Share Your Story, Be in Volume Two of Speaking Your Truth!

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside of you.” Maya Angelou

Sharing my story (Lisa Shultz) was a positive and pivotal event in my life. Last year I told my story in Speaking Your Truth: Courageous Stories from Inspiring Women.  I had women contact me letting me know that my story was similar to theirs and helped them along their journey. I even had a man from New Jersey contact me that he read my story and was inspired with hope, and he was the “narcissist” (like my ex husband) in the story. I never expected that one!

Most recently, I shared my story again in Lisa Nichol’s book Living Proof. In both cases, it was a healing journey for me to share that part of my life, and I have touched others by allowing that aspect of my life not be a secret.

Now my business partner and I, Andrea Costantine are putting together Volume Two of Speaking Your Truth. We would love to have your story help others as it gives you freedom and healing. Your story does not have to be dramatic or sad. It could be a happy love story or a career or spiritual journey.

Your story does not have to be perfect when submitted. We will work with you on editing and polishing! It can be a big step for some to muster the courage to put yourself out there. We are here to support you and guide you!

So, remember there is a submission deadline of February 15, 2011 to send us your draft. Submission guidelines are on the website. We do have a low cost investment to be in the book, and that is explained in our Speaking Your Truth blog posted on December 21, 2010.

To put that investment in perspective, I paid $5000 to be in Living Proof. Gulp! And there were additional fees on top of that! Andrea and I are committed to keeping the investment into Speaking Your Truth reasonable and with no hidden extra fees coming later!

The community of contributors for Speaking Your Truth is special and growing. Will you be a part of it? I hope so!

What does being a part of the Speak Your Truth mean to Elana Perry?

I first learned about this project while attending a Women, Wine and Wellness event hosted by Lisa Shultz.  I found the overall concept of this book; of inviting other women to share their personal stories inspiring.  I had always wanted to share my personal truth with others and truly believed that though my pain and heartbreak I could somehow inspire and help other young women to rise above their loss and love themselves. 

Writing my truth was not an easy task.  Truth be told, it was downright difficult at times.  The raw emotion I was forced to re-live;  that which I had buried deep within my soul  for so many years frighten me, there were times I found myself lamenting uncontrollably.  “Have I opened Pandora’s Box?” I thought.   Perhaps, but it was time for me to deal with that hurt and not continue to cower away from it.  It was time for me to release it and be free!  I was determine to face those emotions head on, unafraid and with courage.  It was somehow bigger than me; I was doing it for YOU the reader of this project. 

My sole desire was and remains that the readers of this project find hope, courage, and inspiration to share her story and release the pains of the past in order to find her true strength and beauty.   My wish is that these stories empower others push through their pain and find their voice again to ultimately speak their truth.

I am excited and grateful to have been a part of a book project where I was able to share my story and hopefully inspire other women to author their own. 

Elana Perry is a writer, social entrepreneur, humanitarian and Personal Financial Coach / Independent Consultant for Primerica Financial Services (PFS). She is dedicated to educating and helping middle-income individuals, families, companies and organizations achieve financial independence and debt freedom. She lives in Denver, Colorado, with her husband, Bryce, and their sons, Mylz and Mekhi. For a free financial needs analysis visit her Web site at: www.primerica.com/ElanaPerry Email: elanacperry@primerica.com Phone: 303-472-3783

“A treasure chest of rich and inspiring words of wisdom from women who have delved deeply into their psyche and souls. Minds are expanded and hearts opened by readers wandering through each grace-filled chapter. A most precious gift to your best friend, mother, daughter or yourself. Dive in and enjoy the warmth of women speaking their truth for I have, and have been touched and divinely blessed.” 

Carolyn Craft, www.carolyncraft.com