Kim Knight's Blog, page 3

Daily Writing Prompt: How Would You Rate Your Confidence?

How would you rate your confidence level?

Before a I could answer this writing prompt I had to think a little about what confidence means to me personally, then pull out the dictionary. To me confidence is: not how cocky you are, but how much you believe in something or know something. This ‘thing’ could be a situation, person, place, or literal thing. Confidence to me is also not about ‘having faith’ in a situation, person, place or thing. This is because ‘faith’ indicates ( to me) a hope for something, where as confidence ( to me) is a knowing of something or already believing rather than hoping in something.

The English dictionary defines confidence as a noun:

‘The feeling or belief that one can have faith in or rely on someone or something.

“We had every confidence in the staff”

It also moves toward ‘faith’ which is different from my own definition. To me confidence can be a noun, or even a verb something you actively do!

So, how would I rate my own confidence?

Well, see now… that depends on what we’re talking about. To me confidence is a knowing and belief that is unshakable in something. If we are talking about how confident am I as a person– then very. This is because I know who I am, and believe in myself as a good and positive person, human, spirit, and energy. I don’t hope to be a good and positive person, I just am. I don’t hope to know who I am, I just am who I am and know me. The latter is because I have taken the time to know– me, mind you this just does not happen over night. Have you taken that time to know you?

I think for me when it comes to answering this question anything outside of confidence in me as a person, can be variable.

Confidence in:

myself- high.

My job- high.

Life- rather high. ( Because I am positive in mindset also.)

Other people- mmm, questionable! Depends who and what I need to have confidence in with another person.

For me confidence is really about how much you believe and know something to be true, or believe and know something generally speaking. This will result in the level of confidence I have in others for me.

How Can You Be More Confident?

For me this starts with the belief in something, not the hope, need, desire, or want for it. This is because all the latter outside of belief to me suggests that there is a chance that something may not, or can not be! So to be more confident for me the starting point is what you do and don’t believe, and I mean what you really believe!

Take the self, if you believe certain things ( positive) about yourself your confidence will show. Obviously the reverse of this will result in that too– lack of confidence. Another thing for me about confidence is that you have to love yourself, and I really mean this. If a person loves themselves and is fond of themselves in as many ways as possible, this actually does show in your energy. People outside who know you, or may be even don’t and have just met you will see it. This is a good thing for those who have ill intentions for you! They will know you love yourself ( with confidence), too much to put up with any rubbish. People will also understand that when it comes to you, they need to handle you a certain way, or just don’t bother at all!

When it comes to having more confidence in other people, situations, places, and things if I’m honest I feel that only other people, places, situations, and things can help keep another person’s confidence in them high and valid. By this I mean, if they are dishonest, not loyal, treat you a certain way you don’t appreciate etc., of course you can’t and won’t have confidence in them with this behaviour. Which means only the external person or thing’s actions toward you or me, and what they do or don’t do, will be what will keep yours or my own confidence in them. As individuals I don’t think we are responsible for keeping confidence in things, people, places, or situations that clearly don’t give us any reason to!

So in a nutshell, I’d rate my personal confidence as high, and I would place this down to two things I have already mentioned

I believe in myself, abilities, who I am, etc. Even if I am in a situation that is new to me I try to hold a belief that I can ‘do it’ somehow LOL.I have an unshakable love for myself, which mind you I didn’t always honour. By this I don’t mean I have never not liked myself, on the contrary. I have just not always honoured the like and love I have for me actively by making sure that I treat myself in a way that shows I love myself, and put clear boundaries in place with other situations, people, places, and things to show I love myself. Once I realised and learned this I would say this is where confidence ( in my definition of it) came about, as a person.

So… my parting message is, believe in yourself, and always, always, always like yourself at least if you don’t love yourself (yet). Work towards loving yourself and your confidence will increase, shine, and show to everyone else on the outside. Even down to how you present yourself will shift, without you even knowing it, your attitude to life will also, you naturally will see the good in things and handle the hard times better, and most importantly your attitude and tolerance to bullshit will shift too!

Go out and be confident!

Book Review: Conversations With God Book 1 ( Non-Fiction)

Well, what can I say the title of the book is not one I would naturally gravitate to, as I simply am not religious at all but highly spiritual. Judging by the title I would have assumed this was a very religious book, on the contrary I learned so much and fell right in love with it!

