Dear Book,
After carrying the dream of you inside of me for what feels like forever, we are a scant ten weeks shy of your official launch into the world. While I’m not quite ready to say goodbye, I am ready and eager to thank you, for no matter what happens after you leave the nest, you have already given me more than I can express.
Since I don’t want my gratitude to get lost in the frenzy of your upcoming birthday party, let me take this moment to appreciate all you have given me.
Because of you, as a first-time author, I have learned how to ask and receive help in ways I never thought possible. I have reached out for assistance from wonderful people who have helped us both grow. I have even contacted complete strangers—high-profile and highly accomplished people I wouldn’t have dreamed of connecting with, let alone asking favors from, if not for you. And their generosity has been humbling.
If not for you I would have missed knowing the sound of my own voice reflected back to me on the page. Your stalwart companionship allowed me to discover, cultivate, and share stories I didn’t even know were mine to tell until we met. In some ways, you introduced me to me.
If it weren’t for you I’d still be in the Dark Ages, thinking social media consisted of movie night with friends. But now I’m tweeting and Facebooking and blogging (oh my!). People I don’t even know are following me on Twitter for reasons I don’t understand but am tickled by nonetheless. And if not for you I wouldn’t have been introduced to a new community of writers near and far who inspire and enliven me with their own stories and openheartedness.
You have revived my faith by having faith in me. You stayed present and patient even on days when I stood you up entirely or left you for an hour of bad TV, and on some days, three hours of great TV (Nurse Jackie anyone?). Even when I felt completely lost, having no idea where my time with you would take me; even when my paying work was drying up and I questioned my sanity for showing up; and even when I lost sight of who, what and why I was staying with you—you remained faithful. Your confidence in me—in us—never wavered. That alone is astonishing.
Lastly, at least for now, I thank you for calling me forth to bring my unmasked self not just into my pages as a blossoming writer, but into my intimate relationships as a blossoming wife, mother, daughter, and friend. I am showing up with a depth of authenticity I had spent years avoiding. I am bolder now. I am exposed now. I am real now and there’s no way back.
And even if there was a path back—I wouldn’t take it.
Love,
Cheryl
Dear Reader, what experience are you grateful for having?
Cheryl, I’m even more excited to get the book after reading your thank you note.
Well written.
Lynda
Very kind of you to say, Lynda. Thank you!
Thrilled for you!
Thank you so much, Judy!
What an exciting time for you. Looking forward to reading your book.
Thanks Kareen. Yes indeed – exciting and scary. So much gratitude.
Good for you! Thanks for sharing! Can’t wait to get a copy!
Thanks, Deb. Yes – October is actually just around the corner. Can’t wait to share it with you.
What an original thing to do! Your thank you note sparks my interest even more.
Thanks, Chrissa! I hope your spark of interest will be rewarded when you read the book! Look forward to catching up with you soon.
I continue to be inspired by your courage. Can’t wait to read your story!
Thanks, Jill. And courage shows up in different ways. You inspire me as well. That’s what friends do. Thanks again.
Dear Cheryl — I am so grateful to be a part of your wrenching and — mostly — inspiring heroine’s journey. Welcome to your life!
Well I couldn’t have made the journey at all were in not for friends like you who have helped me stay true. Thank you, dear Val.
Your thank you note conveyed so much Courage and Love. It was beautiful to read and to gain insight into your journey of writing your book. I agree with everyone else – I’m looking forward to reading it even more! Love Jessie
Thanks, Jessie. I certainly hope you and others will enjoy the book. It’s truly been a labor of love. Be good to yourself.
Cheryl
Lovely letter! As a first-time memoirist, I can totally relate to your beautiful words of gratitude to your book. Looking forward to reading it!
Thank you, Susan. And congrats on your book. Please keep me posted on its arrival. Kind regards, Cheryl
way to go, cheryl there is something gloriously beautiful when courage is mixed with grace. it helps us all, inspires us all, and reminds us all what we are capable of!
absolutely thrilled to have met you and your book!
And I’m absolutely thrilled to have your quote introduce my book, Terri and to now know the woman behind the quote!
Lucky lucky me.
Cheryl, it sounds like an unbelievable experience and journey thus far! Your courage is an inspiration – thank you! Looking forward to celebrating it’s arrival in the weeks to come.
Thanks, Michelle! You know courage comes to us in different ways. I think you have plenty of it yourself. Take special care.
YAYYYYYYouuuu!! deLIGHTed and grateful to be witness to what’s unfolding!
Too funny, Jackie! Thank you! Hope your unfolding is going well. Do keep me posted.
What a beautiful way to reflect with gratitude and wonder on your accomplishment, Cheryl – inspiring, enriching, and empowering, all rolled into one! I await my pre-ordered book with even more happy anticipation! Immediately called to mind one of my most favorite quotes from another inspiring author: “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” ~ Henry David Thoreau
As for your question, I am truly grateful for the pleasure and privilege of knowing and working with you and receiving your insightful guidance on my own journey. Thank you, Cheryl!
Thank you for your note, Linda. And I love the Thoreau quote. So true. And believe me, the pleasure and privilege of working together is all mine. Be good to yourself as you continue your important life journey.
Cheryl,
Your courage and heart has taken my breath away – again! I remain honored to be on a shared journey. with love, Katherine
Thanks, Katherine. I assure you, the admiration is mutual. Cheryl