In a comment on my previous post, a reader on Linked In observed that they’d love to have my ‘courage and commitment’. I responded that I believe we all have courage – just for different things. I added that, with clear intention, we can gradually expand that courage to include the things we find harder to do. The key is to proceed little by little, step by step, so that we don’t activate too much fear. Essentially, we notice where we already have courage … and gradually transfer it into new arenas.
As the publication of my next book approaches, one of the things I ‘find harder’ looms large, giving me an opportunity to take my own advice!
Whilst I’ve gradually developed some courage in relation to publishing my writing, I find publicising it very difficult. Spreading the word about my books, even in a neutral way, involves digging deep and drawing on my reserves: actively promoting them makes me shudder. And so, I’m at a threshold of my courage.
This isn’t a new challenge – in the years since I published Pause for Breath, I’ve done some personal development around my reluctance to shout about my work and writing. An early shift came in a conversation with a colleague and friend, in which I realised that a root cause of my diffidence is that I feel squirmy when I’m in the spotlight. I also realised that, in contrast, I’m comfortable promoting the good work of others.
These insights prompted me to draw on a practice from Leadership Embodiment (LE): identifying something we want more than whatever we’re trying to avoid. This can inspire us to step beyond our current limitations, towards something that matters. I discovered that I’m prepared to be visible if it extends the reach of work that I believe in – including my own.
Do I believe in the material in Approaching Difference Differently? Yes, I do.
And so, more recently, I’ve been actively wondering how I can support this book to find its way into the world. A significant moment occurred in September 2024, on an LE retreat led by Tiphani Palmer. In LE, we articulate a commitment and then explore the energy we’re bringing to it, and I was working with my intention to promote/market/sell the book. Thankfully, my practice partner was fellow LE teacher, Monica Ross.
At lunch, we continued to talk about my challenge, and Monica said: it sounds like you want to create a container for bringing the book into the world. I could have kissed her! Establishing a container for a conversation is a central theme of the book, and neatly reflects the spirit in which I’d like to raise awareness of it. I left the retreat with a clear, embodied commitment to:
create a container to support Approaching Difference Differently to benefit as many people as possible.
Two elements of this commitment distinguish it from ‘girding my loins’ to promote/market/sell the book. The first is the nature of a container, which is a holding space for engagement and possibilities. The second is a focus on benefitting others: the book contains ideas and practices that have made a huge difference to my own conversations, and I’m hoping that they’ll be of similar value to others.
Throughout 2025, this commitment has inspired me to find the courage to ask friends and associates for help – sometimes again and again. I’ve also been brave in seeking endorsements for the book and, although these haven’t always come to fruition, I’ve stepped outside my comfort zone. In addition, I planned to give the book a good start with a proper launch event. All these activities called for the courage to be a little more visible, and to speak out for my book. And each involved a conversation that drew people into the container of support for the book.
Sadly, there won’t be a launch event – the delays described in ‘Going slowly’ mean that publication is in December, which isn’t a great time for a gathering. So, in the coming weeks, I’ll be mustering the courage to ask for help to spread the word about the book.
Contemplations
- In what parts of your life and/or work do you have courage to act, speak and make brave choices?
- In what other parts of your life and/or work would you like to draw on this courage? What might inspire you to do so?
