From Author to Authority - Reflections on Launching a Book

This week I am chatting with my friend and podcast manager, Laura Spencer. She has been with me on this journey in one role or another this year and  we're sharing our thoughts as we look back and reflect upon this whole book writing project.

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Transcript

Juli Wenger: 0:03

Welcome to becoming ourselves, the podcast, where we help you answer the questions Who Am I? And why am I here. And then we help you get out of your own way because the world is waiting for you to show up and own your power. You have been placed on this earth for purpose, with purpose and on purpose by a God who loves you fiercely. And he has called you to something that has been specifically created for you right now. I'm Juli Wenger. I'm a coach and author, speaker and Enneagram teacher, a Jesus lover and an entrepreneur that rocks ADHD. I am passionate about helping you step into the life you've called to, that something you know is possible, but haven't been able to reach. So buckle up, because it's not always an easy ride. But on the other side, is a life that is fired up to filled. Let's go.

Unknown: 1:07

Welcome to the podcast. Maybe your voice sounds a little bit different today. That's because this is Laura. Julie's podcast manager welcoming you to today's episode, as we wrap up our from author to authority series, because we are reflecting on this book writing and launching process. And when this episode releases, it's done.

Juli Wenger: 1:40

I just said I can use it. Oh, we didn't. There was a lot of

Unknown: 1:45

I mean, I kind of I mean, I helped a little bit. But like, it was a lot you You did so much. And I think that that needs to be

Juli Wenger: 1:54

something that we say something. Yeah,

Unknown: 1:56

that's what it needed. Right there.

Juli Wenger: 1:58

You can see it right now. I was like, Yeah, deep breath. It's it is interesting, though, that you talk about like, it was a lot you but it's funny because I talk about everything like even an Instagram post. It's all we and it's like this almost a proverbial we. But it's like the me and you we are the me in the community. We are the me and God, we like everything has been so collaborative. And like I can't believe that it's done. So I guess for transparency, like as we're recording this, we're two days pre launch. And so it's essentially done. But there's a few question marks for me still in terms of like how's launch day gonna go. And it's been so much of a, just tying into our themes that we've been talking about. And from author to authority, the process, the personal growth from the provision, and how God shows up. I am at a point right now where it's, I'm going to trust the provision that is coming. And I'm going to trust that whatever at this point I have left to give which somebody doesn't feel like a lot that he's going to take that and he's going to use that. So as we reflect on process. Do you want to start there?

Unknown: 3:15

You start there.

Juli Wenger: 3:16

I'm curious first before you ask me questions, when you think back on this process because Laura's been with me for like the entirety of this in one context or another as a you know, a friend or as an assistant or podcast manager now. A Journey okay, like a lot has happened in the last year. And a really had, oh, my goodness, it really sticks out to you from this whole thing, or like overall from this whole thing in terms of the process.

Unknown: 3:44

I think for me, as someone who has watched you, and who knows you and seeing you stretch yourself through this process, I think that watching you go through it, continue to do it, continue to deal with the things that come up, pushing forward, doing everything you can to make sure that you are getting the word that God has called you to put out I think that it's just been really inspiring to watch, again, from like one perspective or another. I mean, I can remember way back last fall when you were like, I feel called to write a book. I mean, you you you'd said that for a little while. And then you finally took the leap and you did it and then you got it done. And then you know you just and you kept just taking steps forward. And I think now looking back, it's just such a beautiful picture of that. Just the journey that we go through. I mean, in your last episode, you mentioned how this is a huge thing. Like it's getting married. It's like moving it's like it's like one of those big huge life moments and those His life moments don't just happen, like they do have this whole process behind them. And it's so cool to be able to sit here on the other side of it and be able to talk about it. You know, I think that that's like, the biggest thing is just being able to sit back and see all of those little moments there were there were moments of frustration when things weren't going, right. And then there were moments of action to correct them to get back on the path. There were moments of just like pure joy. And I did this thing, and it's done. And it's great. And I'm excited. And we're moving forward. And with every thing, even though those frustrations felt like a step backwards, like it still kept moving forward, you still kept moving forward, you still kept moving your community forward, moving everything forward. And I think that what is coming to mind is just like this whole process has just been a beautiful picture of just messy action.

