[Current O.W.W.L. Journey] Why does writing a book have to mean “Open Kimono”?

You may have heard that I am writing a book entitled ‘Lose Weight for Life: 9 Reasons You Can’t Keep Your Weight Off and What to do About It’. It discusses the nine Ontological Weight Loss (O.W.L.) sabotage patterns and how to shift them for permanent weight loss.

I completed my first draft before Labor Day and sent it to my Project Manager Bethany for initial review, thinking that we would just need a few tweaks and then it would be ready for the publication process. I was wrong!

Bethany gave me wise, helpful feedback, including her perspective that my book read more like a workbook. She felt the best, most compelling part of the book was my own journey from anorexia and obesity along with the stories of my clients’ breakdowns and successes…in other words, the human interest elements.

Wow! I agreed with her. The nine ontological shifts are just concepts until we put them into stories showing how they fit into our lives. But I never thought that my own “I” story was so compelling until I saw it through Bethany’s eyes. She remarked that I could have the whole book be about my journey and how each sabotage pattern fit in. Several others I have spoken with since agreed with Bethany.

The only problem is that I have to “open my kimono” and share with you more deeply, more authentically. What will you think of me? Will you judge me? Or will you relate to me? This will take a mindset of courage, vulnerability, and transparency.

I accept the challenge! So I am dedicating time in the next few weeks to revamp the book. I know you are going to love it when it’s finished. In the meantime, please send me support and encouragement!

Warmly,

P. S. Excellent short videos as a resource for you: Watch Brenee Brown’s two talks on YouTube:

“The Power of Vulnerability”

“Listening to Shame.”