Conversations with God Book 1 began a series that has been changing millions of lives for more than ten years. Finally, the bestselling series is now a movie, starring Henry Czerny (The Pink Panther and Clear and Present Danger) and Ingrid Boulting (The Last Tycoon). Produced and directed by Stephen Simon (producer of Somewhere in Time and What Dreams May Come) and distributed by Samuel Goldwyn Films and Fox Home Entertainment, the theatrical release is set for October 27, 2006. The movie is the true account of Walsch (played by Cierny), who went from an unemployed homeless man to an “accidental spiritual messenger” and author of the bestselling book

My Review- 5 mind-blowing stars!

This book is totally not what I expected, I found out about it as I was listening to a YouTuber who I follow. The way she described the book and took a passage from it related to what she was talking about, made me sit up and take note. I listened to the audio-version and followed along with the paperback. The first thing to say is this is not a book on religion, God, the Bible in the context that you may may imagine it to be this book covers:

The myths of man-made beliefs about God and religion.Why it’s better to not confirm to mainstream religions.Discovering why you are here, who you are, and how the natural laws of the universe and things like Law of Attraction really work.

I must say, this book opened my eyes mainly via the way that it is written. The author penned it in what he calls a series of meditative ‘conversations with God’. He wrote ‘an angry letter’ to ‘God’ complaining about life, then started to literally hear the responses to his questions. This is commonly called ‘automatic writing’ if you have ever heard of it, you write in a meditative  state. The book follows the author as he poses some serious questions about life, the meaning of it, life after death, and the universe to the ‘God’ or voice he hears.

We as readers read the conversation as it happens, and it is is just wonderful. What I really liked about this book is that there was a male and female narrator so we are not led to believe that whatever or whoever you consider to be ‘God’ or a creator is male alone. In fact this book and the responses the author heard and recorded makes it pretty clear that there is no real ‘God’ in the way we are led to believe, just energy.

Generally speaking this is a very eye-opening book that those with an open mind, spiritually inclined, and non- religious would appreciate. If you believe in the universe and the wonders of it, believe that we are all energy and connected you may want to check out this book, and see exactly what answers the author got, during his conversations with ‘God’ and I use the term ‘God’ very loosely, you can also say conversations with an energy in the universe.

There are four books in the series and I went straight on to book two. This first book focuses mainly on self-realisation, understanding the myths around the universe, ‘God’ in the sense of a man in the sky who is a jealous and vengeful God, who punishes is really not what we should be buying into, and this may offend those who are deeply religious. If that’s you stay away from this book. It’s such a refreshing, uplifting, and spiritual non-faith based  read for the those with a curious mind, it could even be life changing if it lands in the right hands. I recommend it.

Daily Writing Prompt: What Would I Do More Of, Daily?

What do you wish you could do more every day?

Great question, in all honesty it’s not actually writing LOL. I’m not sure if I should really admit to that. That said, I must be real and as I considered this question at this moment in time, I sincerely wish I could do more yoga every day.

In particular this yoga asana here called Pincha Mayurasana   it has been a dream for many years! I attended my first yoga class in the depths of south London, when I was around nineteen or twenty years old. I was a member of a gym called Fitness First I don’t even know if they are still around, but anyway I first discovered the yoga mat here. My first class was a Hatha style yoga class which I enjoyed, as this style of yoga is focused on breath work and holding the asanas.

How Did My Love Develop?

Well, I think it was more the teacher that really sparked my love for yoga. After I attended the first Hatha style class and  experienced for the first time the feeling I had physically, mentally, and emotionally after I went on to do more of his classes. My teacher was a mature man, probably in his fifties at the time ( this was about twenty years ago), very flexible, dynamic, gave great instruction, played attention to all his students, and had a ‘vibe’ to him which was a bit hippy like and I liked it. He really held my attention and made me want to do the best I could, I found him encouraging, his name was Frank, and yep you guessed it his classes were always PACKED. You had to get there early to get a good spot in Frank’s classes.

He taught Vinyasa and Ashtanga style classes which are much, much more dynamic and focused not so much on holding the poses, but the flow from one asana pose to another using the breath. This I love, love, love, oh my gosh I love it!! I fell in love with both these styles of yoga. I  bought a yoga mat from Frank, and completely abandoned the gym LOL. I remember paying an expensive gym membership and only going to yoga class and the sauna, and occasionally running on the treadmill. But Frank’s classes were well worth the gym membership fee to me.

I moved from the area and stopped my classes, in fact I didn’t practice for many, many years, after going at least twice a week for a good year. I did notice the changes in my body during that year and after, but I could not do the Pincha Mayurasana pose yet!