Juli Wenger: 6:02

But that's like, yeah, messy action

Unknown: 6:04

that's like that's come together as like an actual, like, good product. It's just such a beautiful example, again, of different things that we go through, like whoever's listening, you might not be writing a book right now. But maybe you're going through something and you just need to take the next step. And I think that, watching you in this process, Julie has just been that encouragement of no matter what you're doing, just making sure that you're going after what you really want.

Juli Wenger: 6:34

And that's kind of the essence of the book, right? Like when I listen to you talk about that. It's a reflection of how our purpose pulls us through the hard stuff and how walking out our calling is not always going to be easy. And I've been listening to this whole podcast series the last few weeks, and it's called cuffed. It's from transformation church, and they've been talking about comfort, and convenience, and how that gets in the way of our calling. And this has not been a comfortable process. It hasn't. And it has not been convenient for me or for my family or for my kids are like, Mom, why do you have to do this thing? Because it takes me away from them for periods of time, right? Yeah. But I say this to all the people all the time. So when we're clear on where we're going, and we're aligned with God on that, when we're on our path, that our purpose is for us, but it's not about us. Yeah, that focus on the Who is it about? Or what is it about? helps us to continue to come back to okay, what's the next step? Where are we going today, God, and some days, it was clear, and some days it was not. Right. And some days it was tears, and like you said, some days, there was a lot of joy and celebration. And even in the last couple of weeks, there have been days that have been tears or that have been anger or that have been frustration. And then there have also been days that are celebration and excitement, and just completely surreal. To be honest, so it's going to be an interesting thing for me as someone who hasn't celebrated naturally, because it's always Onward, onward onward. What's the next thing and I'm thinking about? The course that's going to come out of this? And I'm thinking about the work along journals we've been talking about. And it's like, there are more projects there. And those are big projects. And so there's that part of me, right that three wing achiever. Yep, that shares no more than I'm glad I'm like all words. What's the next thing? We're going we're marching. But I was reflecting this morning, because I had this moment. And we're totally sidebar now. But I think that it's where we need to go. I had this moment before I left on a like mini vacation, quote, unquote, vacation. Okay, so still working on book launch while we were there, but I had no client appointments or the lake like was great. Just for a few days, a refreshed before this. Just sprint to the finish line. That's what it feels like it is nonstop. There is so much to do at this point. And it's just like the piling of little things. But I had this moment where God gave me like, I am anti hustle. God is anti hustle. Yeah. And it took me back to this quote of God's trying to take the hustle out of his house and just had this like, oh, like you don't want me to run. You don't want me to push you don't want me to burn myself out on the way to this finish line or this goalpost that you know then we move past and on to the next thing but you've programmed the source code of rest into our DNA. And this whole hustle thing, this competing this comparison is complex. Vision, this, just exertion of all of the energy and doing in our own power is not how he's built us. And so when we step into this hustle, we step out of alignment. And so even last night, I was sitting and I was thinking about the course, or just thinking about the what's next and how to structure and I was having a conversation with my husband, who is very analytical, okay, like MBA, like he is wired differently from me. And he's like, Okay, so let's draw the triangle of like, the different levels of the business. I was like, no, no, no, no, that's me trying to control and build this thing on my own. And I need to go get quiet. And I need him to show me what he wants it to look like. Yeah. Because there was a lot of business strategy. And there's a lot of how do we operate in the workplace and in the industries that we're in and in the marketplace? That is like, in the Bible, okay, like it is. From him, like work is good. He tells us a lot about how to work. And then there's how the world skews a lot of that and says, Okay, well, you should price this way. You should build this this way, you should make this certain kind of income. And what I'm getting in my ear, or in my heart, is this is accessible. Yep. This thing you're building, it needs to be accessible. And I'm like, okay, that's, you know, we're diverging from this very deep one on one, which still exists, like, there's still that container. But he's saying, I am starting to make it a cast a wider net kind of a situation. Yeah, right. Like, go fight for my people and bring them home. And it's, it's uncomfortable,

Unknown: 11:55

it's so uncomfortable. Well, it's uncomfortable, because work is good. And as you said, our society has skewed what work is supposed to be like, right, and the target

Juli Wenger: 12:10

is comfortable. And that's what we're supposed to get.

