Episode Title Options:

• The Unveiling: Dr. Gertrude Lyons on Her Book Launch Journey
• Beyond the Book Launch: Navigating the Marathon of New Beginnings with Dr. Gertrude Lyons
• Realities of a Book Launch: Lessons in Self-Mothering with Dr. Gertrude Lyons
• From Sprint to Marathon: Dr. Gertrude Lyons Reflects on Her First Book

Body:

In this episode, I share an honest reflection on the journey of my first book launch. While the initial sprint of events and media has concluded, I delve into the unexpected parallels between launching a book and new motherhood. It’s a powerful, potent time, marked by both excitement and the unforeseen challenges that often remain unseen on social media.

I talk about the invaluable advice from Marianne Williamson and Margaret Nielsen on navigating this new territory, emphasizing the importance of presence and joy over overwhelming commitments. This episode is an exercise in self-mothering, acknowledging the moments of stress and disappointment while finding gratitude in unexpected downtime.

You'll also hear about:

• (01:59) – Equating the book launch journey to new book motherhood.
• (02:46) – Discussing the unique experience of a first-time author and navigating the unknown.
• (06:48) – Margaret Nielsen's advice on not saying yes to everything and prioritizing energy.
• (09:25) – Jessica Zwag's analogy of the "sprint" and "marathon" phases of a book launch.
• (10:40) – The feeling of downtime after the initial rush and the fear of everything ending.
• (12:46) – The contrast between social media's portrayal of perfection and the reality of book launch challenges.
• (14:13) – Sharing anecdotes about things that didn't go well, like logistical issues and canceled appearances, and how they became exercises in self-mothering.
• (18:20) – Discussing unexpected challenges like persistent rain during book tour and adapting to unforeseen circumstances.
• (25:30) – Discussing the concept of finding freedom and joy in letting go of expectations.
• (30:05) – Encouraging listeners to share their own experiences and reflections on new beginnings.

This solo episode offers a candid look at the emotional landscape of bringing a significant project to life, reminding us to embrace the full spectrum of the experience.

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