. 
Step three was allowing my own children to read what I had written. This was difficult. I am always careful about sharing parts of my life as this directly affects my children. They are now young adults, each having their own narratives and lives, thus they are affected indirectly. Once they approved, I hit send for the final time!
Women are powerful when we believe in ourselves and each other. We are unstoppable when we channel our energy towards a positive purpose. 
I leaned heavily on the women who had been in this space before as we moved  throughout the process, bringing this project to completion. Once the book was released, it became a bestseller! I was overwhelmed and overjoyed! 
How has this process and the past year changed me? Well, with the pandemic and all the changes that have accompanied it, the trajectory of the school year and my life have been drastically altered! Having the experience and confidence with the book project,  allowed me the freedom to grow my brand. Prior to the shutdown, I had the opportunity to speak to women’s groups about the book and my story which ignited a new fire within me. I used the time during lockdown to create and release my own website. I am currently in the process of developing and launching my own personal empowerment coaching business, learning new things daily from my “Lemonade Sisters”  
I was fearful to open myself up to this new opportunity. I realized that by sharing my story, I gave others permission to do the same. I have been contacted by many people who were not aware of my journey. They shared the ways in which they were inspired by my bravery, honesty, and vulnerability. 
I have learned to believe in myself and my potential. I continue to take risks and trust myself. I am a firm believer in God-incidences. I believe that God brought me to this project so that I could learn and grow, becoming more confident, all while inspiring others. It is no accident that these women have become a strong support system and lift me up when I lose my way. 
I made myself a promise long ago that I will always move forward, no matter how fast or slow. I have spent the past year moving forward, navigating each detour, moving over every speed bump, and pulling myself out of each ditch along the way. I have put myself back on the road forward….with the help of my newfound confidence and help from some friends. No matter what happens moving forward, I will always be putting one foot in front of the other inspiring others to do the same. 
Peace,
#tutulady
#forwardisapace
To read the whole issue of the magazine, click HERE