A Year Ago Today - One Year Book Launch Anniversary

“A year from now you may wish you had started today.”
Anonymous

"Whatever it is, start today, you will thank yourself tomorrow." This is the mindset that I applied when publishing this book and I continue to apply it every day since its launch and release. Looking back on the year that has been, I am rendered speechless at the response from all those who have taken this book and breathed it into their life and let it transform them from within. I've had strangers, who became friends, write that the book brought tears to their eyes. Other long lost friendships rekindled because of a connection with the book. Souls from interstate in Australia have commented on how relevant this book is for our times and many have sent messages saying that they've read the book not just once or twice, but three or four times through! With every text message, email, Facebook and Instagram review, tears well in my eyes as every day people like you, follow their heart and gather enough courage to take that first step towards healing.

Looking back, it is hard for me to believe that it has only been a year since the launch of Unmasking Depression into the big wide world. So much has changed and transpired in that time. There were many beautiful, happy moments, and there was also much stress, tension and even anxiety. After one such event, a very close family friend, who is like an aunty to me, gave me homework (yes you read that right) to re-read this book and be reminded of those 'pearls of wisdom' I once wrote. So even though I had written myself out of depression, this experience made me realise that it was just as easy to fall back into it. Nonetheless, this year taught me that despite those hardships, it is always possible to get out of darkness, no matter how deep or how far you fall.

I share this with you so you can see that while on one hand, yes, to the outside world, I look successful, on the other hand, the motions of life do not discriminate between us. We all go through our own variations of stress and turmoil and we are all shaped by them. At the end of the day, it's what you do about these experiences, that determines who you become and more importantly who you are. Personally, I will always choose to smile and laugh because these two choices are more effective in attracting people into my life and keeping me grounded in my mission.

To echo the words of Mae West, "You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough." So here's to you for choosing to start your life again and doing so today. There is a note section on the next page: I challenge you to write today's date, how you're feeling and where you are and then set a reminder in your calendar to go back and review how far you've come after a year. It may just surprise you. And trust me when I say, your future self will look back and thank you.

I know I have.

And you will too.