From Yoga Student To Yoga Teacher and Fanatic!

So fast forward may be ohhh I’d say about six years of being out of practice since I first started at around nineteen/twenty years old, and then trying to restart it again at home, and spotting an offer on a yoga teacher’s course. This is what happened, if you remember the website Wowcher I don’t even know if they are still around, I bought an online course from their deals to work towards gaining a qualification to teach yoga. Even though I was out of practice and very inflexible and unfit. I wanted to study the art of it more for me, I had no intention of ever teaching. I sadly  I didn’t complete the course on my first attempt, life happened, I was taken in different directions, I was with a terrible ex-partner at the time, and my lack of energy meant that this goal was left behind.

That said, once I got my shit together, left the most horrid relationship I have ever had, and moved on in life I slowly went back to it. I would try to make the effort but this was mainly  with online  videos and not via formal classes. 

At the start of the pandemic a wonderful blessing happened, since my first attempt at yoga teacher training in my mid-twenties the process had changed. It meant that you had to go away to a retreat and do it in person, a 200 or 300 hour course in a remote place ( normally somewhere very exotic mind you), and it cost an arm and a leg! It excluded many yoga lovers, aspiring teachers, and people like me who just want to study it, qualify, and not necessarily teach! This was due to the cost of it, and having to upsticks for a week or more to go there.

When the pandemic hit in 2020 everything moved online. Somehow I ended up with a promotional email announcing that you could now do your teacher training and study online! No in person trips to India, Barley, or an exotic location. I jumped at it, bought the course and it was only a few hundred dollars. Normally it would be a few thousand dollars.  The cost reduction was due to the pandemic I would imagine. I did my 200 hour training course via a company called Yoga Renew, it was fantastic, the online videos, course materials, Zoom calls, free resources, everything about it was just amazing. Then I managed to get the same offer for the 300 hour course so you can qualify as an advanced yoga teacher, so of course I took it and paid it when it was on offer.

Now, I still can’t get into Pincha Mayurasana pose and I am still no where near as flexible and fit as I would want to be, but for me the rational for undertaking yoga teacher training has never really been to teach. It has and still is all about me! My love for the practice, how it makes me feel once I am done, and during the sessions is something I really can’t put into words, it’s a whole vibe!

So anyway, as of this moment I am working on my 300 hour course which is focused more on the ‘yogi lifestyle,’ philosophy, history, and spiritual side of the practice. Normally, when one thinks of yoga we think of the poses (asanas) and the visual form of yoga. Seeing a person bend themselves like a pretzel into a cool shape really is cool! Even for me after a twenty-one year love affair with yoga, but  this is just one side of yoga and the very ‘western’  or Instagram approach to yoga.  The 300 hour course teaches you this principle.  My reason for undertaking the 300 hour was to make yoga a life-long learning process and habit… as I practice moving into Pincha Mayurasana pose also! And to understand the roots of the practice, the theology of it and where it comes from. We also study anatomy in more detail and eating habits. All this is something that does interest me a lot.

How Much Yoga Would I Do A Day?

I’ll keep it real with you, I find it so hard in the winter months to make time for my practice, and this is because I like to do it in the morning as soon as I wake up. I find it hard ( when it is cold) to really want to get on my mat and stretch. I aim for at least twenty mins each morning, even if all I do is stretch. This has not always been consistent and comes in dribs and drabs sometimes LOL. But I do make an effort. Because as I write this I am aiming to finish my 300 hour yoga teacher’s advanced course in 2023, I am being more strict about doing some yoga daily or minimum three times a week. If I had more time I would do at least one- two hours each day, every day, I would love to also do it outside near water somewhere. I would also like to explore the different types of yoga too. 

If I had more time, I would love to go to a class… actually I probably could if I am honest, I just need to find one local to me that I like. Now that’s an idea as I write this. I think if I had a community of other yoga lovers I belonged to, I would be much more likely to keep it up, and that is saying something to me personally as I write this! I do follow may popular yoga teacher’s on YouTube and often do the lessons that the post though.

My Favourite Asanas ( Poses)

Pincha Mayurasana obviously! I think that it’s the look of it I like. The perfect social media ‘good morning’ post.Pigeon Pose I really enjoy.Sun Salutations I adoreMoon Salutations I love.Low and High Lung.Runner’s Pose.King Dancer’s pose- I adore.Downward Facing Dog- I really love.

