The Gentle Rebellion: A Dream Born Mid-Air

Isn't it funny how the most life-changing moments can happen in the most ordinary of places? For me, it was 30,000 feet in the air on a plane bound for Cancun.

Picture this: February. The hum of the airplane, my family settling into our seats, the anticipation of a holiday in the sun. Our seating arrangement had separated Barks and me, each of us paired with one of our children. Hudson was my travel buddy, absorbed in his own world, watching basketball on his phone, oblivious to the whirlwind of thoughts churning in my mind. I plug into a podcast that had been sitting in my queue, a little nudge about following dreams.

As the words filtered through my earbuds, something shifted within me. A long-held dream, a deeply rooted passion that I'd kept on the back burner for too long, suddenly reignited.

I had always wanted to write a book. I loved writing—pouring my heart out, weaving my experiences into narratives, sharing my perspective. But fear had always been a convenient roadblock. The voices of doubt whispered, "Who would want to read my book? Could I even write one?"

But something about that podcast, coupled with the sense of adventure a plane ride brings, made me confront my fears. I decided, there and then, that I would write a book. Or, more accurately, an eBook, as a small yet significant first step towards that bigger dream.

During our layover in Houston, Barks and I reunited for a quick snack. As we were sitting at the table, Barks asked how the flight was. The words tumbled out of me, "I'm writing a book." His response? Not a moment of surprise, but a casual, supportive nod. That's Barks - my rock, my cheerleader, the man who doesn't flinch when his wife announces she's writing a book mid-flight.

March rolled around, and with the short eBook under my belt, I dared to dream bigger. Why stop at an eBook when I could create a digital book, a paperback, a hardcover?

So, I embarked on the exciting journey of creating The Gentle Rebellion. Yes, the actual writing process hasn't been years in the making, but the preparation for it has. Years of past writings were reworked and revamped, combined with new stories and perspectives to create this work. The book is not just a collection of words, but a culmination of life lessons, personal experiences, and heartfelt observations, all intertwined into a narrative I hope will resonate with many.

The Gentle Rebellion was born out of a moment of courage, a decision to confront my fears and turn a dream into reality. The journey, albeit short, has been transformative, filled with challenges and triumphs, moments of self-doubt, and periods of profound clarity.

This book is a testament to those quiet moments of self-discovery and the power of supportive loved ones. It is a journey, a commitment, a gentle rebellion against fear, doubt, and convention.

And to Barks - thank you. For not flinching, for your unwavering support, for being the calm in my creative storm. This book is as much yours as it is mine.

To my children, Hudson and Charli, your presence in my life fuels my passion and fills my heart with joy. Your sweet laughter, your endless curiosity, your genuine hearts are a constant reminder of why I embarked on this journey. My hope is that this book serves as a testament to chasing dreams, no matter how big they seem.

And to my parents, who taught me the power of resilience, the strength in kindness, and the importance of authenticity. This book is a fruit of the lessons you've imparted on me. It's a tribute to you both, for instilling in me the value of dreams, the courage to chase them, and the persistence to turn them into reality.

Holding my book, The Gentle Rebellion, for the first time was an indescribable moment. It's the tangible proof of a dream nurtured over months, from an idea sparked on a plane to a complete work of passion and love. It's a labor of love that encapsulates the quiet moments of introspection, the candid conversations, the reflections on life, love, and everything in between.

If I could go back in time, I'd tell that woman on the plane, scared yet determined, that she made the right choice. That fear is a stepping stone to greatness, and self-doubt can morph into self-confidence.

To those reading this post and holding your dreams close to your heart, remember this: It's never too late to start. You are never too old, too inexperienced, or too ordinary to dream big. It's the first step, that leap of faith, that sets the journey into motion. The Gentle Rebellion is not just a book. It's a call to action, a nudge to challenge the status quo, to rebel gently against fear and apprehension, and to embrace the extraordinary within you.

As I close this chapter and look forward to the many more stories to tell, I hold immense gratitude in my heart. Thank you for being part of this journey. I can't wait for you to be part of the gentle rebellion.

Here's to many more dreams turned into reality. 🌈