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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best book magazine in the UK“, author Rebecca Kirk shares what inspired her to write her new self help book, You’re Here For A Reason.
Written by Rebecca Kirk
I have always felt like I had a book in me. The desire has been sat deep within for a number of years. The right topic had to emerge at the right time, which it did. And that topic really became most obvious to me through the pandemic, when so many people were showing up to my coaching practice feeling deeply unfulfilled and lacking true meaning in their working lives. This provided the inspirational basis for me to write my book You’re Here for a Reason.
Alongside this, I have also felt called to help people awaken – to their true selves and to the spiritual dimension of their life which has proved so instrumental in me finding happiness and fulfilment in mine. I believe that during these turbulent times, it is ever more important that we have the means with which to become more conscious and to collectively raise the vibration of the planet.
In many ways, this book has written itself. Yes, I had to show up – week in, week out, at my desk and discipline myself to get the words onto the page. But the subject matter and the material to go into it was already in existence. When people ask me how long it has taken me to write my book, I say eighteen months. However, in truth, the real answer is – my whole life.
The Elvis Costello song “Everyday I Write the Book” perfectly encapsulates this for me and has been a constant musical companion on my journey. Because this really is the culmination of all of my own career changes, my spiritual awakenings and my experiences as a coach – and that has taken some thirty plus years to accumulate.
Here are some insights from my writing journey which I hope will help anyone who is considering writing their own book:
Deciding on a title for your book can take you down a rabbit hole of over-thinking. I was set on the title of my book right from word go. I always had a clear vision of it being more of a statement than a description. ‘You’re here for a reason’ is something my partner said to me a short while before I began writing it and, intuitively, it just clicked.
Listening to that guidance rather than mulling over a number of different titles has certainly saved me time and headspace. And it’s something which I can get behind because I truly believe that we are all here for a reason. Of course, the true test will be how much it also resonates with my readers!
Just as with the title, I had a clear sense of what I wanted the front cover to convey. I wanted it to convey warmth, hope, possibility and to symbolise the experience of an awakening (an expansive, connective feeling inside). The first design I received back from the publisher left me feeling very flat. My heart sank and I could barely look at it. I knew deep inside it wasn’t right.
My Higher Self gave me all the necessary signs and uncomfortable feelings with which to be in no doubt. I needed to go through this process to have even stronger conviction towards the cover design which was going to be in full alignment. When I saw the new design, I just knew. Another reminder to stay connected to your intuition. And to have the courage to say no when something just doesn’t feel right – however uncomfortable that might make you feel.
After months of toying with the idea of submitting a proposal to a publishing house or a literary agent, I took the decision to self-publish first and approach them at a later date once I had an established readership. It was too important to me that the contents and presentation of the book would end up being what I (and the Universe) had intended. Plus, I needed to get my book out there on our timescale rather than waiting another couple of years for a publisher’s schedule.
My choice of publisher was also very guided. My Dad had seen an advert in a magazine and I felt drawn to speaking to the owner of the company. Something just felt right from the off and I had the sense that my book would be in safe hands. My publisher has guided me so thoughtfully, so professionally and with good humour every step of the way. I have never felt alone on this journey with him in my corner.
In many ways, my book writing experience was a form of spiritual practice. It was an opportunity to connect with the creative flow of the Universe and let it work through me. There were several little rituals I used to remind me of this and keep me connected. Every morning whilst doing my spiritual practice, I would give thanks for the opportunity to write my book and consciously connect with the Source and with my Higher Self.
When I got to my writing desk, I would open the space by lighting a candle, spraying an essential oil, holding my clear quartz crystal (to bring clarity) and inviting consciousness in on that writing session. I always had my little wooden robin by my laptop – which symbolised the connection to my Mum, who so dearly championed my work and who has been there guiding me every day.
The writing process can be intense and there is a constant although necessary focus on the end game. So much so that it can take you out of the present moment if you let it. Whenever I felt a little too caught up in my head or in reaching my target completion date, I tried to remind myself to enjoy the journey.
Enjoyment has a higher vibration than many other thoughts or feelings. I truly believe that when you do allow yourself to enjoy the journey, and stay in the moment, it will be felt by your reader.
Something which I write about in my book is the importance of creating space – physically, mentally and energetically. And it’s something which, if I hadn’t taken my own advice, would have meant that my book remained just an idea in my heart. A few years ago, I began designating certain times each week as my creative days or my non-coaching days. This was a game-changer.
It meant that I could protect quality time each week for me to realise my writing goal and effectively plan the launch of my book. It helped me create a container in which to open the right energetic space. The alternative would have been grabbing a couple of hours here and a couple of hours there in between client sessions and not getting into the right headspace.
When it comes to writing a book, I think that perfectionism is both a help and a hindrance. Attention to detail and the ability to spot if something is a millimetre off can help you produce a better product (at least on the surface!) But where perfectionism can hold you back is when you are in a constant loop of trying to make improvements or looking for things which aren’t 100 percent.
This could have led me to a place of inertia where l felt like I couldn’t let it go to print for fear of there being even just one tiny error. I realised there was a lesson in this for me (as a recovering perfectionist). Whilst I have done my level best to pick up any imperfections, I also have to accept there may be things which simply slipped the net. And to be OK with that. I have to trust.
I want to sign off with a quote which I have taken from the title of a book of the same name by Serena and Wayne Dyer. This is for all of you who might be considering bringing something into the world which enables you to live out your purpose – whether that’s a book, a piece of art or music, a new business, a blog or a movement for change…
“Don’t die with your music still in you.”
My website is: https://rebeccakirk.co.uk
You can order my book via this link: https://rebeccakirk.co.uk/purpose-book/
Amazon: https://amzn.to/46RnuxD
And you can connect with me through these channels:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rebeccakirkcoaching/
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-kirk-3106b95/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaKirkCoaching/
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