Tag Archives: inspirational books

Better Living Thru Constant Change – What’s Leading You?

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By Books Writer Denise Turney

photo of woman in orange long sleeved dress reflecting on life changes
Photo by Fliqa India on Pexels.com

Thinking that “change is constant” is easier to consider than accept. Yet, it’s true. Constant change is part of this world. Further into this article, I touch on a path forward that you might find advantageous as you face change at the same time that you take actions to develop the life that you want.

What I share is part of a recent discovery. But, first, let me share some of my experiences dealing with change. See which parts resonate with you.

Resisting Change Using Patterns and Routines

When I was a kid, life was fluid. Back then, all I had to do was find creative ways to fill up my days with  fun. Then, my first major shift happened – school. Along came structure, patterns and routine. That shift caused me to perceive the world differently. Monday through Friday no longer seemed as fun, and this despite the fact that I performed well academically.

Over the years, more and more change has entered my life. On top of that, my beliefs, perceptions and aims have changed. Moving through the changes has been, at times, challenging. All in all, the longer that I’m in this world, the more I feel that constant change makes me feel as if I’m not in control of my life. Constant change also seems to make me feel as if I’ll end up anywhere, not where I want to be.

Getting What You Want Requires Constant Change

As an example, my desire and aim to earn a full income writing and selling novels has appeared to be offset by economic, family and other work shifts. Added book marketing tool algorithm changes has found me feeling even more like my dream has alluded me. My response to constant change has not always been advantageous.

In fact, there have been instances when adjusting to book marketing changes that I didn’t initiate has seen me start to believe that I’ll never achieve my dream of earning a full income writing and selling novels. If you have a long term goal that’s linked to your deepest passion and you’ve seen actions that you need to take to fulfill that goal shift due to external changes, you’re familiar with the impact that these types of change can have on your faith and confidence.

Facing Uncertainty Disguised as Change

Recently, as I was waking, it occurred to me that I’m being led. Key is to be led by love. What I did as I considered this was to revisit past experiences. For instance, I thought about times when I felt certain, safe, happy and encouraged. Then, I thought about beliefs that I’d heard other people share with me repeatedly.

You may have heard similar sayings, things like, “practice makes perfect,” “you can do anything you put your mind to,” “do what you love and the money will come” and “where there’s a will, there’s a way.” For me, these sayings were reinforced with sermons that I heard preached in church.

Because of my belief in these sayings, I expected to receive the experiences that I wanted with a snap of a finger. Oh, I was prepared to work hard. I’ve been a hard worker much of my physical experience. But I didn’t expect to experience the delays and frustrations that I’ve faced.

Yet, give up – I will not do.

Check Out These Examples of Overcoming Change

What I surfaced from these early morning musings was that outcomes depend on what’s leading me. If I’m led by fear, I’ll seek a “safe” or “comfortable” path to a goal. I’ll try to avoid constant change. That by itself could present more challenges and delays. An example could be my emailing a literary agent or bookstore owner instead of picking up the telephone and calling that person, all because I feel afraid to speak to someone I never met before (change) directly.

Or I might ship books to a representative scheduled to attend a large regional or international book festival simply because I feel apprehensive about attending the event in person. For sure, either way I’d be taking actions to introduce my books to potential book buyers and readers. However, if I’m led by fear of change, I could diminish the impact of my efforts.

Let Love Lead

If I’m led by love, I’ll trust and follow guidance, not needing to know the next step (not needing to see how every change is going to turn out). As an example, should I receive guidance to invite a bookstore buyer to lunch, I’ll telephone the person or stop by her bookstore and ask her to lunch. In another instance, I might be directed to write and publish a novel on a heady topic. Trusting in the love-rooted guidance that I receive, I’ll simply sit down and start writing the novel.

Following love-rooted guidance eliminates confusion and delays. It builds trust instead of fear when facing constant change. I’ve noticed this in my personal, social and workspaces. Simply taking direct action has paid off hugely.

Consider looking back at your prior experiences. Notice if you spot times when you were led by fear of change. Also, see if you spot instances when you were led by love. It’s the latter that will produce a good result. Howbeit, it’s also the latter that requires faith and courage which might be a reason why it’s been said that it’s impossible to live a good life absent faith.