This list is pretty endless, it’s hard to pin point just one. I would say  for sure there is not a yoga asana that I don’t like, or avoid. I give them all a try even if I can’t do it perfectly.

I really do love this form of exercise, I think it really is one that connects and addresses balance and good feelings in the mind, body, and soul. This also spills over into your daily life, which is what I like about it too. If you really apply yourself to the concept of yoga and detach during your practice, you will be taken to a place you’ve never experienced and always want to go back to.

What about you, what would you do more of? Do you do yoga?

Romantic Suspense Giveaway: Award Winning Author Kay. C Beerman

 

Twilight Starlight World Alight

The Bay Area Blues Book 5

by Kay C. Beerman

Genre: Romantic Suspense

 

2022 Independent Press Award Winner, 2021 NYC Big Book Award Winner –

 

Abby Stevens, a vibrant tech worker, resides comfortably in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her cool life is suddenly toppled over when someone starts threatening her for unknown reasons. Instead of brooding, kick-ass Abby decides to find the truth that lies beneath. Dazzling FBI division assistant director David Harp, also a cyber expert, has the mother of all loads of trouble on his hands, including his girlfriend Abby who abruptly declares she’s leaving him, and he doesn’t understand why. Meanwhile, the IRS Criminal Investigation Division sends a top agent to investigate a suspected money laundering case in Silicon Valley, CA, after one undercover operative goes missing. At the same time, the NSA and FBI have intercepted a suspicious electronic message that could be a communication between an infamous dark website and terrorist-wannabes. As the FBI tackles the situation, a mysterious explosion sends the IRS investigation spinning in another direction, colliding with the FBI’s case. It quickly ups the ante when Abby faces unforeseen jeopardy. David has to decode the encrypted message ASAP to foil mass destruction and save her in time. Can he also win back her love? 

 

**Also available in Audiobook!**

Audible * Amazon * Apple * B&N * Google * Kobo * Goodreads

   

Kay C. Beerman is an award-winning author of Romantic Mystery/Suspense.

She has worked in Medicine and Foreign Affairs. Her stories are mostly about detectives, agents and medical examiners based upon her education and experiences.

The series The Bay Area Blues is about people dedicated to protect and to serve in the San Francisco Bay Area.

When she has extra time, she often likes to read and watch anything relevant to nature, planets, stars, galaxies and the universe. However, right now, she is extremely interested in finding beautiful photos of the San Francisco Bay Area.

 

 

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Amazon * Goodreads

 

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

$20 Amazon

 a Rafflecopter giveaway 

…

She looked down at the letter in her hand. It was a plain white envelope with a pretty hibiscus stamp, and it clearly read, Attn: Abby Stevens above Google’s address in type. The postmark on the front was faded and unreadable, with no sender’s name or address. She held it up, trying to look through the inside under the light. She couldn’t see anything. It must be a security envelope.

She scoured through her desk drawer to find her paper knife. She hadn’t used it in years. “Aha.”

“Let’s see…” She incised the envelope carefully, trying not to cut too deep, or she might cut the letter inside.

It was like opening a treasure trove unearthed from an archeological site.

She pulled a piece of fancy letter paper out of the envelope and unfolded it.

Her eyes glued to the letter, she froze.

Dearest Abb,

How have you been? Hope this letter finds you well.

I miss you. Maybe we can get together sometime.

Do you know a secret behind the memories?

R.S.

“Who the hell wrote such a letter?” she mumbled, but she could guess who might’ve done it.

R.S. must be Ryan Stewart, her ex-fiancé. His signature had always been just initials.

Or someone who knew her past could’ve played a prank on her. But who? And why?

First of all, no one around her now had any knowledge of him except for her family and close friends. However, since it was the social media era, nobody had any actual privacy.

I miss you. Ooh, that was creepy. Maybe we can get together sometime. Nope, not gonna happen.

Then the last line in the letter. Do you know a secret behind the memories?

What the hell did it mean by a secret behind the memories? What secret? What memories? The memory of their disastrous relationship? The memory that she’d wanted to rub out? Was it a stupid example of failed rhetoric? Yup, he hadn’t even been able to write a small grocery list correctly.

Last time she’d checked on Facebook three years ago, he’d lived in Oregon. But who knew where he lived now? It could be on Mars.

She wished Mia wasn’t on vacation enjoying time in her sweet hometown, San Diego, surfing like hell. If she was here, Abby could’ve complained and ranted at her about the douchebag who’d had the nerve to send her this spooky letter.