Unknown: 12:13

Right. And that, you know, achieving some sort of societal view of success like that. There it is, that's what you should want. Right? And again, that's

Juli Wenger: 12:26

gonna be living the book right now,

Unknown: 12:28

literally, like, as you were talking, as I was talking, I'm just like, Oh, my God, this whole process is literally like Juli living out the book, like, literally you living out what you are practicing what you are preaching. And I think that that is so you are I mean, that's, that's the beautiful thing about this. And that's the beautiful thing about you, you do everything in your power, right, because we're all human. So there's a layer of human there, but you do everything in your power to do things in as much integrity as you possibly humanly can. And that's what I love most about you. That's why I wanted to work with you. Because I was just like, this woman, she, she wants to listen to what God is telling her to do. And she wants to follow through, and she wants to be different than what the world tells us to be. And I think that so many people want that. And so many people are scared of pursuing that. And so if you're listening, and you're one of those people, you need to read this book, it will be a great starting point for you for just digging into why you're feeling the way that you're feeling. Why you're feeling that tension in your soul, like why those things are stirring. And then like what your brain is trying to do to like to keep you where you are because our brains, here's the thing that I've learned through all of this, our brains love the way that society operates. And I think that that's why society operates the way that it does. Because we get that reward for winning, you know, like we get that those dopamine hits for, for winning for competing for being the best for for achieving. And yet, like it still leaves us feeling like there needs to be more. Yes, exactly. And so I just love this. This journey that you're on and what you're sharing with your people and with the world because I think it's just a different way of looking at how did because I've been living this out too and part of that is because of you coming into my life and part of it is because I've been feeling this stirring inside Have me for a while to have like, how do I actually live like Jesus in this world and like diving into the gospel and actually looking at like how he lived. And it's like, wait a second, this is so different from what is set up in this world, like, so different from the systems of this world. I just love that you in this book, you give tangible steps to start living like him, which is living out your calling, whatever that that is. And I think too, the other thing that needs to be said here is that you left your amazing business, you built another one. But that doesn't have to be your calling, like your calling doesn't have to be like, gigantic, I think, too, because I am in this place of super transition in my life, a lot of things are changing right now. And for me, right now, my calling is literally to just like, take the next step, take care of myself, and take care of my family. And I think that it's really important that we embrace, that. Our big overarching calling is probably going to be the same throughout our life. But that will have smaller, like, micro movements. Yes, exactly. Like, and it's and, and, and your assignments can lead you to fulfilling that purpose. Because I think that for a lot of people, I know for me, personally, I got on this, like, I have to know what I'm supposed to do. So I can do it, and get it accomplished. And check it off, like check the box. Right?

Juli Wenger: 16:42

And then I'll be done. And I can just live comfortably.

Unknown: 16:48

Yes, exactly.

Juli Wenger: 16:52

Yeah, if I could just hit the goalposts, then we're, then we're good, right? Like, no, no, it doesn't. And, and,

Unknown: 17:00

and that's what I'm learning. And that's what I love about. That's what I love about this book, too, because I think that it gives you permission for just trying to find like that overarching, calling, and stepping through the fear of taking the next step. Because the other thing is, when you say you want to write a book, you're like, oh, I want to write a book. And then you like, want to sit there and literally, like write it all out and be done. And yeah, I did it. Right. But here we are almost a year later from you like actually saying I'm going to do it, and it being done. It's a process. Like, I think that that's the other thing that our society doesn't take into account is that, like, we think that we're just supposed to say that we want a thing. And I say we because I do this all the time. Like I want this thing, I want this to happen. And I want it now. And then it doesn't happen now. And I'm like, will but wait. And and then you have to go through like that level of disappointment. But if you can start to have the awareness of everything is a process, everything is unfolding. Take your time, be patient, which again, is I think like not, I don't know for why, like maybe we're wired for that. But maybe that the world that we live in doesn't really allow for that I'm not really sure I'm still trying to explore that too. But that's just other randomness. Here's here's our ad, or ADHD or

