The Ice Pick Glistened in the Streetlight
You wouldn’t believe some of the stories I have heard since writing my first book!
Complete strangers come out of the woodwork and share incredulous stories that you may or may not believe. After my real life experiences this past year alone, nothing much shocks me anymore.
According to Publishing Perspectives, some 200 million Americans say they want to publish a book. Yet only about 1 percent of those folks ever do.
One fine entrepreneur once told me (at a business Mastermind I attended in LA last year) “It seems so daunting.”
Writing and publishing a book that is.
Yet so many people have amazing stories to share. Stories that teach, motivate, inspire, entertain and most importantly stories that can be life changing.
Stories that can impact millions.
I believe my personal real life story of high school drop out to successful business owner is one of them. I am not ready to share my personal tragedies with the world. Not just yet.
I can, however, share a story my brother Pete once told me.
A story of how he was jumped by six boys (probably an exaggeration knowing my brother Peter) and how the ice pick they held at his throat glistened in the street light.
Terrifying to say the least.
He told his story so well that I envisioned an ice pick 4 feet high with a sharp glass-like tip. Pointy and in the shape of a diamond. In reality, it was probably one of those handheld things that have a pointy metal tip. Used to chip the ice off of frozen cars here in snowy Buffalo, NY where I grew up.
The story and the way he told it was so terrifying and so incredibly important.
Because it terrified me. Which in turn kept me from walking alone in the bad parts of town. That story has most likely prevented me from getting robbed or held at gunpoint. Or even worse.
The thing we as women dread the most. Violence and rape.
Which is why your story is so important. I believe every single person has a story to share. Yet, most folks are afraid to use their voice.
Isn’t it time you use yours?
What story have you been keeping a secret? What untold story is eating you up inside?
Start now. Download your FREE guide to write and publish your first book. Click the link here to learn more…
When Should You Buy Your Child A Cellphone?
I am re-posting this in honor of the “Not Me” Movement and my guest appearance on “Safety Talk” with Personal Safety Expert Pete Canavan.
One of the decisions we face as parents is when to buy your child a cell phone. Their level of independence can be more important than their age.
I gave my daughter her first phone on her tenth birthday.
She kept asking me when she could have one. Since I wanted it to be a surprise I told her she couldn’t have one until she turned eleven.
She cried when she opened the box. Yes. I lied. But it was so worth it to see her happy face on her birthday.
Moments like these, you’ll always cherish and remember.
A few months later, my daughters and I went out for ice cream after a school concert. We met up with some of their friends and their moms. I was really surprised when one of the moms said to me “I couldn’t believe you got your daughter a phone. I didn’t buy my oldest daughter a phone until she was thirteen.”
Then another mom chimed in,”I know. I couldn’t believe it. Now my daughter keeps asking me for one too.”
Yep. I was “that” mom. I had no idea.
And quite frankly, I didn’t really care. What the other kids had and what other parents thought, wasn’t a factor in my decision.
It was fear.
Hannah was at the age where she wanted freedom. She would ask me if she could go for a ride on her bike. At first, I would only let her go around the block. Then a few blocks. Then the playground.
All I could think about while she was gone was the dreaded white van pulling up to her. Asking for directions or anything that would bring her to the car. Then zapping her with a Taser gun and throwing her into the van.
Extreme?
Maybe. But it’s how I felt. I would have let her take my cell phone but it was my business line. At the time I was a single working mother and couldn’t afford to miss a call.
I didn’t buy her a cell phone to spoil her.
It wasn’t even for her, although she loves it. It was for me. As a concerned parent I can now have peace of mind. Now I can stay connected at all times. She calls me or texts me to let me know where she is and when she will be home.
Now I can breathe a little bit easier.
Here are 5 questions to help you determine if you and your child are ready:
- Is your child ever alone without parental guidance?
- Does your child walk home from school or anywhere without an adult?
- How responsible is your child?
- Can you communicate openly with your child about internet safety?
- Does the cost of another cell phone fit into your budget?
There is no “right” age or time to buy your child a cell phone. Do what you think is best for you and your family. Don’t worry about what anyone else is doing or what the other moms say. It all depends on your child’s level of independence, your comfort level and what you can afford.
Happy phone shopping!