She decided to ignore it and take it home, not discarding it at work. Even shredding it in the office seemed too embarrassing.

It was weird how sometimes, out of the blue, old wounds throbbed.

…

Daily Writing Prompt: What’s Your Favourite Type of Weather?

What is your favorite type of weather?

This was such an easy but also difficult writing prompt to respond to today. You’re probably thinking, how is that even possible, how can something be hard and easy at the same time? Well, lemme explain!

In a nutshell, summer is may favourite type of weather, as when I think of summer I think of the water and the beach. Two of my favourite things in the world! I am very much a beach person, and love the water. Even if I don’t get to go to the beach I just love the ‘summer vibe’ sundresses, shades, ice cream, BBQs,  music festivals and events, get togethers with friends and family, fun times with my partner, and being out and about doing interesting things. The latter is always nicer in good weather. I’m also naturally warm blooded, I hate being cold in anyway, shape, or form! I guess this is why I would say this is my favourite season.

That said… I do like the spring time the season we’re entering into now in Europe, but for a totally different reason.

 

As I write this, we are about to have the solstice and the season changes from winter to spring, as I turn to my right it is pouring with rain outside LOL. However, spring-time is another season I always love because it’s the perfect weather for walking in, better than summer I find. This is because it is not as hot and humid. While summer is good for ‘chillin’, drinks, BBQs, and lazing by the water on the beach. I personally tend to walk by the water ( normally the lakes where I live) in the spring.  Walking and nature are two other things I really like.

Over the last five almost six years of living near water, I have naturally developed this habit in the spring time. Just like this picture above, there are trees surrounding my local lakes ( obviously LOL) and I really enjoy the scenery and walking in the warm but not boiling weather. Spring sunshine really makes me smile, when it is warm enough for a light jacket, you may even need a scarf if it is still chilly, but you can rock your shades and walk along and enjoy the view also. 

I also really enjoy spring as I tend to look at this time of year as the time I become really productive with writing and project wise. I tend to find that over the years I spend the autumn and winter ‘plotting and planning’, my next move in life or with creativity, have a little slow down in productivity, and then poof! The solstice on the 20/21st of March arrives and I’m full of beans! I come alive, literally with creativity, and my desire to enjoy life personally and generally it’s a good season for me. Providing that in my personal life, I’m not too stressed.

Generally speaking I think spring and summer suit my personality, and the things I love to enjoy in life. Autumn gives me a wonderful time to plant seeds, ‘plot and plan’ and make decisions. Winter gives me rest and wind-down vibes. I am not a fan of the weather though in winter! Autumn?… mmm depends on how bad the weather is. If it’s a harsh autumn and feels more winter-like, it’s my least favourite season with winter… sorry, not sorry to the autumn season lovers!

 

What about you? What do you enjoy and why?

 

Notes on Mother’s Day: What is Motherhood really about? #mothersday

You know it wasn’t until I sat down on my balcony to look out at the garden with a coffee, that I started to seriously look at motherhood in a different light. In particular my own path and journey to motherhood, with it being Mother’s Day (United Kingdom) today I’d like to extend a congratulations and high-five to all the mothers—worldwide, not just in the United Kingdom, for making it through another year.

If I were to include my nine month pregnancy, this would be my tenth year of motherhood. Personally, I do believe that once a woman conceives, she’s a mother even if the child is still in her womb baking LOL. Once I reflected on my own ten year journey I realised something, motherhood is a role, motherhood is a duty, and motherhood is a job yes all this is true. That said, as women and mothers I felt that it’s really important not to forget yourself outside of this role, duty, and job that you have. This led me to question what motherhood is really about? And if it’s just about that care and nurture that we provide. I don’t think so, not anymore. I’m rather surprised that it has taken me up until my tenth year of celebrating Mother’s Day and motherhood to conclude this.

 Once my thoughts started to go down this path, I started to ponder if motherhood really is just being a mother? And while you may assume that I started to include things like the skills we gain, the patience we learn, and the soft skills that come along with motherhood, as being ‘things outside of this’  that motherhood is about. Well, I never once included any of this.

