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Not My Favorite

28/10/2016

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Top three current categories of my life I dislike:

1. Self-promotion
2. Self-promotion
3. Talking about self-promotion

I really don’t like being the center of attention, something that confuses people who know me as a speaker and presenter. But that feels different.

In a seminar, I have a message to deliver and the focus is on the learners. Are they understanding? Am I clearly answering questions? How can I share the material to provide my audience the best opportunity for their growth? I do know that being at the front of the room means I’m the center of attention, but to me the focus is the material and my audience.

Maybe it’s because self-promotion feels more like intentionally drawing attention to myself, and in this case, to the book I’ve written. It’s uncomfortable.

So I’ve been talking to the Lord about this dilemma.

Last week I spent two days in a leadership conference and one of the speakers reminded me of the definition of humility. It’s agreeing with God about the truth/realities of who I am. It’s not about assuming a lowly worm position or discounting gifting. It’s also not about exaggerating or taking credit not mine.

In light of that, I’ve been reassessing my need to market Changing Course, and more importantly, my attitude toward the task.

I know that I have not written a New York Times bestseller. However, I believe that God has gifted me with the ability to tell stories – both verbally and in writing – and in the book I have captured a host of experiences with clients going through transitions. The stories show my vulnerability and growth as an instructor alongside my clients’ antics and insights.  I do believe it can be a help to people of all ages in change or transition.

Perhaps more importantly, the book kept me sane during those pain-filled, pre-surgery days when God showed me how writing could bring closure to an era of my life and, little did I know, prepare me for a future beyond my imagination. Changing Course was His idea.

I will do my part to promote, market and advertise, however uncomfortable I am with the role. And since this is really about His plan, I will do my best to leave the outcome up to Him.

So if you know anyone in transition...

With love and gratitude,
Shelaine
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It's Published!

22/10/2016

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Order from Amazon.ca (Canada)
Order from Amazon.com (U.S.)
I would like to introduce you to my first book!

Changing Course is a collection of stories drawn from the years I spent working with people experiencing multiple and various transitions - often at the same time.

While the context of the tales is a career transition classroom, the applications reach to a much wider audience. I believe there is something in this book for anyone in the midst of change whether life-stage, relational, or work related. Check out the Changing Course page for further information.

I endeavored to make the stories engaging, humorous, and highly practical. They are all true! Privacy is protected through altered names but the circumstances and outcomes hold to the original events.

That's what I love most about this book. It's about real people striving to learn and grow and apply principles for healthy living to their lives. And I had the privilege of walking with them for a short season in which they changed my life.

I am grateful beyond words to my husband and all the editorial readers who helped make these experiences come to life and find their home on the pages of Changing Course: Stories to Navigate Career and Life Transitions.

With love and gratitude,
Shelaine
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Some Virtuous Relating

14/10/2016

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Oh, baby!

7/10/2016

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Sometimes life requires more living and less writing. This week qualifies.

Enter Grayson Rowan Strom, son of our son, Clark, and Courtenay Horn. He arrived safely on Sunday morning, three minutes after midnight, weighed 7 pounds 11 ounces and measured 52 cm long.

And now I am a grandma.

I must say, I am loving and embracing my new title fully. How can I not when his tiny head snuggles under my chin and smells like baby? (That scent is deeply associated for many if the number of women on Facebook encouraging me to “sniff his head” for them is any indication!)

I thank God for this precious gift. I’m sure you’ll hear more about him along the way.
​
With love and gratitude,
Shelaine
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    In The Midst

    Author:
    ​Shelaine Strom

    I am a writer by circumstance, a career and life coach, instructor and speaker sidelined in 2012 by a broken-down jaw.
    ​

    I am a writer by design, one willing to venture down a different path in a season of pain and waiting, offering my words and watching God use them for His purposes.

    I am a writer by choice who documented the journey of pain, the decisions made around an invasive surgery, the miracles and the healing process.

    And now I am a writer, who also works with Food for the Hungry, and is eager to share stories of God in the midst of it all.

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