70 years ago, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, became the first people to reach the summit of the highest peak in the world, Mount Everest.
Just like Hillary who developed a deep interest in mountains and exploration from an early age, I developed a deep interest in reading and writing from an early age. He would often explore the hills of New Zealand and began mountaineering in his late teens. I would explore my parents’ cherry orchards armed with a notebook and pencil ready to capture words about everything from our struggles to the sunsets. In my late teens, I would be writing award-winning submissions so that our family business would win tourism awards and grow to become a significant tourist attraction in the state of New South Wales.
Hillary’s fascination with mountains laid the foundation for his dream of scaling Everest. My fascination with writing would be the beginning of a dream to become a published author. For me, it would be 26 long years from the time the dream was conceived at age 11 to when it became a reality in 2016.
“When Edmund and Tenzing became the first people to reach the top of Mount Everest, the impossible dream had become possible.”
And that’s exactly how I felt when three of my chapters were published in 365 Moments of Grace and I held the book for the first time in my hands. This book would go on to become #1 on Amazon in the US and Canada in seven categories within hours of being released. It would be another year before I was holding my very own book Messages from the Heart: 39 Answers to Your Life Questions.
I had conquered my Everest, but unlike Hillary, I did not have my own Tenzing, my own personal guide. It was really hard writing that book with very little guidance. I had my mother-in-law help me with the editing and my mum would support me by looking after the kids while I worked on my book. But late at night or in the early hours it was just me and my thoughts of whether I was good enough to write a book or feeling overwhelmed by the size of the task or just wondering if I should wait until the kids were older. At times I contemplated whether the writer life wasn’t for me…even though I loved writing and I still do. I will always love writing.
“Maybe that’s the thing about dreams, they find you – that’s the calling – but you also have to go to them – that’s the action.”
Just as Hillary and Norgay exhibited an unwavering determination to conquer Everest, I had to draw from my own wells of perseverance and determination in my journey as a writer. I had to overcome challenges, obstacles, and setbacks which I faced in the 26 years it took me to become a published author. I had to find the courage to keep going even though I was venturing into what felt like the unknown and uncharted territories of the literary world. Most of all I had to keep my inner demons at bay (the ego that said I couldn’t) and find my voice that said I could.
Hillary and Tenzing formed a strong partnership and relied on each other for support throughout the climb. They worked together to overcome physical and mental challenges and provided encouragement when needed. When I think about Tenzing’s contribution and expertise which were crucial in the success of the expedition to Everest and Hillary’s greatest achievement, I realise that having a supportive and encouraging person in your corner is vital to fulfilling a giant dream like writing a book.
“Yet, it is often the experience and expertise that most aspiring authors crave. They want to learn from someone who has done it and knows how to overcome the crevass between the dreaming and the doing.”
That’s why I founded my brand, The Book Sherpa, back in 2018 (more accurately it found me after revealing itself in a vision in the early hours one morning, but that’s another story for another time). I knew I had to become the mentor that I never had. I also knew I had tapped into the essence of what it means to follow your dreams. I was following mine by helping others follow theirs.
Over the years it’s become trendy (and highly profitable) to get on the “following your dreams” bandwagon. Why is that? I know in my case, at some point, it became untenable to grind it out in a job working for someone else with little to no appreciation and high cortisol levels to show for it. But there are plenty of other reasons why it is so alluring to follow your dreams:
- In today’s fast-paced and competitive world, we crave a sense of fulfillment, personal satisfaction, purpose, and a meaningful existence.
- There has been a cultural shift, and following your dreams aligns with the emphasis now placed on pursuing one’s unique passions and ambitions, rather than conforming to societal expectations.
- There has been an increase in media and pop culture of narratives and stories of individuals who overcome challenges and achieve their dreams which resonates with audiences and inspires people to pursue their own dreams.
- The rise of entrepreneurship and start-up culture has drawn attention to the appeal of being your own boss, pursuing innovative ideas, and potentially achieving financial success attracting many people to the following your dreams mindset.
- Following your dreams has become a prominent theme in the flourishing self-help industry as it provides a wide range of resources and guidance for individuals to set goals, overcome obstacles, and strive for self-fulfillment.
But as we know, facing challenges and overcoming obstacles is inherent to the following your dream journey. In the 26 years of aspiring to become a published author, there were countless times when I could have given up.
Over time, I learned that:
“Success is not a destination that magically appears before us; it is a path we must pave with our own sweat, determination, and unwavering belief in our dreams.”
I also discovered that there are a number of reasons why following your dreams is so important.
- Pursuing your dreams allows you to engage in activities and experiences that bring you joy, passion, and a sense of purpose. The joy I get from writing keeps me focused and aligned with my heart’s true desires.
- Following your dreams often involves stepping outside of your comfort zone, taking risks, and exploring new possibilities. In the process, I’ve discovered more about myself, my strengths, and my capabilities through this journey than any other. It gave me the opportunity for personal growth, self-improvement and expanded my horizons.
- Following your dreams enables you to express your true self and live authentically. Writing has allowed me to tap into my unique talents, skills, and passions, and embrace my individuality. It’s a constant reminder to create a life that reflects my values and aspirations.
- Following your dreams makes you an inspiration to others. By forging my own path and demonstrating courage, determination, and resilience I have a story to share with others and I can show them that it is possible to overcome obstacles and achieve their own aspirations.
- Following your dreams often involves pursuing endeavours that align with your values and contribute to the betterment of society or the world. By pursuing my passions and utilising my talents, I have the potential to make a positive impact on others.
- Following your dreams opens doors to opportunities, experiences, and achievements that you may have never imagined. Pursuing my love of writing has allowed me to live a life of possibility, where I create and shape my own future, rather than simply accepting what is handed to me.
In addition to the work I do helping aspiring authors write their books, I love teaching people about all things manifesting. And so in the interest of highlighting dreams, I’m about to offer something that will help people pursue their dreams, and in the not-too-distant future I’ll be launching my hot new course “How to Become a Manifesting Powerhouse and Create Abundance in 40 days or Less.”
I know it’s a bold promise, but I stand by the principles and practices that I share in this value-packed course so much so that I am offering a 100% money-back guarantee that if you don’t love the course or increase your abundance in 40 days, I will give you your money back no questions asked.
So if you want to be one of the first to get this life-changing course drop me an email at contact@sharonhalliday.com and I’ll make sure you go onto my special VIP list. No need to pay now, and you’ll get it at the sale price which is over 50% off so instead of paying $188 you’ll only pay $88.
I’ve done this crazy offer to get as many people as possible to manifest more abundance and reach their dreams. This can be your ticket out of the humdrum of life and into alignment with more abundance on every level. So today, I encourage you on this 70-year anniversary to spare a thought for what it would be like to reach the highest place on earth to be amongst the clouds and know that you had achieved something so spectacular and awe-inspiring! And then realise that feeling could be yours too.
