Introduction

When you look in the mirror what do you see? Do you celebrate a perfect physique? Or wince because time (and gravity) have unjustly robbed you? Do you ever define yourself by your stellar group of friends, the status of your portfolio, or the dimensions of your butt? Well hold on to your panty hose, sister; you've picked up the perfect book!

We may no longer look or feel as good as we did in our prime (and by that I clearly mean smaller and full of energy). No matter how much “promise-cream” we wash over our faces or how many times we visit the plastic surgeon, gym or mall, sooner or later, Mother Nature will rear her matronly head (preferably later).

Similarly, if we open ourselves up enough, we'll likely get burned by friends, loved ones and co-workers. No magic screening process exempts us. And given enough opportunity, we'll weather economic bliss as well as hardships. We can't stop life from happening. We can't even slow it down. But we can choose to meet it with grace, humor, and proven strategies that work.

I always knew I'd someday write a book. Like many things on my list of To-Dos (training whales at Sea World), I ignored the itch. Then, at age thirty-two, the urge returned—only this time I couldn't ignore it. Chalk it up to my being older. Whatever the case, I've certainly done a bit of soul searching. I've dealt with some of my gremlins, like having dropped out of the University of Washington after about fifteen minutes of enrollment instead of realizing my dream (becoming a news anchor), and I've jettisoned that pervasive belief that without a college degree I wouldn't be seen as “legit” in the marketplace.

But hey, I didn't have to write the great American novel; I could write something different. Something more my speed, that related to my own life and struggles. I could throw myself under the proverbial bus, if you will, and air my foibles knowing that women (and men) everywhere might glimpse themselves in my story. So I wrote a book readers could not only enjoy, but act on—by changing their current outlook on life and on who they really are!

My escapades are (mostly) about nothing, but in a good, laugh-out-loud, cheerfully neurotic way. Seinfeld-esque. Seemingly insignificant, these everyday moments (sometimes) prove extraordinary. Or embarrassing. Or just plain funny.

These are also the secret confessions of a woman who, though she never clearly states her weight (hello, this is not meant to be social suicide), alludes to the fact that she wrestles with self-esteem, makes silly attempts to fit in, contemplates harebrained schemes to achieve success, and (occasionally) acts on impulses she's not proud of. (Sound like anyone you know?) She does, however, progress. By the end of the book, the woman who you meet in Chapter One has grown up, learned more about who she is and, more importantly, who she may yet become. She recognizes the terrain, but she's farther on.

Let's face it: We're all in some kind of a rut we long to escape. For some of us it's financial, for others it's a bad relationship (or no relationship). Perhaps it's a negative self-image that chains us to destructive behaviors and situations. Yup. Been there, done that.

But something spiraled me forward these past fifteen years, something I can't wait to tell you about.

So thanks for picking up my book. It has a lot to offer: first, some belly laughs you'll want to share aloud with your best girl friend; next, a moment of connection, where you realize that we, as women, aren't really that different, no matter where you are in your life or I am in mine. Lastly, there's a road map that will position you for action—if you choose it—launching you out of that rut that's no longer serving you.

This isn't about changing the past; it's about creating your future. One that's grounded in your values, enhances your God-given talents, and honors your significance on this planet. You can ditch your limiting beliefs and pursue a life of confidence, health, wealth and possibility!

But for right now, take this opportunity to laugh at me (I mean, with me), which I offer in hopes that you, too, will take life—and yourself—less seriously. Trust me, I've learned that laughing at our quirks and imperfections is the first step to self-acceptance. Armed with the shield of self-esteem, and a rollicking sense of humor, we can face the world head-on with a heart of gratitude, the spirit of creativity and adventure, and the wide-open eyes of hope.

Let's make this journey together!

Are you ready to begin?