My greatest fear is that I will one day die without ever truly living in the moment or making a difference in others lives? Then, at the end of the day, what was it all for? I look at my family and the world at large, and all I see are people afraid of themselves and of others. We are so afraid that we clutter our lives with things or activities just to avoid our fears – Just to escape what we think of our very natures. Sometimes, we are even strangers to those closest to us – even those living in the same household. How marvelous it would be if we were to overcome our fears and really connect on a deep level. Our understanding of life, relationships, and ourselves, might be so different. We might be so much more accepting of ourselves, others, and the numerous possibilities that exist. We might actually stand for something real and profound. We might actually risk everything for the ones we love, or for life itself. 
Instead, it is easier to live in our minds and in our fears. We often choose to live in this place over living in the moment. Often, the first step is the hardest to take. But I have found that once you take the leap into the scary waters of the unknown, it is never as bad as one initially imagines. I want to be a truly amazing force in this world. I want my spirit, my heart, and my life to impact others in a profound way. I want my struggle to inspire others in their journey. I do not want to be paralyzed by my fears. If anything, I want my fears to mobilize me to action. I want to have the courage and resolve to face my demons, real and imagined. Ultimately, I want my life to have meaning. Meaning comes from what we decide to create for ourselves and those around us. Life doesn’t just happen. It is our active participation in the process that creates our legacy and testament.

Book Signing in San Jose!

Readers living in San Jose or the general Bay Area!

I have an upcoming book signing for "Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Possible" 

When: December 12th from 12-5pm
Where: Barnes & Noble:
Almaden Plaza Shopping Center:
5353 Almaden Expy, San Jose, CA 95118

Store Phone: (408) 979-0611

My Story is Called, "I Believed Despite the Odds."

Short Synopsis:
I write about my determination to beat the odds and attend university; this -  despite the fact that doctors told me that my Cerebral Palsy would make this impossible. With my own will to prove doctors wrong - AND the great support and belief of my current hubby - then boyfriend - and a special school counselor - I turned the impossible into the possible. I walked away with a graduate degree and gratitude for the amazing support I received. 

Tweet

*If you cannot attend the book signing but would like a signed book - call the Almaden Plaza store and request they set a book aside for you. You still need to pay full price for the book, but they will ship it to you. Ask store to confirm details!

Insights About Writing...

I am going through a process that I would like to share with you. The other day - after months of apprehension - I signed up for NaNoWriMo. I started to write a story that has been in my mind for a while. But, then, I started judging myself. There were too many holes. The story wasn't flowing right. I was trying too hard...I went back to my Word processor. I have spent several years writing my autobiography. I just titled it "AllAboutMandy." I feel like I threw every experience into this document - deleted it - and rewrote it almost exactly like the first time around. Why am I not finishing it? My first thought is that I am not hiding or symbolizing one aspect of my life. I haven't changed any names or masked any experience. You see, I have been trying to write in mystery and symbols - but with a deeper life meaning. But, I only like to write the truth - from my perspective, of course. Today, I added more paragraphs to this, now, 42 page document. It just flowed. My writing process is messy. This much I know. But, I like it that way. It is organic. It breathes. Ultimately, the pieces will fit together. I just need to trust the process.

Tweet Thank you for sharing this process with me!

The Woman Within

The Woman Within

Francisco Provedo - The Inner Light

http://liberatingreality.com/post/71358599705/the-inner-light-by-francisco-provedo

She enters a room and everyone stops to stare at her beauty.

She is bigger than life and grander than the sun and moon

She sparkles and shines with a glow.

Her sensual energy is out of the world and a bystander feels changed forever.

Despite her beauty and larger-than-life ways, this Goddess doubts herself.

She questions her senses.

She closes her heart.

Fragile, she believes the voices that tell her she’s no good.

With every moment, she feels less and less of herself.

With every moment she loses her self-esteem

Tears stream down my face as I witness this woman, this divine, beautiful creature that cannot see. I want so much to show her what I see – to embrace her that my love helps her see at last. But, alas – I am helpless. It is not for me to save another soul. Sadness overtakes the love.

When will she see her beauty?

When will she see her bigger than life ways, how she is grander than the sun and moon?

When will she become a witness to how she sparkles and shines with a glow, her sensual energy filling the entire world?

I live for the day when the woman embraces herself and the world is blessed with her brilliant light.

--  --

In my life, I have come across many amazing women and friends who don't always recognize their Light. I wrote this for them. But, I also wrote it for me. For a long time, it was also my story. I am glad to state that this is changing. In the last couple months, I have begun to see myself. I mean REALLY see myself. I am still trying to find the words to describe the vision that is unfolding. Let me just leave the women out there with this concluding thought: When life gets you done, remember that underneath it all  - you are made of pure, beautiful light. And you are beyond worthy for the greatest joy that this Earthly existence has to offer!