I wouldn’t have become an author if I had only known sooner.

It’s no secret that in the past I struggled deeply with the sense (or lack of) career driven purpose. I decided to become a children’s book author because for the first time, I was ready to honour that inner pull toward imagination and writing, and I thought this would be the most fitting job for the creative, introverted, highly sensitive parts of me.

But I didn’t realize one major component of becoming an author: the comfort zone I once knew was about to pop faster than a kernel. Ever since plunging into self development and learning about rewiring the brain, I have subconsciously constructed a big vision that is now earnestly rooted in me. That vision includes walking through nerves. Reframing failure. Connecting with others who have trekked a similar path (one of my favourite feeling). Spreading a message to help others. Connecting with others who can help me spread that message even further. Showing up with passion every day (one of my favourite parts as an HSP).

I was working with an intuitive healer about a year ago who told me, “The only thing stopping this from becoming a major success, is you”. I didn’t fully understand what he meant, because after finally arriving into a space of mental stability, I thought I would never get in my own way! My way, for the first time, felt safe and cozy. Why would I choose to mess with that after everything I had been through!? But now, with the book launch fast approaching, I get it. One year ago, I had zero plans to show up for any in-person launches, signings and ESPECIALLY NOT READINGS. But, Sarita 2.0 had other plans. And if you had told me that I would be in fact going in public, to a bookstore, to show my face, with the potential of zero people showing up/with the potential of 30 people showing up, to sign books and read my story in front of children(!) and their parents…I would have stopped in my tracks and quit on the spot.

I have been unaware of the depth of my vision and how much the daily practices of self-love and self-development were actually working. And I’m so glad I was unaware. Because letting myself stop me from being where I am now, and from what’s to come, would be a genuine tragedy. Today, I choose to take action that aligns with my vision, and – I am genuinely excited to be planning a weekend of *in-person* launches to celebrate the story, the art, and the message that is “Pop Out Loud, First Day of School” – this book deserves it!