Livinglovingandexploring!

Do you think you don’t have a story to tell? Think again! Linda Olson’s book, ‘Your Story Matters,’ will prove you otherwise. I had no idea that I had a truly remarkable story that I should write down to share with people until I finished reading Linda’s book.

A great book, as we all know, usually starts with a bang. A series of only 26 letters that make your jaw drop open in a myriad of emotions, whether good, bad, or ugly. Then they reel you in for the aftermath.

This book will make you cry, grin, and have all sorts of emotional thoughts, ping-ponging back and forth as you read it. Mixed into the real story that Linda writes about are the reasons and prompts to guide us to write our own story! Every one of us has a story waiting to be told.

That’s what Linda’s book is all about. Story. She has dedicated this work to any story that is out there. A simple story about a bird crossing the street. A mother who is juggling her career and three young children alone. Your best friend, who has the non-stop ability always to make you laugh.

Those stories are important and so valuable. If we don’t write them down, who will? No one can tell your story entirely as you can! So pick up your pen, phone, or keyboard and get to writing!

It took me about four hours total to read this book, and I’m hoping that you will be enticed into reading it as well! It could be a life-changer for you or someone else you know!

I reached out to Linda for a quick Q&A when I was done, and here’s what she had to say:

Interview:

Me: You’ve been doing this (coaching, teaching, changing lives) for quite some time now. Have you ever heard a story that stopped you in your tracks and really made you think about life? 

Linda: Yes, I have heard many stories that stop me in my tracks and really made me think. And just when I think nothing could be worse, I hear another story that seems to be even more devastating. 

Me: I thoroughly enjoyed the multitude of quotes that were sprinkled here and there throughout this book – was it hard trying to determine which quotes you wanted and where while you were writing? 

Linda: It certainly took some time to decide which story was best suited for which section, but for the most part, as I spoke about a new concept, I knew what story I wanted to use.

Me: Assuming you no longer have stage fright after reading your story, what’s the most massive crowd you’ve spoken in front of now? Do you ever get “cold feet,” so to speak? 

Linda: There are always a few minutes of nervousness prior to getting on stage. Once I step on stage and view my audience as my friends, I tend to relax. Although I have spoken in front of a few thousand people, the most massive audience I would have to say was the TEDx audience. It wasn’t that it was that big a “live” crowd, but I knew it had the potential of reaching thousands, worldwide, maybe even millions one day. I also was prepared to be very vulnerable with my story, and that alone always creates some nervousness. Having said that, the “live” TEDx crowd was very warm and receptive. 

I’m not sure about any of you reading this, but I’d be PETRIFIED!

Me: Without giving too much away for anyone reading this, how did you find it in yourself to forgive yourself for what happened as a young girl?  (My jaw about hit the floor when I read the first few pages of your book – I was hooked and wanted to know HOW! I read the entire thing in one sitting and stayed up way past my bedtime!) 

Linda: The guilt I had was buried so deep, I didn’t even realize it was there. It wasn’t until I stepped into my therapist’s office, 15 years later, that she immediately identified it and helped me address it when I was emotionally ready. With a personal faith in God, I know He was the One that gave me the courage to forgive myself. I share about this in my TEDx talk, Your Story is Gold, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skMnvS48MsY

Me: Is anyone else in your family trying to tell their story after hearing you speak or reading your book? 

Linda: I am not aware of anyone else in my family that is encouraged to speak after reading my book, but I have many friends and people I coach encouraged to do that. (Although, I must admit, I have my eye on my 6-year old grandson. When he was two, and I was sharing my story in a workshop, he came and stood next to me and held my hand.)

My heart melted reading this about her grandson <3

Me: You mention making sure that the reader gets help if it’s needed, as too many people continue suffering when they don’t need to. Did you search out support as you were growing up? 

Linda: Unfortunately, where I grew up in this small farming community, there weren’t any support groups, and at that time, no one had even heard of a counselor. It wasn’t until I went to graduate school, 15 years, later that I sought out help.

Me: What are your plans for your life going forward in the next five years? I know you’re writing another book, and I’m excited about that!! 

Linda: This year I am relaunching my three Bestsellers, tying them all in with Story – Your Story Matters, Transform Your Story (my personal Story) and Love Your Story will be coming out in August. My mission is to help others write or tell their story and help them to reach millions. I train people to share their Signature story or prepare for the TEDx stage. Beginning this fall, I plan to start an Anthology series called, Story Matters for the _____ Entrepreneur Soul, for the Mother’s Soul, etc. and help market that book to reach millions. I believe every person has a story that others need to hear. It’s not just any story but a story that transforms lives. If I can help others with their story, together, we can impact millions. I also have begun doing 5-day Challenges such as Create a Transformational Story as a quick and fun way to get started with story. If anyone wants more info on getting started with story, they can go to my website at www.wealththroughstories.com and sign up for a FREE Story Strategy Session. 

Any thoughts on this one?

Linda also has her own website, https://wealththroughstories.com/, where you can read all about her and her story!

I’m always open to suggestions or comments!! Shares too! 🙂

Another book that hit me right in the feels was ‘Be Brave,’ by Anita K. I wrote a review on that one a little bit ago! Feel free to check that out too! 🙂

Love ya,

Kelly Ann