I have to begin this with one of my favorite quotes by Marianne Williamson in “A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of ‘A Course in Miracles.’”

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine ….  And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

I was reading a book the other day, and this quote was in the chapter about acknowledging one’s gifts. It was the strong spiritual nudge I needed.

Because there’s no other way to put it: I’ve been playing small and sitting on my creativity rather than sharing and celebrating it. I’ve been listening to that well-meaning but scared little voice (“Stay safe. Don’t put yourself out there. You might get hurt. What will people think?”).

Williamson’s quote always makes my eyes prickle with tears, and makes me want to cape up and stand in my power. So, in that spirit, I’d like to introduce my first book, “The Journey to CALM: A Perfectionist’s Guide to Letting Up, Slowing Down and Finding Peace.”

It’s a little book of lessons I’ve learned throughout life and some tools I use to move through challenges and cultivate peace. I would love to hear what you think.