I personally came to the conclusion that: when it comes to what motherhood is really about, it is not just the role, duty, job, and soft skills set we acquire. Motherhood is about you, me, her, she the person mums are outside of motherhood, that also makes motherhood ‘motherhood.’ Talking directly to any mother who may read this today ( and the partner of any mother too there’s somethings you can take from this), today is a day to celebrate the journey and what we have done, and all we are yet to do as mothers—yes. However, it’s also a day to celebrate:

Who we actually are—outside of motherhood. How we see ourselves—outside of motherhood. What we want for ourselves—outside of motherhood

I don’t want my writing to turn into an ‘anti Mother’s Day’ post, while most people are probably writing about the bliss of it, and how to celebrate it but…based on my thought process this morning on the above points,  it led me to four key writing prompts or areas to consider and think about, if you’re not much of a journal writer. I’d like to encourage as many women who are mothers, or are about to become mothers and ‘with child’ ( I always find that expression makes me smile  and chuckle a  bit, whenever I hear it or read it in very early era books or television programs, but by this I mean pregnant! You get what I mean), I’d like us to think about:

How Do You See Yourself Outside of Being a Mother?

Seriously,  who are you? What and who do you actually envision you’d like to become, be, or currently are if you are sure about this? As I pondered this question this morning it came to me that, motherhood really should not be what defines a woman. Yes, it’s something to be proud of hugely proud of, I am over the moon to be a mother and love the role. Which, when I think about it is really cool considering I was never the kind of woman to yearn for children from a young age, but I always got a long with children and liked them, I just never focused on the motherhood path for me personally.

Getting back to the question, who are you though? How do you see yourself? This can be interpreted by using time frames, adjectives, other roles you do, your goals etc. For me I wrote down all the things I see myself as. I don’t mean things like ‘kind’, ‘considerate,’ and personality characteristics, I mean actual tangible things like ‘writer’, ‘creative’, ‘advocate’ etc. Try this, take a moment to consider who it is you are or want to be outside of your role as a mother. Don’t focus on your character, everyone who knows you already knows your character rocks! Who are you outside of your character?

 

What Do You Enjoy Outside of Motherhood?

Again, seriously think about this. Motherhood takes up a hella-lot-of time, especially if your child is I would say under five, or has any kind of special learning, physical, or health need. Outside of this if your child does not have this, or is over five, it’s still a very time consuming role in other ways. Depending on your support system with your role as a mother, you might  be a woman that finds yourself with very limited time for much else but… motherhood.

Even if you fall into this category now, or have done, we all do at some point. Children don’t pop out of the womb aged over five! If only. Still regardless, ask yourself, ‘what do you enjoy outside of being a mum?’ Don’t let these things be focused on other people, or even linked to other people. Like being a girlfriend, wife, partner, aunty etc. In fact, don’t even let these things have anything to do with any form of care or responsibility for anyone or anything else! Or anything that is romantically linked to another person. Focus on you and what you genuinely enjoy.  Yes, I am encouraging you to be selfish right now.

For me of course writing was on the list, it’s my job. I also had things like drawing, painting, music, spirituality books, music, yoga etc. Actual things I can participate in, learn about, or do for myself, by myself for my own pleasure. Do the same, make a list for yourself, you’ll see why this is important next.

Outside of Motherhood, In This Present Moment in Time What Do You Wish To Pursue?

Referring back to the list you just made, on what you actually enjoy outside of being a mother  take a look and see if there’s anything there you’d like to start, restart, follow up with, or pursue. So, if you had things that you enjoy but have never really ‘had time for’, this Mother’s Day find a few moments to sit and think about how you can change this. What is it on your list you’d like to achieve, do, or work towards, complete etc? Prioritise them in order.

How, Outside of Motherhood Will You Pursue Who You Are?

If you have seriously considered the last three questions, what you have just done is defined who and what you are outside of motherhood, and what you like to do as a person—not mother, and what you’d like to move forward with. Now, it’s time to think about how you will pursue who you are, and what you want outside of your wonderful, even if a little stressful and time consuming role as a mother. It could be such simple things like how you would carve out a tiny, tiny, small amount of time to do what you enjoy outside of motherhood. Or research into how you can achieve something you have had in mind, outside of motherhood. This last step here is about remembering, ‘who the fuck you are!’ Outside of just ‘Mum.’

The people who call you ‘Mum’ are very important, they are beautiful individuals who need you, your support, guidance, love and attention yes. But, Mum also needs to remember who she was before giving birth, or wanted to be, or is currently and doesn’t have time for, alongside the path of motherhood.

