How Writing A Book Changed My Life

By Ana Maria Sanchez

My debut book, Girl from the Hood Gone Good, One Woman's Mission to Help Others Overcome a Pain Filled Past, delves deeply into the trials and tribulations I've undergone in a life filled with childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, drinking and drugs. Revisiting my past had a profound impact on me, and I was uncertain about the reception that my book would receive. However, it has been liberating to be able to release my past, knowing that I'm connecting with readers in such a way that they can be certain I understand their obstacles, while helping them overcome them. Getting my book out into the world (and attaining bestseller status) has been a journey of self-enlightenment, growth, and pride that has both humbled and empowered me to take my life and career to new heights as I strive to fulfill my life's mission—helping others connect with their spirituality and maximize their potential.

As an Empowerment Counselor and Licensed Louise Hay Heal Your Life Facilitator, I am familiar with the emotions and tools required in the healing process, but I was not prepared for the profound impact that would result from revisiting them while writing my book. Writing my story was a lesson in self-discovery, requiring me to reopen old wounds and empowering me to fully, and finally, release my past in exchange for a future centered around helping and healing others. Not only has it given me the ability to relate to my clients from a different perspective, but it has also created opportunities for me to take my business in a new direction—one which enables me to connect with even more clients and give them a venue where they can use their unique voice and expression to help others.

This book also marked a huge milestone in my life and my career. Some might call it a game changer—meaning that becoming a bestselling author helped me to remove any self-imposed limitations that remained within, while opening my eyes to the many new opportunities which have presented themselves as my book's success grew. As a result, I've removed the tunnel vision that surrounds a single-faceted business and have become a multi-faceted entrepreneur and author with numerous opportunities to help so many more people, something I'm very excited about exploring. Writing a book has given me that insight and opened those doors which I once never knew existed.

"Oh!, the places you will go" was penned by Dr. Seuss as the title of one of his delightful books, referring to the many exciting possibilities the future holds for children. It's an attitude and a vision that removes all boundaries, and one which I've chosen to adopt, as well. Dr. Seuss should know—he, too, wrote a book and look where that took him.

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