I’m on the verge of completing my book, and the emotions are overwhelming, to say the least. It’s been quite a journey. I wrote the first chapter way back in December 2020 – which seems like a lifetime ago now.
Normally, I wouldn’t label myself a procrastinator. I’m more of a jump-in-and-get-things-done kinda gal. But this book, it’s been an entirely different experience. Writing it has felt like a form of therapy. I’ve dove into some deeply personal stories, some of which I hadn’t revisited in years. To be honest, there were moments when I didn’t want to relive those memories, so I kept putting the book on the back burner in terms of priorities to protect myself from the pain that was still taking up space deep down in my mind.
Now, as I approach the finish line, I realize that this process has taught me more than I could have imagined. It’s not just about writing a book; it’s really been a transformative journey of self-discovery. I’m talking about the good, the bad, and even the ugly parts of myself and how I show up in life.
I’ve realized that becoming extraordinary isn’t about being perfect or having it all together. It’s about embracing our imperfections, acknowledging our scars, and still choosing to rise above. It’s about recognizing that our past doesn’t define us, but it can shape us into something stronger and more resilient.
This hasn’t been easy. I’ve become extremely vulnerable in the process. I’ve tapped into my fears, insecurities, and the all-to-frequent moments of self-doubt that have blinded me from seeing how much I have truly overcome – and how much I have to be grateful for.
The realization that our greatest strengths often emerge from our deepest struggles has been truly eye-opening. I mean, I guess I always knew that, but I never aligned that thinking with my own life and journey.
Honestly, even if no one reads my book, it was worth it. I’d actually recommend everyone write their own personal memoir. Even if you didn’t publish it and share it with the world, it’s a documentation of your life’s journey and lessons – a gift that no picture could ever convey in such depth.
On another note…
Last weekend, the hubby and I decided to shake things up a bit and took a refreshing long weekend getaway to Mexico. The main idea was to give me a change of scenery to reignite my creativity in writing my book. You know how sometimes stepping out of your usual space can work wonders when you hit a creative block. So, there we were, enjoying the beach vibe, and I found myself discussing the book’s design with him. I had this idea of keeping it simple, with a hand-drawn butterfly as a central element, symbolizing a particular story I share in the book.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. After talking about this, we headed down for a walk on the beach. And would you believe it, a butterfly just fluttered right past us! It was like God was listening in on our conversation. My husband saw it and turned to me and said, “Well, I guess you got your answer.”
Isn’t it amazing how sometimes the universe (aka God) conspires to give us little signs of clarity like that? It was more than just a coincidence; it felt like a gentle nod of approval for my idea, a reminder that inspiration can come from the most unexpected places and moments. This experience was a lesson in staying open to the signs around us, embracing the unexpected, and finding meaning in the little things. It was a small, yet affirming moment, reassuring me that sometimes, the best ideas are indeed validated by the simplest of signs from the world around us.
So, today, I brought that vision to life and designed my book cover – and I love it! You can check it out here and let me know your thoughts: https://mistykortes.com/becoming-extraordinary/
Stay tuned for more updates and insights as I get closer to sharing “Becoming Extraordinary” with the world. I can’t wait!
