Day of Hope #116

Saturday August 13 – Day of Hope #116

Goal: Turn my dream into a plan

Quote: “A goal without a plan is just a wish.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Today's Day of Hope felt like a turning point.

I woke up slowly, grateful to simply be moving again. It had only been a week since my hip replacement surgery, and this morning I ventured out for a walk. I only made it one mile, but that one mile felt like a marathon. Just one week earlier I was recovering from surgery. Today I was walking.

I'll gladly celebrate that victory.

The rest of my Day of Hope was spent exactly where I wanted to be continuing Gabrielle Bernstein's Bestseller Masterclass.

All I can say is...Wow. This course was worth every penny. Over the past several weeks, I've learned so much about writing, publishing, marketing, and what it really takes to bring a book into the world. More importantly, something shifted inside me.

For the first time, I wasn't overwhelmed anymore. I had a plan. Before taking the course, publishing felt like this enormous mountain standing in front of me. There were so many moving pieces that I didn't even know where to begin.

Now I do. I know I want to self-publish. I want to create a short eBook that introduces readers to the message before they dive into the full book. I can clearly envision speaking to groups, sharing my story, and creating presentations that teach others how one intentional day each month can truly change a life.

The path ahead suddenly feels possible. There is still so much work to do. I need to finish editing the manuscript. Hire an editor, which thankfully I now have. Complete my book proposal. Build my website. Add payment options. Gather photos from every Day of Hope. Create blog posts. Record YouTube videos. Launch social media for both the business and the book. It's a long list.

But instead of feeling intimidated...I feel energized. This year my number one goal is to publish my book, and for the first time I honestly believe it's going to happen. I've even started creating timelines with deadlines so I can stay accountable.

One step

One project

One chapter

One story at a time

As I worked through my final edits today, I couldn't help but think back to the woman I was years ago. The woman who experienced a complete breakdown. The woman who wondered if she'd ever feel like herself again.

If she could see me today...Walking after surgery, finishing a manuscript, planning a business, and building Hope's Highways. She would probably smile through tears.

Everything I've lived through has prepared me for this moment. This book isn't simply about writing words on paper. It's about sharing one woman's journey of learning to love herself again through one intentional day every month.

Almost a decade has passed. One day at a time, one hopeful choice after another. Writing a book requires courage. It requires patience. It requires resilience.

There are countless moments when you want to quit. But I've learned something incredibly valuable.

Progress—not perfection—wins every time.

As I closed my laptop for the evening, I felt something I haven't felt in a long time...Peace. Not because the work was finished...But because I finally knew exactly where I was going. And honestly...I can't wait for the ride ahead.

My Lesson of Hope: Dreams become reality the moment you replace overwhelm with a plan. You don't have to know every answer; you simply need the courage to take the next step. And when you finally discover what you were created to do, you'll feel it. Not just in your mind, but deep within your heart.