Signs You’re Following Fear or Love

Furthermore, signs that you’re following (or being led by) fear of change include experiencing:

  • Anxious thoughts and feelings
  • Anger surfacing each time you think about the guidance
  • Disbelief that works its way into rationalizing over and over
  • Feeling safe or “protected” when you think about the fear-based guidance (which is often simply a way to avoid change)

On the other hand, signs that you’re being led by love include:

  • Sense of newness (as you’ll likely be led to new experiences)
  • Curiosity at what’s coming next
  • Feeling that your life is about to change for the better
  • Wonder at your ability to do what you’re being led to do (again – this could tie into the fact that you’re being led into a new experience)

You also might have a feeling of “overwhelm” should you choose to be led by love. Love knows what you really are. It knows what you’re capable of, so smallness (staying stuck in a life of little change) is not its thing. What you won’t have is boredom or the comfort of routine. Also, if it’s miracles that you want, you’re going to have to be led by love. It’s the path to great change, empowering newness and a very good life.

What’s leading you?

Be Courageous Enough To Step Into Your Destiny

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By Novel Writer Denise Turney

213 let's go design, motivational destiny graphic
Photo by SevenStorm JUHASZIMRUS on Pexels.com

Have you ever had a vision? In just an instant, have you seen yourself in a specific place, finalizing an achievement? Let that happen just once and you might believe in your destiny. On the other hand, even if you say that you don’t believe in destiny, such an event could change your life. Why?

Sparks of Inner Vision

Inner vision lets you see your life differently. Instead of seeing yourself as merely enduring whatever comes at you, you may start to see your life attached to a purpose. This happened to me when I was a kid. At the ripe age of 10 years, I had an experience that revealed to me that my destiny was to be a writer.

Now, this wasn’t something that I had asked or prayed for. Instead, it was revealed to me. It’s odd to me now how I linked this revelation to worldly success. In fact, I don’t think a year passed after I’d received the revelation before I started fantasizing and imagining myself selling millions of copies of my books. If I only knew what was up ahead, which brings us to the topic of this article.

Dreams and fantasies aside, it takes courage of conviction to walk into your destiny. But, that makes it sound like it’s a choice as to whether or not you step into your purpose. And my experience has been that it may not be all choice.

Research Your Calling

Oh. You could refuse to do what you know deep inside you should do. Yet, that choice won’t leave you happy. Even more, you might struggle for the rest of your physical experience to live in peace. So, by all means, walk into your destiny.

Before you begin, research your calling. Read specific examples of courage that are directly related to your destiny. After it was revealed to me that I was a writer, I started catching the bus to the downtown Knoxville bookstore. Once inside the bookstore, I searched for research books that focused on the art of novel writing.

Another action that I took was to buy magazines geared toward writers. Back in those days, I bought and read Writer’s Digest and The Writer. Later, I added Poets & Writers to my list of magazines to buy and read. Over the years, that branched out into exploring the pages of periodicals like Publisher’s Weekly and Literary Market Place.

Keep Learning

Those early days were spent learning, learning, learning. And, of course, writing.

Because this world is not magical, I highly encourage you to research the field that your destiny abides in. Not only will this help you to see what may be required of you to walk into your destiny, it could protect you from slipping into magical thinking.

While you’re researching the field that your destiny is in, be bold, be courageous. Find the courage to start taking smart action. For example, if your destiny is to open and manage a health clinic, consider enrolling in medical courses. Complete building licensing forms. Get familiar with tax laws that impact health clinics. You could even start conducting market research to discover best places to open the health clinic.

Facing Obstacles

That’s just the beginning. As you conduct research and start to walk into your destiny, keep learning. Also, network with people who are living examples of courage. These are people who have succeeded at doing what you’re trying to do. As a tip, if your confidence could use strengthening, consider keeping your destiny to yourself.

Wait until you become courageous to share your destiny with others. Why? Another person’s doubts could jab your confidence, causing you to stop. And this is just one experience that could hamper your efforts.

Slow success or seemingly no success is another potentially big roadblock. An example of this is when you’ve done lots of research on your destiny field. Following the research, you’ve taken courses and continue to learn. Added to that are the smart actions that you take to walk into your destiny. All this and more – and results could still fall short.

Overcoming Challenges

Back to the destiny of opening and managing a health clinic. As it regards smart preparation, you might have improved your credit. Then, you might have taken out a lease on a building, purchased medical equipment and started interviewing potential employees. Because you’re serious about stepping into your destiny, you may have purchased marketing tools to help get the word out about your new health clinic.

