Lean Out –

Today marks one year, 364 days to be exact, since I left my job in corporate America. I gave myself 1 year to write and publish my book, Stonewall to Obama. Well, on January 12th of this year, I published that book – 6 months ahead of my 1 year goal.

The journey hasn’t been effortless or free of anxiety. In fact, it’s been the busiest, angst filled, most exhillarating year of my life. I gave up a job with “security”, benefits, 5 weeks vacation and a six figure income to pursue a dream. It was a crazy, hair-brained scheme that most of my friends and family questioned. ” You’re nuts!” was the response I got from everyone when I explained where I was heading. Indeed, the risky plan was not crazy. I planned for over a year and had 1 year’s salary in savings. This was not a risk, it was a carefully crafted adventure into the unknown – the unknown me.

Sure it was scary. The unknown is always scary. But, I had the support of a loving partner and faith that the universe always meets our aspirations and desires with unexpected and amazing rewards. Of course, I wasn’t disappointed. Stonewall to Obama has been on Amazon’s top selling list for Gay and Lesbian biographies a couple times in the last 5 months. No, it hasn’t been on the NY Times best sellers list and I certainly haven’t become rich by publishing it. Those weren’t my goals for writing the book anyway.

I wanted to see if I could do something that appeared impossible. Writing and publishing a book was one of those daunting things that I thought was only possible for other people. I needed to find a way to prove to myself that I could do this too – that in this day and age anyone can do whatever they set their mind to. Nothing is impossible.

But, in order to achieve my goal, I needed to lean out. While the rest of the world was Leaning In with Cheryl Sandberg and working harder than ever for the corporate world, I needed to take a break. I needed to give myself time and space to rediscover how and why I was a creative person. I had to put myself first. Leaning out and leaving the corporate world gave me back my life. Try it, you’ll like it!

Stonewall to Obama is available on Amazon. Get a copy here.