There’s a book. Where I told the story of how I became an actress. And it’s one of the many stories I hope I’ll be telling for the rest of my life.

Getting published in Eat Pray Love Made Me Do It allowed me to share that story on a grand scale. As much as that means to me, I don’t think I was truly prepared for how it would affect me.

With the buzz about the book happening, I wasn’t able to write. I mean at first, I avoided it entirely. And when I forced myself to sit and write, my genius never showed up. Or I didn’t let the genius in. I kept closing each file called “memoir” or “novel” and I walked away frustrated. “It” wasn’t working. And I was suddenly afraid of telling my stories.

I think that’s partially because my life was on display and people could do whatever they wanted with my story, which is equal parts wonderful and terrifying. But I had to let go of control. What a concept.

But all was not lost. Thankfully one day my genius came in the form of a short film. Inspired by a friend’s work, I wrote furiously on my iphone at 3:00 am before “it” could escape me. And then I wrote some more on my laptop. Then I nervously shared the script with a couple of very talented people and they wanted to make it with me—like immediately. So we made a movie.

I wrote again! I directed again! “It” still works! And now it’s on to the film festivals. Just… wow.

Letting go of control.
Trusting God.
Practicing what you preach.

Got it.

After the film was made, the date for the book signing was finally set. As nervous as I was, I have to say that it was magic. While I sat there, telling my story to a group of generous souls, I looked at the eager faces of strangers, and the warm faces of people I loved and admired. I suddenly realized that most of them are also multi-hyphenates like me. Courageous people who are actively using their gifts to make this world a better place and make their dreams come true in the process.

That’s just mind-blowing to me.

Not because of their desired dream-destinations, but because they are making the most of this journey called LIFE. How brave. How real. How honored I am to have them in my life.  That’s Divine Providence. The evidence was sitting all around me. Smiling.

And so when the magnitude of this experience overwhelms me (because it still does) all I have to do is remember what I learned from all of this. God has taken the wheel and I’m in a safe space, surrounded by kindred spirits to remind me that I’m not alone on this journey. I’m right where I’m supposed to be, living the next chapter of my story.

And it’s just the beginning.

— Posted on October 24, 2016 at 7:27 am