I have heard that some compare writing a book to giving birth. I imagine this is from a man who has never pushed out a baby. In my experience birthing a book is much harder than giving birth to a child. Now I can say this since I just delivered the former and the latter I delivered twice, twenty-two and nineteen years ago. The former was more challenging because it involved a longer period of time, other people and no drugs. Both had been planned, becoming an author and becoming a mother. It’s funny becoming a mother comes with no formal instruction manual and there are numerous resources for writing a book and having it published.
Like with most endeavors one must trust the process, have faith it will all work out and surround yourself with good friends and a quality support network. And in the end, listen to your gut.
Maybe you aren’t going to birth a baby or a book, but here are some tips for birthing the next thing that wants to see the light of day through you.
Trust the process:
- When the hiccups come, find your ground, ask for help.
- Be open to learn.
- Be flexible.
Have Faith:
- I’m not talking about religion.
- I’m referring to you, your ability, your dream.
- Know that you can change who you listen to for answers, choose those that make sense not just in your head but in your body, mind and spirit.
Surround yourself with good quality folk:
- Not every friend has good writing advice.
- Not every qualified writing expert is your expert.
- Learn to toss aside the bits and pieces that aren’t working for you.
Listen to your gut:
- Everyone has intuition, discover how to tune in to yours.
- Don’t second guess yourself.
- Give yourself the grace to slow down—if you are pushing too hard and forcing things to happen, see if there is another way that works better for you.
Mama Needs a Refill: Finding Light in the Midst of Madness is now out in the world. It started with a voice in my head, an idea in my heart, and before it could be birthed into reality it was first a blog, a coaching and retreat business and now it is a book on my shelf, coffee table and in the hands of others. It turned out different than I could ever imagine. It took a lot longer than I thought. With a lot of trusting to stay at it, faith in seeing it to completion, listening to my community of support and honoring my sixth sense, I can say it doesn’t matter which is harder–laboring a book or a baby. Both are worth it. Both take patience, persistence, prayer, and are a practice of personal conviction.
No matter what you are contemplating giving birth to in this season of your life, have compassion for the journey and believe in the possibilities.
Cheers, Jenny