Juli Wenger: 18:41

D is showing up. It's showing up so much this week. That's that's a series for the fall. We've had some experiences this week that we will talk about Ben. But I think here let's talk about comparison for a minute because when you're talking about how right now for you the assignments, I'm going to label them assignments are to take the next steps there to make sure you're okay to make sure you are filled to make sure your kids are solid and stable and they have a firm foundation to just continue to go on your own healing journey and to continue to lean into God in that relationship with Him and to step forward saying okay, I'm choosing to trust you today. And that looks different right now. From you know, my space where it's like I'm doing this book and I'm doing this business and I'm doing and here's where we get stuck because we get into comparison. Yep. Right. And we talked about this in the book too on the comparison trap. Yep. Versus the capability gap. And so you can go read about that. But the the reality is that our paths and for whoever's listening to this, this is vital. Our path They're not meant to look the same. They're not meant to function on the same timeline. And my calling is different, and your calling is different. And they were custom created for us. And we were custom created for them. And so when we start comparing us to other people, or we start trying to copy or we start trying to fit into their box, or how we perceive that to look, that pulls us off track. Yep. And the reality is that sometimes we go through seasons, and I had one this winter, it was really hard, in combination with get finished writing the book, and then we're getting into this publishing phase and some personal stuff hit all my stuff came up. And honestly, some of that was warfare, because it was like, this book is not supposed to come out because it's going to change people. And I can stand in that. And I can know that and it's not of my doing, right, like, I am a conduit with this thing. This is not my book, this is God's book. And the comparison that tries to sneak in, and it's like, Yeah, but I'm supposed to do this, or I'm supposed to do this, or I'm supposed to have this kind of a following to be successful here. Because look at these people look at those people and look at and he's like, no, no, no, I have you in a season of being here, in the suck. Because without you being here, and going through what you're going through and healing from things and dealing with things, you will not be equipped for what I have for you. So I have this love hate relationship with patient endurance, right? This is like, I don't want to build more that I don't want to build more resilience. I don't want to build more, you know, but he's saying I'm going to mature your character. So that when I put you in front of people, you're not going to fall on your face, you're not going to implode, you're not going to have a negative comment, come back on the book and take it so personally, you spiral for a month, right? You know, and so I think that we really need to acknowledge, and this is where it's his timing, not ours, right, that wherever I am. He's got me. And he's using that. And I can trust that. Yeah. And it's been interesting, too, because I mean, this is how he provides sometimes to tie into provision because we've been talking this whole series about the process and the personal growth and the provision. Even recently, we started doing this series at church, and it's been on Psalm 23. And it starts with Lord is my shepherd, I have what I need. And we spent a lot of time there, and I have what I need, what does that mean, and I was sitting reflecting on that this morning. And I was like, You know what I do. And we're always asking for more than asking for more. And I'm like, God, I want this to be a, you know, a success. And I want to move books and like, I want to sell a million books. That's like that has been in my soul. Since this started, we will sell a million books. But it's not about me and my timing. And it's not about my need. It's not about a need for income. It's not about a need for, you know, what the world considers to be abundance. It's about really stepping out of me and stepping out of ego and stepping out of pride and stepping out of this lack of perspective on how much we have, especially in North America. And really just saying, I want you to use this. And I want you to use me and I want you to continue to retrain me that the things that have happened before and the things that I've built before that maybe haven't gone the way that I've planned or anticipated that you really are doing something new right now that you have been rebuilding me that what you want, is to co create something with me, because then we're in this space of relationship and connection. And that then you can use that to go fight for other people. And so it's like he's showing up with these sermons at church and the podcasts that I'm listening to. And this is how he like he always shows up, right? And the music I'm listening to and it's just like, I get hit over the head with this like two by four of are you paying attention? Here it is over and over and over and over and over again. And you know, and for some people it's like what other people say to you or it's a meme you see on social media or it's a real or it's a like it comes from all over the place. But he's been so consistent lately and saying you have what you need. You don't need to worry. I've got you I will provide I'll send you the clients even though you're not actively working at attracting them right now because I have you doing this thing. I will take care of your family. Only I will give you the time and the capacity to do what you need to do. And like I said at the beginning of this episode, it's, I'm not going to be able to do it all. And I think that there's beauty in that. Because if I can step out of the hustle, especially for this last number of days before it goes live, and I mean, a book launch is like a multi year project, let's be real. But if I can step out of the hustle, and I can stay connected, and I can say, Okay, what is it you want me to do? He can take my little, and he can turn it into a lot. Absolutely. And he can take my small and he can turn it into big and he can take our attempts and he can turn them into transformation. And that is how then people can see