So, while you’re celebrating Mother’s Day if you’re in the United Kingdom, or even if you pick up this random writing at any other point, please from one mother to another, if you take nothing away from my dribble and random thinking out loud, just remember who you are and what it is you want out of life. Your child(ren) are/is a blessing yes, but you are also put here to become the best version of you and who you want to be,  have some well-deserved fun, goals, dreams, aspirations, and achievements under your belt that are not linked to your little darlings. Having a child or children can sometimes help put you on that path, it did for me, but I have learned over the last ten years of motherhood that if I was not careful, this shit would take over who I am and I would lose me, even if the process of motherhood in some areas of my life really did show me who I was. Remember who you are, and what you enjoy, and go out and enjoy it. What are some of the things you wish to pursue? Who are you, and how do you see yourself after reading this? Let me know in your comments.

Happy Mother’s Day!

xoxo

‘Irresistible Husband’ New Release + Giveaway, by Sharon. C. Cooper

 

Kiss Me

Irresistible Husband Series

by Sharon C. Cooper

Genre: Contemporary Romance

 

  He’s in love with his best friend, but she doesn’t believe in happily ever afters…

Chief financial officer Chase Kennedy has always lived life on the edge until he almost died a year ago in a car crash. He now realizes life is too fragile to keep taking it for granted. That’s why he proposed marriage to his best friend, Wynter Garrett. He’s in love with her, but she refuses to see him as more than a friend.

Wynter owns a multimillion-dollar business, and the last thing she has time for is a love life. Besides, she doesn’t believe in happily-ever-after. But when Chase tells her that he wants to be more than friends, she’s annoyed. Of course, she loves him—but why tamper with their friendship when it’s already perfect?

But after one smoking-hot kiss, Wynter rethinks her stance on their relationship. Maybe friends do make the best lovers…and husbands.

 

**NEW RELEASE on March 17!!**

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Show Me

Irresistible Husband Series

by Sharon C. Cooper

Genre: Contemporary Romance

 

Just when he thought finding a wife was out of his reach…

Colton “Cole” Eubanks is laser-focused on building wealth and settling down with a special woman before he turns forty. Accomplishing one out of two isn’t bad. Unfortunately, there’s no ‘love of his life’ on the horizon, unless he counts the one woman who’s been starring in his nightly dreams—Malaya Radcliff.

After being dependent on other people for years, Malaya has finally learned to stand on her own. There’s only one thing she hasn’t been able to accomplish—gain full custody of her daughter. Her ex-husband never fights fair. His wealth always wins. This time Malaya’s determined to come out on top.

So when Cole, the man she’s been secretly in lust with for over a year, makes her an offer she’d be crazy to refuse, Malaya wants to say yes. But that means sacrificing her newfound independence. Yet, his enticing proposal has her thinking—why not?

**LIMITED TIME** On Sale for Only $1.99 ends 3/17!

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Do Me by Sheryl Lister

She just might be his perfect match…if she’d only let him into her heart.

**LIMITED TIME** On Sale for Only $1.99 ends 3/17!

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Love Me by Delaney Diamond

Axel Becker believes Naphressa is the woman he needs, but convincing her they belong together will be a lot harder than he expected.

**LIMITED TIME** On Sale for Only $1.99 ends 3/17!

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Choose Me by Sheryl Lister

He’s making his case for love…one kiss at a time.

Available March 17, 2023

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Marry Me by Delaney Diamond

Reginald Knight takes his time in relationships, but he must make a leap of faith with Lorna, or risk another man taking his place.

Available March 17, 2023

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USA Today bestselling author Sharon C. Cooper loves anything involving romance with a happily-ever-after, whether in books, movies, or real life. She writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense, as well as romantic comedy and enjoys rainy days, carpet picnics, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Sharon’s stories have won numerous awards over the years. Most recently, she’s won a Reading Warriors Choice Award – The Beverly Jenkins Author of the Year (2021) and The Rochelle Alers Best Series award for her Atlanta’s Finest (Romantic Suspense) series (2021 & 2022). When Sharon isn’t writing, she’s hanging out with her amazing husband, doing volunteer work, or reading a good book (a romance of course). To read more about Sharon and her novels, visit www.sharoncooper.net

 

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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

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‘Reinventing Rita’ Giveaway! By Nancy Christie ( Women’s Fiction)

Reinventing Rita

A Midlife Moxie Novel #1

by Nancy Christie

Genre: Women’s Fiction

Is fifty too old to start over and reinvent yourself?

Rita Reynolds is an empty nester with a second shot at life. Her college-age son is spending the summer with his new girlfriend instead of at home with Rita as she had hoped. Her part-time job might be ending, which will toss her back into the job market. Underscoring it all is the realization that since her divorce, she’s been coasting on the highway of life. Now, the bumps in the road are too big to ignore.

