Ignite a Fire Within

I thought it was important to let you know what ignited my fire to this adventure. It was several "fires" that got me moving in this direction. First "fire", I like many people saw the movie "Julie & Julia." I felt inspired to do something but wasn't exactly sure what. It came to me one morning and it hit me like a ton of bricks! The day was easy to remember, September 7, 2009 (Labor Day). I woke up with the overwhelming desire to write a book about living with one arm. I felt that I could spark the desire for change, hope and inspiration in others, by using myself as an example. Then I turned the television on and the show I was watching was interviewing an author. I immediately felt a sense validation. I knew that I was on the right path with my idea! I gave myself a goal. I would create my book in a year.
The second "fire" was being blessed with amazing friends and family. I told them about my new endeavor. Everyone expressed to me that I needed to do this. Each person I encountered embraced my decision. I felt surrounded with love and support. Many replied with this response "You are so positive, outgoing and you never let your "arm" become a disability". In fact, I would never say this is a disability. It doesn't define who I am as a person. Everyone replied, that I could definitely help many different people in many different situations.
I started to write my book. Creating the tapestry of my life onto paper. Remembering stories that were sprinkled with love, tears, joy and the thread that was woven in them all, was the overwhelming power to overcome the hurdles of life that were presented before me. With each obstacle I jumped over, I felt momentum and strength. I realized, that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to. All the while, knowing I would have to find my own way of doing everything. What worked for someone else, who have to be modified for me. I also knew I had a strong drive and will. I simply was not going to be told that I could not do something. Once in a while, I encountered this response "This may be hard for you to do, Gina." This made me push harder because the desire to prove them wrong was inevitable! I would never tell myself "I can't." It's simply not in my vocabulary.
The pages of my book are also intertwined with my education. I have applied the knowledge I acquired through my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology to my pages. I believe that my degree gives my readers a different insight to who I am. All the while using my life experiences to show my readers how I overcame the obstacles I faced. Each one of us has an obstacle. I want to give my readers strength, positive attitude and wisdom to conqueror whatever you might be facing. I want you to look at my life to spark a change in yours! I want you to believe in yourself and know that you can achieve anything you want! It all takes the right frame of mind and the right attitude! I want you to ignite the fire within yourself!

Stay tuned for more adventures,

Gina