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Finding joy on the other side of darkness is an underlying theme of my new book, “Cracked Open”  How many among us has not struggled with fears of failing that lead to not acting on our dreams or exercising our talents? How often have we been stopped in our tracks by self-doubt or negative thinking? How many suffer from the belief that perfectionism is the only route to success and achievement?

To introduce “Cracked Open:Reflections on the Transformative Power of Failure, Fear, & Doubt”, I offer you insight into how this book came into being and why I felt impelled to write it.

Introduction to Cracked Open

“Today I am in my 7th decade; this is shocking to me.  Where did that time go? Portions of it feel like a dream – of both sweet and nightmare dimensions.  I wonder, “Did I actually live it?” I know I was there, but at times I feel more like an observer of my Self-in-Action and at other times the very much present actor on the stage.  

Even as I was writing “Cracked Open”, I  puzzled over how it began. Where did the idea of it come? From what pause in my life, heart, and mind did it find a fertile resting place suitable to plant its roots, poke its head above the hardened earth, defiantly sprout its stalks and leaves and later burst into flower? 

Such is the mystery of life.  If we are honest, we don’t know where the next creation comes from; we only know later, in retrospect, that it has occurred.

“TODAY I AFFIRM THAT I AM DIVINELY GUIDED.

THERE IS THAT WITHIN THAT KNOWS WHAT TO DO AND HOW TO DO IT.

AND IT COMPELS ME TO ACT ON WHAT IT KNOWS.”

ERNEST HOLMES

 These decades have not passed without their joys and triumphs as well as their sorrows, disappointments, and defeats. Yet, all of it, each scrap of life, has become an essential facet of my identity. Each has to be bowed down to in thanks and appreciation, especially the ugly parts. Those very life experiences I wish had passed my door as the angels of the Israelites passed over their doorways to visit devastation upon their oppressors. They, they are my mentors.

However, if there is one thing my own life has taught is that none of us goes forth through life unscathed.  Darkness is one side of the coin of life and light is the other.

I have concluded that this is what life intends. Life brings illumination through its battles between the darkness and the light. As the Clash of the Titans, when the force of steel on steel comes into our life-battle, our hero-selves can emerge.

We don’t all emerge victoriously. There are no guarantees of happy endings. However, I cannot face away from the darkness when it comes. And it does come; often when I feel least prepared. But somehow, at the point when I feel overcome, somehow my foolhardy courage is summoned; a stone from my slingshot releases and l dare to face down the giant monster that awaits me, letting come what may come.’

To letting the light in!