A chance to teach a six-week baking class brings Rita’s almost-forgotten dream of becoming a professional baker back to the surface. Can she overcome her fear that it might be too late for a fresh start? With the help of two friends—Donna, her employer, and Karen, her ex-husband’s second wife—she’s about to find out.

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Nancy Christie has been making up stories since she learned how to write, and she plans to continue as long as her fingers can work the keyboard. She can often be found walking the streets of her neighborhood, reciting lines of dialogue or recording plot ideas on her cell phone before they escape her mind.

Reinventing Rita (the first in her Midlife Moxie novel series) is Nancy’s sixth book. Her other books include The Gifts of Change, Rut-Busting Book for Writers, Rut-Busting Book for Authors, Traveling Left of Center and Other Stories and Peripheral Visions and Other Stories. Mistletoe Magic, her third fiction collection, will be released late 2023. Her books and short stories have won awards and earned contest placements.

Nancy is the creator and host of the Living the Writing Life podcast and founder of the annual “Celebrate Short Fiction” Day. She’s a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors, Women’s Fiction Writers Association, and the Florida Writers Association. You can follow her on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Goodreads. For more about Nancy, visit her website at www.nancychristie.com.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

$10 Amazon

a Rafflecopter giveaway

‘Reinventing Rita’ Giveaway! By Nancy Christie ( Women’s Fiction)

Reinventing Rita

A Midlife Moxie Novel #1

by Nancy Christie

Genre: Women’s Fiction

Is fifty too old to start over and reinvent yourself?

Rita Reynolds is an empty nester with a second shot at life. Her college-age son is spending the summer with his new girlfriend instead of at home with Rita as she had hoped. Her part-time job might be ending, which will toss her back into the job market. Underscoring it all is the realization that since her divorce, she’s been coasting on the highway of life. Now, the bumps in the road are too big to ignore.

A chance to teach a six-week baking class brings Rita’s almost-forgotten dream of becoming a professional baker back to the surface. Can she overcome her fear that it might be too late for a fresh start? With the help of two friends—Donna, her employer, and Karen, her ex-husband’s second wife—she’s about to find out.

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo * Bookbub * Goodreads

Nancy Christie has been making up stories since she learned how to write, and she plans to continue as long as her fingers can work the keyboard. She can often be found walking the streets of her neighborhood, reciting lines of dialogue or recording plot ideas on her cell phone before they escape her mind.

Reinventing Rita (the first in her Midlife Moxie novel series) is Nancy’s sixth book. Her other books include The Gifts of Change, Rut-Busting Book for Writers, Rut-Busting Book for Authors, Traveling Left of Center and Other Stories and Peripheral Visions and Other Stories. Mistletoe Magic, her third fiction collection, will be released late 2023. Her books and short stories have won awards and earned contest placements.

Nancy is the creator and host of the Living the Writing Life podcast and founder of the annual “Celebrate Short Fiction” Day. She’s a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors, Women’s Fiction Writers Association, and the Florida Writers Association. You can follow her on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Goodreads. For more about Nancy, visit her website at www.nancychristie.com.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

$10 Amazon

a Rafflecopter giveaway

New Pre-Order: ‘Far Out’ (Thriller) by Khaled Talib

**Check out the cover for the upcoming release Far Out!**

Far Out

by Khaled Talib

Genre: Thriller

Screenwriter Blake Deco’ s life is upended when his Hollywood movie-star wife, Goldie Saint Helen, comes out of a coma after a car accident with a makeshift identity. Her lawyers see her condition as an opportunity to swindle her.

“The action is addictive.” – Josie Brown, author of the Housewife Assassin’s Handbook series.

“The twists and turns are shocking and fun and endlessly surprising.” – Haris Orkin, award-winning author of The James Flynn Escapade series.

“In FAR OUT, Khaled Talib weaves together a unique premise, a likable heroine with a 60’s vibe, and a twisty, satisfying narrative to give the reader a fun ride.”

— Dennis Palumbo, author of the Daniel Rinaldi mysteries.

**Preorder Now – Releases Jan 2, 2024!**

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Khaled Talib is a former journalist with local and international exposure. His articles have been published and syndicated to newspapers worldwide, and his short stories have appeared in literary journals and magazines. Khaled is a member of the International Thriller Writers. He resides in Singapore.

He has authored four thrillers since 2014. His next novel, Far Out, will be released in 2024 by Running Wild Press in California.

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