What if a simple conversation with a stranger changes the course of your life?

For about a week now, I've been meaning to write about how a simple conversation with a stranger set me on a path of publishing books. 

After a long season of postpartum depression, I made myself join a book club. I knew for me to heal, I needed to be around people. 

I started my life anew, hunkered down with my kids, and didn’t have any close friends nearby, so I was simmering in my own cycle of self-pity.

While attending a silent read at a coffee shop for the book club, I found myself sitting next to a beautiful and kind woman who indulged me in conversation—during which I was, surprisingly, uncomfortably honest, ha! I ended up explaining that I wanted to write books, and when she asked what was stopping me, I was a little caught off guard. I felt uncomfortable sharing my reasoning for not writing the books, because when I spoke the words aloud, I realized I was the only one stopping me.

I had spent so much time living in a state of negativity that I had fed myself these narratives I refused to let go of. Hearing myself accept defeat to a stranger changed my perspective of my life and how I had been living it.

Interestingly enough, though, I had another perspective-changing interaction with a stranger before I could make time to expound on my thoughts on the silent read interaction. 

I was messaged on social media by a stranger who expressed concerns about our similar Series Title. After I asked him to take his concerns to my publishing email, the man flooded my DMs, demanding that I respond to him on the social platform. I respectfully declined to have a professional conversation through social media. 

Instead of respecting my preference for communication, misinformation was spread, and I was accused of plagiarism. I immediately recorded a video explaining the situation because the accusation was baseless. 

But the funniest part about all of this is that all week I’ve been overthinking and spiraling about being seen. I went on a long rant to my husband about how I hate recording videos, hearing my voice on camera, and just not wanting to be seen.

Social media has the power to boost your reach, and as an indie author, I know that sharing more videos of myself can help bring my work to light. 

So how ironic is it that, during the week I’m allowing my insecurities to get the best of me, I’m forced to speak up for myself in the exact way I just said I hated having to? 

It’s not ironic. It’s cosmic.

Every moment, every interaction, every stranger you meet has a purpose. Every hater, every naysayer, every negative person has a role they’re playing. So play yours, too. Turn every negative moment into a lesson and revel in the good. 

This is as much of a reminder for me as it is for you, too. 

Until next time, may your everyday hold a little enchantment.

Love,

Imanileo