Talk About Purpose

Table of Contents

• What Are You Waiting For? Live on Purpose.

  • Why You Need to Grow Your Comfort Zone

• ✨ Where to Show Up to Glow Up ✨

• Purposeful Celebration

• Inclusive Communication Tip: Embracing Identity-Fi …

• How Do Friends of Authors Help Their Book Babies?

What Are You Waiting For? Live on Purpose.

In an entrepreneurial world where colleagues and partners are struggling emotionally, mentally, physically, politically, spiritually, financially… know that all of this is temporary, and it’s not a struggle every single moment. We do get blips of time and space with loving people, caring collaboration, and meaningful moments. And we find PURPOSE.

And that’s why I am so excited to continue to bring out beautiful wisdom from underrepresented voices- we learn to be better humans from true stories.

The lovely Tawni Sofia Acosta talks about wounds turning into beautiful scars, growing your comfort zone, and so much more.

Why You Need to Grow Your Comfort Zone

1. You’re motivated by inner purpose, not fear

2. It’s a more natural, safe space to live and work

3. Outside your comfort zone is scary

✨ Where to Show Up to Glow Up ✨

For now, these two opportunities are worthy of so much hype! Remember, we’re stronger together, all of us in the “alphabet gang” and allies alike. Check it out:

Purposeful Celebration

May 18th is my personal Independence Day. My life officially started all over again and it was the best thing that ever happened to me. All I have to do is tap into that instant relief and the elation of freedom to remember how much we can truly accomplish in one little lifetime. I vowed to put purpose over profit ever since.

Journal prompt: Think of a time you overcame such adversity you found purpose on the other end. That day is worthy of its own holiday. Write out all of your emotions and sensory experiences. How would you celebrate that day if you made it a holiday?

✨ BONUS: send a gratitude note to someone who supported you. Let them know just how much of a difference they made in your life.

Inclusive Communication Tip: Embracing Identity-First Language

Did you know? How we refer to identities can either empower or diminish someone's sense of self. Many LGBTQIA+ individuals prefer "identity-first language" (saying "I am transgender" or "I am queer") rather than "person-first language" (saying "I am a person who is transgender").

Why it matters: For many in the LGBTQIA+ community, their identity isn't something separate from who they are—it's an integral, celebrated part of their authentic self and lived experience. Respecting someone's preferred language around their identity honors their journey and acknowledges their courage in claiming their truth.

Try this approach:

• Follow each person's lead on how they describe themselves

• Listen for and use the language someone uses about their own identity

• When unsure, respectfully ask: "What terms do you use to describe your identity?"

• Remember that preferences vary widely—there's no universal rule

The bigger picture: Creating space for people to name and express their authentic identities aligns with the courage it takes to live purposefully and expand beyond comfort zones. By honoring how people identify themselves, we acknowledge the risks they've taken to live truthfully and the wisdom they've gained along the way.

How Do Friends of Authors Help Their Book Babies?

Can you believe my book baby is almost 1 Year Old! ✨ Happy Birthday, LTS! ✨ I spared you the pain of a baby shower. And there was no gender reveal party (it’s gender-neutral!). Aren’t you glad?

So here are some humble ways to give a gift without breaking the bank:

✨ Ask your favorite librarian to order my book for you (ISBN: 9781304481917)

✨ Write a review on StoryGraph

✨ Help me host a book party that raises funds for your favorite non-profit!

Just a few suggestions, anyway…

Thank you so much for being wonderful!

Sending you lots of love,

Laura

PS- Who else needs this newsletter? Send a friend over. 🤩