Last weekend my lifelong dream of publishing a book came true. Yes, I know I signed a book contract almost two years ago, so in that sense it had come true, but to hold the physical book in my hands was more than I ever thought it could be. In fact, it was downright overwhelming.
I knew that once I received my hard copy of SOAR, I would be overjoyed, but the emotions just poured out of me and I couldn’t hold back the happy tears. With my copy of SOAR sitting next to me as I write this, I realize those tears were more than happy ones. They were tears for all of the time I missed with my family to pursue this dream; they were tears for the frustrating periods when I thought I should give up; they were tears for all of the times I was rejected by book agents; but mostly they were tears 
because even after all of that, I had reached my goal and the feeling was amazing. I honestly don’t know if I can compare it to anything else that has ever happened in my life.
Don’t get me wrong, I have two amazing kids and a wonderful husband, but there is something to be said for reaching personal goals. The dream of becoming a writer is something inherent in my being since I was a child. And while I share so many wonderful dreams with my family, this one was just for me since it had been mine from the beginning. Of course, they supported me and encouraged me when I was frustrated with the process, but it was something I used to fantasize about as a child and now it has finally come true.
SOAR isn’t just a story about a hummingbird overcoming his fears and anxiety, it is also my story and just as Ramone reached his goal, I have reached mine as well and the feeling is amazing. I encourage everyone to take hold of your inherent gifts and pursue what you truly love, the payoff is amazing and the journey is more than worth it.