This summer I was walking backward while taking THIS PHOTO at the park.

It's usually safe to do this at a park, so I was completely caught off guard and unaware of what was about to happen next.

I FELL IN A HOLE.

DARK WET.

I should have broken something

.It was amazing nothing bad happened.

I was wet and I laughed.

All six people ran up to me to make sure I was okay.

We laughed because I was okay.

My camera was fine.

When I started self-publishing and teaching myself, I can't tell you

HOW MANY TIMES I FOUND MYSELF IN A PICKLE.

The really cool thing about putting in the work is you find a lot of gaps and holes along your journey.

And you find ways to fill it so other people who follow you don't get stuck.

This week I came up with a NEW way to help people all year NOT GET STUCK.

And it's just a huge reminder that life is full of unexpected holes and challenges, much like that surprising pit in the park you stumbled upon during the summer. Sometimes, you're walking backward, enjoying the scenery, and suddenly, you find yourself in a dark, wet hole.

But here's the beauty of your experience – despite the initial shock, you didn't give up. You didn't let the fall define your journey. Instead, you embraced the unexpected, found humor in the situation, and appreciated the support of those around you. It's a metaphor for resilience and the ability to navigate through life's unexpected twists.

Your foray into self-publishing and teaching yourself echoes this sentiment. You've encountered numerous pickles, faced challenges you might not have anticipated, but you persisted. In doing so, you discovered gaps and holes in your knowledge, just like that hole in the park. And what did you do? You didn't just climb out and move on; you filled those gaps.

Now, as you unveil a new way to help others navigate their journeys, it becomes a powerful testament to the idea that the work you put in doesn't just benefit you. It creates a path for others, preventing them from getting stuck in the same holes you once found yourself in.

Life is a continuous journey of learning, adapting, and overcoming obstacles. Your story is an encouragement for everyone who faces challenges in their pursuits. It's a reminder that falls and pitfalls are inevitable, but with resilience, a positive mindset, and a willingness to learn, you can emerge from the darkness, perhaps a bit wet but ultimately unbroken.

So, to you reading this, take this as a powerful reminder that your journey will have unexpected twists, but each stumble is an opportunity to learn, grow, and ultimately pave the way for others. Embrace the challenges, find the humor in the setbacks, and keep filling those gaps. Your story, like the one shared, is a beacon of empowerment – a testament to the strength within you to face the unknown and keep figuring things out.

Photo is my sister Marci with her gorgeous family.