him in this process. Yeah, as because they can go like, How did that even happen? Right? Like, right, my network is not that big, okay, like, we have a solid launch team. And they are phenomenal and amazing. And, but like, my network is not massive at this point. And there's a lot of them. And this was going to be interesting for me. And this has been a growth point stepping out of what are people going to think there's a lot of them that I don't think are in a Christian or faith based space, or a spiritually curious space. And so I'm probably going to lose people. And that's okay. And I've had to come to terms with that and actually learn how to be okay with that. But there's also a lot of people who are what I call closet Christians that are watching. And every once in awhile, I bump into one and they're like, this is interesting how you're actually being open about this. And I'm having to trust that clients who are not in the same faith space are, you know, either not going to just like, leave because Julius This is my this is my too much story still in dealing with we talk about too much stories a lot in the book to Christian. Right? Like to, like, No, we're doing it, we're doing it because either I can be obedient and I can let them work or I can get stuck in my own fear, which then keeps all the people who need this from having their transformation. So it's both a to just like kind of tie back into provision because I'm really doing the Add thing today and bouncing all over. But it's really looking at how has he provided through this whole process? Yeah. And then how can I use that as proof, combined with just trusting that he will show up in the remainder of it? Because it's his thing anyways, so it's like, do what you're gonna do with it. And I'll just like, come along for the ride. Right, right. And the, I just want to like recap quick on the provision piece, because this has been a really cool journey. When I think back to what actually put me in a position of even thinking about a book, we started having authors hit the podcast and our first summit early. And then when COVID hit, I started getting more and more connected with other Christian authors and friends. And then a little time went by, and then this bootcamp comes at this three day boot camp that one of my good author friends is speaking in. So I'm like, Yeah, I'll tune in for a bit. And it was good. And then said, boot camp was having a three week writing thing. Accountability Group. I was like, alright, we can do that. And it was like, that was a very specific drop everything, go write my book, and I had to cancel like a whole bunch of stuff. But like, okay, yeah, we'll go do that. And, but I need you to provide the clients because we're looking a little like it's going to downturn and I was going to spend the whole month of October networking and connecting with people and being really intentional about it. He's like, No, I got that. And he did. And he brought in the right assistant, who happened to be a, an editor that could do the editing of my book. And she only stuck with me for a little while while I needed that phase. And then he called her to something else. And it was very clear that like that was her call to go to this next assignment. And then the publishing package thing came up and I was like, I am not making real estate money. Like I need you to provide for this. And then real estate referrals start popping in and new clients pop in and like true Dry Bones moment, okay, like my old brand sells that I thought nobody wanted my old real estate brand just out of the blue like hey, are you coming back? Nope. Can I buy this from you? Yep. And there's like, the money like you just provided the money for it and he kept providing the clients and throughout this whole process is where I've been doing less and less and less workshops and webinars and all of these things. I've had clients who have stayed, I have had, people just show up. I've had opportunities to just do like one of sessions with people that fill in gaps for other people that had to pause or had to step out, like he has, throughout this whole thing. Like, here's what you need, okay? Not way more than you need. Because I need you to learn to depend on me more still, but like, here's what you need. And he sent me you when it was like I needed replacement assistant, and the even the timing on you stepping into your next assignment and rolling back and doing our podcast management, which I'm grateful for. It was that timed out with everything such that like, even that was like a solid cash flow. Like he was just adjusting everything. As we went and providing the right network. And he told me beginning of this year, I'm building you a new network, and go like seek out my people. And we've had even the little things like the book cover when it came back. And it wasn't what I wanted. And having a call that day with another author who's a pastor at our church. And his was phenomenal, right? Like the orchestrating when we look back. And I think this is important for us to do periodically. And if you're listening, take this as your invitation and your assignment to go do like, now have go look back over the last one to two years. And look for how Have there been things that have just worked together in ways that I can't explain, or that I other than got him in? Right. And I think that's part of what I'm so grateful for, in this process, or even how like it has been so emotionally difficult. And we've talked about this before, too. But this process, you come up against all of your crap, all of your unresolved stuff, all of your traumas, all of your end, like regardless of whether there is an element there of warfare, or if it's just like, You know what, I need to work this out of you. Yeah, I need to I need to break this off, I need to burn this off. And you said like, this needs to go. Because if I elevate you, and you bring this with you, you're gonna bleed on people. Yep. And so even that even all of this suck. Okay, you could speak to how much suck. I looking at that now. And I'm like, Thank God, the timing of the Add diagnosis, the like all of it. Because I wouldn't have written the same book, if I had the context of that. And the book needed to be written the way that the book was written, because it's not add dependent. There was just an underpinning for me of okay, that makes even more sense right now.

