Publishing Process Update
Wondering how to please everyone
Y’all, I wrote a whole entire book about overcoming the conditioning and desire to please everyone. I wrote about how deeply I’ve needed approval and to be liked, how it was the only way I felt safe, and where it led me. And I wrote about my journey (I know, this word is terrible) towards letting go of that, finding my own voice, and reconditioning my brain and body to please myself instead.
Now, as I publish said book, it’s time to start sending it out to early readers and endorsers, and I’m terrified. I’m rethinking every stance I took and the truth of my experience and how it should be shared. I’m not really going to go re-write the whole thing, but the thought if this thing being out in the world is triggering a new level of terrified. What if someone doesn’t like it? What if I offend someone? Should I soften some edges? Should I make it more likeable? Can I make sure it’s something everyone will like?
No. The answer is no. But here I am, reliving these life lessons again and again. This time, though, I won’t soften my edges. I’ll keep my truth. I’ll send what I have and let it be received however it is. It doesn’t have to be for everyone. I don’t have to be for everyone.
Follow along for more publishing updates and real life discussions about people pleasing, life transitions, and poetry.
I could not be more excited for you, Stacy! I know all those feelings you described, and I love that you are working through them to allow the world to experience your beautiful soul through your work. I also believe that once it’s out there, you will come to realize that you wrote this for yourself, and the right people will respond to it. “It doesn’t have to be for everyone. I don’t have to be for everyone.” Love it! And I, for one, cannot wait to read it!