Lessons!
Lessons!
Yesterday, I had my very first solo event as an author: my book signing and release party. It came after a month of planning and preparations, and it arrived pretty fast. I guess time does fly by when you are not looking. I’ve never done a solo event before, so as expected, I was pretty nervous. The doubts that many of us indies have started to creep into my head. What if no one came? Am I wasting my time? What the hell am I doing?
Luckily, I had a great support system in both my husband and the manager of the establishment. They tried to ease my nerves and doubts as best they could. I am a nervous Nancy by nature, but their encouragement helped a great deal. And, before I knew it, people started arriving. I was both happy and relieved, and soon the nerves were gone.
Next thing I realized, laughter, food, and drinks were in full effect. My core support was there, along with a couple of pleasant surprises. All in all, it was a great turnout and fantastic kick-off to my dream. I even summoned the courage to make a quick speech. It was a not so perfect but beautiful day.
After it was over and we made it back home, something occurred to me. If it weren’t for my core group, things would have turned out differently. I couldn’t help but be a bit disappointed that more people didn’t come out. Lots of folks said that they would attend. But in the end, that never manifested. I would be lying if I said it didn’t bother me because it did. Both my husband and I promoted it at every chance we got, both in person and on social media.
Then, a caring voice said something that really hit me. Sometimes, people are so caught up in their own lives that they don’t take time out for others. It is not a reflection on you. And, the ones that came out and supported were the ones who were meant to. It happens so much more in the world today than we realize. It’s just the state of the world today.
So, what is my lesson? That some things happen just the way that they are supposed to. There will be disappointments and left downs in life, but it is how you maneuver them and what you get out of them. I know who supports me and I know who is in my corner. And, at the end of the day, this road is my dream. I will do all that I can to make this happen, and I will have the encouragement from those around me to help me achieve it.
So, in a nutshell. Do what makes you happy and let the rest fall where they may. Not everyone will be there for you, but embrace the ones who are with loving arms. Live life and be present. That is my lesson to give.
Lorine
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