Unknown: 33:23

Yep. I think it just reinforces how when we start embracing, following God's assignment, even if you don't have a clearer idea of what your calling is, if you can have a clearer idea of what your next assignment is, you will get to your calling, because you will be able to get to the end of your life. So like, even if you never have like, the specific wording of like, this is my exact calling. If you can have that connection enough, with the Holy Spirit, to guide you on your next assignment and to guide you in your next steps, you will be able to get to a point to look back and say, Oh, I see you showing up here. That doesn't mean and this has been one of the hardest things that I've had to learn and I'm still learning but it doesn't mean that you're not going to come up against difficulty. What it requires of you is to be flexible. Because something out that our society loves to tell us is that like, when you start a thing, like that is your thing. And like things don't change, you know what I mean? Like it's almost like, um, that it should all be ease and flow. Yes. And that like, right, like once you get to this thing, okay. Um, let's use an example. So I'm about to start teaching again. So when I was teaching before, it was like, okay, like you're a teacher. But then when I wanted to stop teaching, I went through all of this stuff because I'm like, wait a second, but I'm, I'm a teacher, how am I supposed to change. And so as you were talking, all I could hear was just how you were continuing to adapt, and how you were continuing to just allow the change. And allowing the change doesn't mean that you're not going to feel frustrated doesn't mean that you're not going to feel uneasy or uncomfortable. Like, God doesn't promise those didn't

Juli Wenger: 35:32

keep us in the discomfort. Absolutely, that's a promise,

Unknown: 35:36

right. And that's how, and that's what so many people like, don't want, they think that once they get the thing, I'll be done with being uncomfortable. But the trick is, and this is what you'll start learning when you buy this book, the trick is to start learning to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Juli Wenger: 35:57

