Why You So Afraid of Success?

Something on my heart....

Sometimes the very 'thing' you're so afraid to do or try is the very 'thing' that will change your life and the world around you-FOREVER!

I was 12 years old when I actually decided without a doubt that 'one day' I would write a book about my life. Like, I mean I literally told my library teacher (Mrs. Hayes) that I was going to write a book about my story. She asked me 'oh why do you want to do that? What will it be about Elizabeth?"
I answered, "I want to help girls who are being abused and who don't like themselves. I want to tell them to be strong and don't let anyone hurt them or abuse them" Little did she know....at the time, I did NOT like myself one bit!

Little did I know what the next 15-20 years of my life were going to look like.

As the years went on and I experienced more pain, abuse, shame, self inflicted emotional drama, neglect and abandonment, I realized more and more that I was going to ONE day write a life changing book / memoir for women and girls- on the affects of abuse (emotionally, sexually, mentally and physically). But I was so afraid. I was afraid of letting out my secrets. I was afraid of telling 'my' truth. I was afraid of exposing those who abused me. I was afraid of telling the world about the places I'd been, things I'd done, toxic choices I made and the alleys they brought me threw. I was afraid of being vulnerable and most importantly, I was afraid of freedom. I had being life as a prisoner my entire life and I was scared to death of FREEDOM. Kind of like a man standing in his jail cell the day he is about to be released after doing 15-20 years behind bars. It was nerve wrecking and scary to face the UNKNOWN.

I started writing that book when I was 33 years 'young' but I came up with the title at 18 'If You Played In My Playground'

Writing it alone was the longest emotional rollercoaster ride I had ever been on. I laughed and I cried. I laughed and I cried. I had to dig up memories of my childhood that made me lock myself in a room -alone- and ball my eyes out for hours at a time. I had to go back and stand face to face with 'my story' in the deepest way you can ever imagine. And this hurt sooo bad. There were moments I had to put my pencil down and just feel the memory. Go back to the moment of that memory and really just 'be still' in it; in order to deal with the emotional aspect of it- that I NEVER dealt with as a child. I will NOT sugar coat this in any way. It hurt mannnn. I fought to go back there because my entire life I was a RUNNER. The moment I got to run away from my 'home' I became a runner. If something hurt bad enough, I ran! Because I had wanted to run ever since I was 6 years old so the moment I got to do it- I mastered it.

The truth is, I did not want to write my dark secrets in that book. It didn't feel good at FIRST! I was so cautious of what the world would think of me and I thought by writing the book I would go back to live in that place of darkness again. Ohhh was I wrong!

I had the entire book pretty much written and put down for months. Again, afraid of the world. The moment I was able to speak to my sister after my brain surgery (December 2011), I said to her, "Sue I am going to publish the book mama. If I had died, nobody would've known the real Liz" It was a true AHA moment for me.

I had to come face to face with death in order to discover my true purpose in this world. I didn't think for one second or worry for one second (after surgery) what 'others' would think of my TRUTH. Because I knew God Himself gave me that vision when I was 12 years old and I knew that He did so because He could trust ME to bring it to life. To bring MY life back to life.

Today, through that book, through 'my story' I empower the lives of disadvantaged and disenfranchised girls and woman who have been afflicted by challenging family of social circumstances. Today, because of the freedom I stand and live in, I inspire girls to live each day recreating who they desire to be, therefore enhancing their quality of living and becoming leaders of their OWN future.

The very thing I was so afraid of was MY PURPOSE!

Whatever your 'thing' is, I am begging you to just DO IT! You're feeling that push because it was given to YOU! If you do not bring that vision to life, you will be held responsible for it. That 'thing' is your purpose tugging at you, screaming at you, calling to YOU! Shut out the world and lock into your calling.

Go ahead, 'it's' calling YOU!

Love, Lizzy

Ladies, You Got What It Takes - Just Do It!

Last year April, just a few months after my brain surgery, I had the awesome priviledge of starting a business program for women at Microskills; Self Employment Training for Women (S.E.T). After a friend of mine briefly told me about it, I decided although I should have been resting at home, I would register for the program and if I got in, I would put my all into it.

Just months prior to this, I quick my job working for the City at Mississauga Transit. I had been working there for just over 7 years and LOVED my job, my co-workers and LOVED LOVED my boss and team leader (Vee & Maria). However, it was time I moved on to accomplish my goals and dreams which was to build my organization (business) The D.e.v.a In You Group for women and youth at risk. I had already started working towards this goal but I wasnt as serious about it as I had liked to be. I wanted to focus on completing my book as well.

After the surgery, I decided "This is it" I am going all the way. Coming face to face with a near death experience changed ME forever. I realized while laying on that hospital bed (before surgery) that if I were to die, I would go without accomplishing my purpose and the assignment God had for me to complete. I felt so empty. I decided in that moment and made a vow to God, that if He gave me a second chance, I would JUST DO IT!

To do what it was I always knew I was suppose to do; be a world changer!

I had a few months to finish up the last touches of the book and then began planning my book launch for May 31 2012. Everything I told to my sister in that hospital room; that I was going to do, I got out of the hospital and starting planning and DOING! While all along my loved ones and doctor's were advising me to rest. However, I know myself better than anyone (except He who created me) and I knew that working to accomplish my dreams and goals would be the medicine I needed to heal. And I was right.

Two days before my book launch I started the business program (which I got excepted into) at Microskills. From the very first class, I felt a major shift in my spirit. I knew that Micrskills would be apart of an amazing journey I was about to embark on. Day in and day out, I was learning skills I never had; in the business world. I got an opportunity to sit in class with amazing teachers, counsellors, advisors and leaders who have been business owners for many years and were well trained to teach, inspire and empower women from all walks of life. This 22 week program transformed my very being. Doors began to open for me within weeks of the program and my self-esteem as a speaker, mentor and entrepreneur went through the roof (so to speak). During these 22 weeks, I decided to stay focused on school and my own business and I made the choice NOT to get a part-time or full-time job. It was a choice I had to make in order to give my 'own business' my ALL. Boyyy, was it worth it.

I say all of this, to invite you to one of the Information Sessions at Microskills for those of you (women) who are SERIOUS about starting your own business. If you have a business idea or you are in the beginning stages of starting a business, please contact Collette to book a one to one session at 905-453-5996 ext 2806

Please remember you have got to have a clear vision of a business idea.

Start Date: May 26 (they are interviewing women now for registration.
Class Time: 9:30 - 12:30pm Monday- Thursday (friday's off)for 22 weeks in class
Location: Shoppers World Brampton 499 Main Street South, Unit #61
Email: clewis@microskills.ca


P.S
Every year Microskills awards the Entrpreneur of The Year at their Annual Gala where over 500 men and women gather together to celebrate success. This year makes their 16th annual Award Show. The very first day I attended class, I made up my mind that i WOULD win that award. Well, 2 weeks ago I received a letter in the mail stating that I indeed won the award. I will be meeting my sponsor May 2 and the gala will be held May 30th 2013 at The Pearson International Centre (banquet).

The biggest battle of our lives, is our mindset. Make up your mind to JUST DO IT and believe me it WILL get done.