Susan Rae Baker is one of those amazing people who have the gift of teaching and leadership in the areas of Life and Business coaching. Her website says of her: "...Her aspiration in life is to help people become what they were designed to be, so that they can live a happy, fulfilling and successful life...."
Her first book, "The Last Box" won the Mom's Choice Award for Women's Issues. This book, subtitled "A Women’s Guide to Surviving Corporate America," according to Susan took: "...over 30 years of experience and compiled it into an engaging, thought-provoking book intended to bring awareness to women about to enter or already part of the working world...."
As if this wasn't cool enough, she is also co-author of the book, "Stepping Stones to Success." From her website:
Susan Rae Baker, keynote speaker and author, has been selected from a nationwide search to be featured in Stepping Stones to Success; a highly successful book series from Tennessee based Insight Publishing. The book features best-selling authors Deepak Chopra (The Power of Purpose), Jack Canfield (Chicken Soup for the Soul), & Dr. Denis Waitley (featured in The Secret). Susan Rae Baker, Chopra, Canfield, and Waitley, are joined by other well known authors and speakers, each offering time-tested strategies for success in frank and intimate interviews.
I'm always interested in what other people do, why they do it - what drives them. Occassionally I will point that interest at myself: what do I do and why? Sometimes I will find someone asking a question that sparks a response. In December 2009 a book came out titled "Heart of a Military Woman" in which an essay I wrote was included. I had served in the Navy in the late 60's-early 70's. I wrote a post about it on the business blog I used to write. Also in 2009 I came across a 'call to share' for an upcoming book by Susan Rae Baker. This was a call to share:
- Your Defining Moment - This is an opportunity for all women from all walks of Life to share their defining moment in life when you could finally say “I have arrived"! What was it that made you who you are today?
I read this and it resonated deeply. Mostly because I was in the very midst of living in my defining moment. So I wrote an essay and submitted it. I did not expect it to be chosen, but the act of writing it helped me to think through these issues and set some directions. I've learned over the years that a person is never "done" with goal setting, course corrections or dreaming new dreams.
It was thrilling when I learned my essay was going to be included in Susan's upcoming book. How cool is that! Then just this past Saturday came the email saying that the book is now available [via Amazon Kindle]. I went to the site and clicked on the nifty 'look inside' function that Amazon has and was deeply touched by what I saw and read. The cover is gorgeous...I am a longtime fan of tulips. The complete book title: Defining Moments - A Gathering of Women's Journeys. At the bottom of the cover: Inspiring stories of courageous and fearless women whose journeys defined their life purpose.
Wow. I am so very humbled to have my essay included. What blew me away even more is that my essay is the third one in the book. What does this say to me? It tells me that the passage of Life that takes us into introspection is a passage shared by us all. My situation, my story is not unique. I began my essay:
When my “defining moment” arrived I was quite surprised. I had always assumed, as a young woman, that by the time I reached my 40’s I’d know: know myself, know my place in the world, know my strengths and weaknesses…have “it” all figured out. My surprise was to discover that this just wasn’t the case.
My 40’s came and went without me knowing anything for sure. Certainly Life itself presented challenges and complications that kept me off-guard and guessing – health challenges, relationships challenges, end of career, empty nest...where was I in all this?
And concluded with:
- My Defining Moment came in 2008 while in my late 50’s and wondering who and what I am and where I am in this world. It came when I asked myself what legacy I am going to leave for my grandchildren. Now the working out of all the decisions that flowed from that Moment has brought peace and energy to my life.
Thank you to Susan Rae Baker for her heart for women's lives - how we see the world, how we navigate using our particular skills and instincts and what impact we can have.
Me? Who am I really? I'm just an average American who desires to fulfill the dreams of her heart, use the gifts she's been given and indeed leave a legacy for her grandchildren. My essay speaks of my grandson and this coming January a granddaughter will join the family.
I hope you'll check out this inspiring book. You can find it here on Amazon.
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