You’ve done so much. Yet, after your health clinic opens, you could experience financial challenges due to new regulations. That or you might find yourself faced with a staffing shortage. Or you could find yourself dealing with clients who try to pay you in “sad stories” instead of cash or insurance.

Courage of Conviction

Now is not the time to abandon your destiny. What this is a time for is courage of conviction. As a saying goes, remember why you started. Exercise your mental courage and inspire yourself to keep advancing. Ways to do this include:

  • Reading biographies and autobiographies of bold and courageous people who helped to reshape the world
  • Visiting a mentor and discussing your concerns
  • Seeking answers and insights from industry leaders
  • Asking for assistance from area influencers (these could be financiers, real estate experts, marketing specialists, etc.)
  • Building a team of like-minded people who offer each other strategy, financial, technical and organizational support

Also, see yourself as a success. Just don’t slip into magical thinking. In other words, don’t fall into the trap of thinking that things are going to improve or work out simply because you want them to. Stay flexible and adapt. Keep reminding yourself that nothing in this world goes unchanged. Just because your dream hasn’t been fully achieved yet, that doesn’t mean that you’ll never walk into your destiny.

Be Bold and Courageous

Find the courage to ask for what you want as you continue this journey. This is very important, as it’s really hard to get what you want if you don’t ask. Each day take a step forward. Call an influencer. Complete a required training. Try using new technology.

Engage in online and offline marketing. Keep growing your teams as needed. Incorporate sufficient quality rest and a healthy diet into your day. This can keep your energy up. Definitely keep taking smart risks, the types of risks that require you to be bold and courageous.

Remember that this is a long journey. It’s more a marathon than a sprint. Because your destiny may be linked to your passions, the rewards may easily be both internal and external. If you don’t quit, when you walk into your destiny, you may see how many other people were linked to your success. You just might change more people’s lives than you imagine. Keep going!

What Is It About Portia, An Inspiring, Progressive Teacher’s Daughter

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By African American Books Author Denise Turney

portia math teachers board work
Wikimedia Commons – Picture by Daniel

Portia is another example of how much a daughter needs her mother’s love, especially during life’s crossroads. Portia’s mother is a teacher, a career where leaders inspire. But she doesn’t just teach, she implements progressive ideas at home and at school, opening her family and students to greater goodness.

Portia – Memories of a Great Inspiring Teacher

When I look back over my childhood and consider adults who I admired, people who I wanted to be pleased with me, my third-grade teacher definitely comes to mind. My third-grade schoolteacher was caring, thoughtful, smart and sharp.

She really cared about the students she taught. After my mother passed, there were times when I wished that my third-grade schoolteacher was my substitute mom.

My third-grade teacher was an inspiring, progressive woman, not unlike Portia’s mother. Just being around my third-grade teacher made me believe that amazing possibilities were open for me as a woman, and this at a time when women were perceived to be weaker than men.

Portia’s Mother, Inspiring Progressive Teacher

Portia’s mother is a prominent Chicago schoolteacher. Her husband was active in the civil rights movement, working the frontlines to improve communities and the country. Her students trust her so much that they seek her out for guidance and support.

“Try harder,” Portia’s mother encourages her students, inspiring them to reach beyond the break, to do more than they believe they can do. “Deep down, you know you can do amazingly good, awesome deeds,” she’d tell her students, further inspiring them.

“If people tell you that you can’t do something, remember that they are only telling you what they think they can or can’t achieve,” she’d continue. “And I know you. Because I know you, I believe in you.” After a pause, Portia’s mother would tell her students, “I know that you can do any good thing.”

Teachers Are Inspirational Mothers

In those and other ways, she was so much like my third-grade teacher, always looking out for a child who wasn’t her own. That could be why some teachers are inspirational mothers. During the hardest experiences, times like the challenging COVID-19, teachers find a way.

It’s why, even after teaching in a classroom all day, Portia’s mother always has the energy to cover Portia and her siblings with love and care. Her work and her loving partnership with her husband allow Portia and her siblings to grow up in a courageous, happy family, a family that is an anchor in the community.

Portia grew up on Chicago’s South Side at a time when, around the United States, family was a stronger bond than a legal contract. Families looked out for each other. It’s part of the reason why Portia’s mother was such a fierce, loyal and loving mother.

Loving Roots Inspire

As a child, Portia doesn’t know how important her mother’s care will be to her future. It is her mother’s love that helps to give Portia the strength to keep going when she faces one of her life’s toughest challenges – breast cancer.

