It has been a year since I took the leap and launched this site and released my book: 1313 Magnolia Way. If I am being honest, it didn’t go at all how I thought it would. Some things turned out greater than I could ever imagine, while other things didn’t go at all how I expected.
The number one question I’ve been asked this past year is, “weren’t you worried about what people would think of you?” The answer is no. I honestly couldn’t care less what people think of me. I know who I am, and what I stand for. That is all that matters. We all have a story. We all have scars of some sort. We all deserve to heal. I simply chose to heal by telling my story and releasing my pain and angst out into the universe. And by doing so, hoping that maybe my story would help at least one other person and make everything I’ve gone through, worth it. To my surprise, it helped many. The amount of people that contacted me with their own stories and/or positive feedback, was quite overwhelming and absolutely touching. I had hoped to help others, but I had no idea that my story would spread across the world. To date, I have had readers and subscribers from 23 countries. My book is available on almost every major book sales platform, and in public libraries all over the U.S. That blows my mind each day, and surpassed all my expectations for the exposure I’d receive on this journey. Thank you to all of you that have followed along on this journey and supported me!
The number two question I’ve gotten the last year, was, “Why did you name the book and blog: 1313 Magnolia Way?” Well, I chose that title because it is a combination of things that represent me and who I have become or stand to become. “1313” represents 1 Corinthians 13:13, which is a bible verse that is very near and dear to my heart. Actually, quite literally…it is tattooed on my rib cage. Through this blog and/or by reading my book (available by clicking Amazon link below or visiting my book page in site menu above), you’ll learn the reason why I love that verse so much. “Magnolia” is because magnolias represent perseverance, strength, nobility and love. All things that I feel describe me, or things that I hope to exude in my daily life. “Way” just simply represents the way of life and how our lives should be full of Faith, Hope, Love, Perseverance, Strength, Nobility, etc.
The final question I got a lot was, “Do you have any regrets?” Sure, I’ve had moments of self doubt. I’ve even had depression and anxiety over it all. I even miss my family that I chose to let go of due to lack of support and drama over the book. But, I don’t regret a thing. Because of taking this leap, I have grown a lot and learned a lot about myself. I traveled, I healed, and I took risks that I never thought I’d take again, or ever at all. I even learned to love again…and ultimately got hurt again. Let me tell ya….it totally sucks to finally trust, just to be hurt again. But, it didn’t break me this time. Why? Because I gave myself the opportunity to heal through [most of] the past B.S., and afforded myself the grace I needed and deserved. I’ve learned that I can breakdown if I need to. I can yell and scream and get it all out if I want to. I can run away from it all temporarily if it feels right. I even learned that I can just be me and people can just take it or leave it. Most importantly though, I learned to let go and let God. So no, I have no regrets. I am better for it all, and I am so grateful for this experience and for each and every person that has been there for me along the way. I am thankful for you!
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1313 MAGNOLIA WAY 