As some of you know, for the past few years I’ve been writing a memoiresque book. It started out as a business-building-and-challenges-behind-the-scenes book. Then I sold the yoga studio and it shifted into my transition to a new career and lifestyle in middle age.
Below is a *draft* synopsis of what I’m working on and I’d LOVE to hear what you think. Please share in the comments or email me directly. I want to write something useful, transparent, and meaningful, so your input is appreciated! x
PS Name of book TBD hence the [NAME OF BOOK] below.
[This first para was crafted by a writing friend, fyi]
From all outward appearances, Kimberly Wilson was the embodiment of the modern woman. At 26 she founded a yoga studio in her living room that became a million dollar business and went on to pen self-help books, host retreats around the globe, launch an eco-fashion clothing line, co-found a non-profit, and earn two master’s degrees. She had the whole mind-body-spirit thing figured out.
At least it looked like she did.
In truth, running a yoga studio was anything but tranquil. Behind the scenes she struggled with anxiety and depression, suffered multiple losses, underwent surgeries to heal physical injuries, and struggled running a business with her highly sensitive introverted personality.
Ultimately, she was brought to her knees. One night she did an internet search, surprising herself as she typed in the words: “What to do when you hate what you’ve created?” That’s the night she knew things had to change.
Follow her journey from building to unraveling an identity she’d outgrown by releasing what had defined her for nearly two decades. In [NAME OF BOOK] Wilson explores reinvention in midlife and offers invaluable lessons for anyone seeking a more authentic, tranquil way of life. This book offers encouragement to those interested in digging deep, unraveling, and starting over.
I would certainly read this though our stories are quite different. There is always something to learn from another person’s journey. My question has been more about how do you go on in late middle age when you feel you have nothing to show for your life except a mountain of debt and no clear way out. I may have to write that book because Google doesn’t seem to have an answer for that.
Kimberly, wow! What a compelling introduction to this new book you’re writing. I’m excited to read it already. Your Google search question, “What to do when you hate what you’ve created?” reminds me a of a similar question I’ve asked myself about something recently, “What to do when you get what you wanted but don’t want it anymore?”. Happy writing.
Yes! Kimberly. Your writing is always something we can relate to ourselves. Like a long time best friend. Thanks for sharing.
I would absolutely read this book. I am so tired of the inauthentic presentation of life on social media – where only the happy bits are presented. Personally, having struggled with depression, anxiety, health issues, and loss, as well as transitioning through multiple careers, I seek out the books that also ask the same questions. There is no destination for anyone, and I am tired of being presented with the idea of some people knowing the secret answers to how we should live our lives. As if there is a “one size fits all”. I don’t think this is wrapped up in a mid-life crisis so much as being a continuation of asking questions about what we are told we should want, what we really want, how we feel when we achieve something we want, the seasonality of lives and how our needs and wants change. If we had a roadmap for our lives at 20, then we should acknowledge that almost every year, that roadmap will change based on our challenges, our growth, our wisdom. By the time we reach 40, the roadmap is probably completely different, but no less valuable.
I would LOVE to read this book. I feel like I’m on a similar journey and can’t wait to read about yours.
Kimberly, I always share your success story with others. You created an amazing platform from which to help and support others. Can’t wait for the book!
I really like the raw authenticity of this angle. It reminds me of similar books by those who have sold businesses and made startling realizations about who they are (and aren’t) throughout the process. Keep it gritty- I would love to read more behind the scenes.
Hi, Kimberly,
Absolutely, I would be interested in reading this book. All women need to hear the important reminder that not everyone has it all together, and we never really know what is happening for others behind the scenes, especially for women who seem to have such varnished lives on the outside. Thank you for being vulnerable enough to share your struggles and how you took steps to move forward and create a life that is more authentically you. Thank you for having the courage and strength to relive the hard parts on paper!
Much abundance to you and Merci! Tracy Macdonald (expat in Honduras, took one of of your writing salons and loved it when I lived in DC).
Absolutely! Please let us know when to watch for it!
Yes, definitely interested.
‘Reinvention in midlife’ is a stage I’ve been navigating the past couple of years!
Absolutely I’d read it! I’ve been in a similar “transitional” situation for the last couple of years and would love to read how someone I both admire and trust navigated their way through to a new chapter. You have been an inspiration since the day I stumbled upon your podcast, and can’t wait to see what you have in store in this newest book.
Yes, I’d read it. I think many of us look at our lives in midlife and go, “This doesn’t fit anymore. Now what?” Big losses, such as losing a loved or or having major health issues, are the catalysts for wanting to move in a different direction.
I would definitely love to read it! In fact it makes your tranquil teachings even more wise and poignant!
I would definitely read this. I find it inspirational to see how others navigate the challenges most of us face. Seeing how someone else’s journey unfolded can spark insight into our own experiences. It would be useful to also see some of the resources you found useful/inspirational along your journey. I look forward to reading this in whatever form it takes shape.
I’ve got all yours books and cannot wait for this one!
Absolutely! Such a fan from the time I first met you! You have been and remain an inspiration to me! Xoxo
Yes! Can’t wait to read it!
Absolutely. Let me know when to preorder!💖
I would LOVE to read this book!
Yes I would read this. There is a life lesson in this story for everyone.
You bet I’d read this book!!! I’ve been following you for years. I was hoping there would be a book in the works sooner rather than later.
Of course I would read this! I’m sure you have a real editor this time 🙂 let me know where to pre-order.
Kimberly, I’ve been looking forward to reading your book ever since you first mentioned that you’d had the idea! The synopsis you shared sounds intriguing, and I would love to read your whole story some day. You are tres talented and inspirational — from one woman in middle age to another! 😉
Yes!! You rock.
I would read it and recommend it if it’s not just a memoir. I am sending further comments to your email
I would definitely read this. The irony of there being anxiety etc behind someone working in this field is a very appealing topic, I think.
I would read this. I think this is a pretty universal feeling that not too many people are talking about, really. And it’s not only about what do you do when you hate what you’ve created, but also what do you do when you feel like the life you have just isn’t…..it…. (for lack of a better phrase–it’s hard to articulate). I think too often this gets wrapped up in the context of mid-life crisis, but that’s not really what it is. Anyway, I feel like I’ve been googling around this topic for a while now, so I think it will resonate!
YES!!