It’s this loving root that won’t let Portia’s story be depressing, even while it examines the challenges that she faces as she deals with breast cancer. Just as Portia’s mother’s students do, readers turn to the story to be inspired, encouraged and empowered. Read more about Portia in the self-titled book below.

Prepare for Victory

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By Books Author Denise Turney

Prepare for victory if you’re ready to stop caring so much about what others think about you. Prepare for victory if you’re ready for a healthy dose of self-honesty. After all, these two are linked to the one thing that you want most but are starting to think you’ll never grasp and keep.

What’s that one thing? Freedom.

If you’re like many people, you want the freedom to do what you want when you want and not just on weekends. And you want that thing to bring increasing empowerment, peace and joy to you. For me, that’s writing intense novels, the types of books that leave readers thinking, sometimes rattled and definitely, entertained, and dare I say — changed.

Runner opening arms to prepare for victory
Victory Race – Wikimedia Commons – Picture by Darren Wilkinson

Prepare for victory with clarity

However, saying what you want to become victorious at and achieving that goal don’t always link up right away. Sometimes, you gotta fight for what you want.

Which brings up the first step in victory preparation.

To prepare for victory, get clear about what you want. Once you get clear about what you want, you can write the goal down in one to two short sentences. You can stand in front of a mirror and, in less than 15 seconds, tell yourself exactly what you want.

Forbes shares that knowing what you want may be linked to happiness. Forget trying to talk yourself out of what you know you really want. For now, just get clear about what that experience is.

The next step in preparing for victory might scare you, especially if you grew up in a traditional home. And here it is. Be willing to fail. Be willing to fail often. If I told you how many times I’ve tried a book marketing strategy that fell flat, you might think that I’m nuts to still be writing novels.

Victory steps

The ups and downs, failures and successes are not all fun. It doesn’t always feel good. And you’ll certainly need to keep working to keep your confidence and enthusiasm up. But it’s worth it.

Other actions that can help you to prepare for victory are:

  • Use a new scale – Stop giving more weight to what others think or say than to what you think. The old scale that I was using while I wrote my first novel, Portia, almost stopped me from publishing the book that went on to become a classic.
  • Identify blocks – There’s a verse of scripture (Mark 11:23) that says it’s possible for you to move a mountain if you speak that the mountain move (gotta know what you really want to pull this off). You also have to believe that the experience will happen for you. But you need to identify the blocks (mountains) to know what to address. Journal writing, meditating, freestyle writing and jotting down dreams are ways to identify blocks. Another way is to pay attention to times when you feel uncomfortable for seemingly no reason (e.g., someone compliments you in a crowd, you’re given a gift).
  • Ask for what you want – Give up magical thinking. Victory may not fall in your lap just because you want it. Eventually, you may need to ask someone to help you.
  • Become your number one fan – Lack of self-love shows up in so many ways. Times when I struggled with lack of self-love, I felt uncomfortable around nearly everyone. Not loving yourself can create a viscous cycle of projection. So, love yourself. Genuinely love yourself no matter what. It’s a lesson that I share through the character Raymond in Love Pour Over Me.

Paths to victory

Paths to victory vary. But you can shorten the time that it takes to experience victory, by incorporating the following steps into your life.

  • Make room for victory by being open to change – You could do this in small ways like wearing a different pair of shoes (if you generally wear the same pair of shoes), wearing a new hairstyle, driving a different way home, speaking to a stranger in a safe environment and talking with others to avoid becoming self-absorbed.
  • Keep good company – Surround yourself with people who love you, people who are pursuing their own victories. Free yourself of people who belittle, mistreat or abuse you.
  • Celebrate each forward step – It may take months or years to get the victory that you want. Enjoy the journey and celebrate in healthy ways.
  • See things differently – Start seeing yourself achieving what you want. Start seeing yourself enjoying experiences that you want. After all, when it comes to people enjoying a love-filled, joyous life — why not you?

Prepare for victory and you could avoid nesting these top regrets or unwanted motivations once you reach the end of your physical journey. You could feel more love, peace, joy and centeredness even as you move through a chaotic world.

And that is my hope for you. After all, your joy and peace help to light the way. But first you need to prepare yourself for victory. You most certainly can do it. The victory that you’re preparing for and truly want is going to come from right inside of you. Are you ready to go get it?