That's exactly what's been in this podcast series is as Jesus followers, we need to become comfortably uncomfortable. And I've loved that. And like see, this is the provision piece, right? Like everything's overlapping Yes, of what you're saying and what I'm hearing. And here's the other promise, though, okay. It's like, yes, you will have trouble. But I got you. Yes, I'm there with you. I am surrounding you. And there have been these interesting moments, because I started therapy, right. And my therapist is a Christian. And she's phenomenal. And so like, we have these moments where we're like praying, and we're revisiting old stuff in a safe environment. And I've had these couple of moments where one of them was about when I was bullied as a teenager, and I don't talk too much about the bullying in this book. And I'm not sure why he didn't lead me there. But I think we'll probably go there in the next one. And I had this vision of me on the school grounds on the tarmac, and this former best friend, and my other former best friend are just like standing there screaming at me. And there were some kids that were kind of standing between me and them. And this was something that went on for like, two years. Ish. I don't even remember exactly, because the trauma, impact of it is like it's fuzzy. It's all blurry. Yeah. But she asked me, she says, Where? Where was God? Like, What was Jesus in this? And I had this like, very clear picture of him standing behind me with his hands on my shoulders. And this army of angels with like, big shields, right? Like when you think old Roman shields that are the size of your body, like between me and her. And I was like, wow, like, even then he was protecting me. And he was shielding me from attack. Yeah, even though I had to go through all of the stuff and all of that stuff has built me. And it's not like, you know, everything that we go through, that's traumatic. It's like, oh, well, we needed that to, like, no, no, like, not, not all things are good for us. But things happen because the world is broken yet, but it's just like, wow. And then a few weeks later, this was more recent, we were talking about just like the chaos. And I don't even remember exactly what the context was. But I had a picture again, of like a pillar of fire reference in Exodus where there's like a pillar of fire at night, and there's a like Cloud or whatever it day, right? This picture, this pillar of fire. And like I was inside of it in this, like, rest in this column and this piece, and he's like, I got you like, we are centered. And we are grounded. And we are rooted here and around like these big waves, but it was like, you know, like a big salad bowl. And the curvature of that is like the waves on the water was all pushed away, and that kind of a shape. And it's like, I am holding all of this at bay. And I'm keeping it away from you. So just stay here. And then again, with the layers is listening to Mike Todd preach about how, as Jesus followers, here's what happens, okay, here's why it's like bad stuff happens sometimes, is we have a path. And we have protection. And a lot of what the Bible teaches is, teaches us how to stay within the bounds of the grace and the protection that is offered to us. But sometimes when our humanity gets in the way, we step out of there. And we step out into this is how he put it, we step out into a war zone, and then we get hit. And we're like, God, why did you let that thing happen? To me, he's like, if you would just stay here where I told you to be, right, like, then that wouldn't have happened. And we have to deal with the consequences of the choices that we make. And there's a parallel there to where in the book we talk about. There's our path and it's like a highway, and we can choose to build barricades and off ramps And when we take the off ramps, things go, they get bumpy, and they don't go the way that we want them to go. And we're like, what he's like, I didn't tell you to be there. So come back over here. And it's bumpy getting back onto our path, because there are consequences of the things that we were choosing to do, right? That he never told us to do in the first place. Right? And I feel like, I'm sure that I'm still going to do that, okay, because I'm human. And it can be very hard headed. And sometimes I circle the block a few times. And sometimes

Unknown: 40:31

it's hard to interpret what we're being called to do.

Juli Wenger: 40:36

And sometimes we don't hear him so clearly, right.

Unknown: 40:38

Oh, I thought you meant to do that. Oh, no. All right.

Juli Wenger: 40:42

I thought the book was gonna launch may 31. I was like, we're heading this. No, we're not. Yeah. And, but you know, I just, I think about that, and how things can get difficult. But when we are in a place of being intentional about, okay, I'm going to stay here to the best of my ability, I'm going to stay wherever here is with you. Because ultimately, whenever I move to where I'm going, it's still a version of here. And if you're ordering my steps, and you're directing it, you're straightening the path, like I just have to trust your timing. And I've tried to do it my own way enough times, and it's burned me enough times, that I just don't want to go through that anymore. Rightly, right plan has to be better than this right has to be. So let's just do that instead. Yeah.

Unknown: 41:34

Yeah. And that requires stepping out of what the world tells us to do, and how we're supposed to show up and how we're supposed to live our life. And instead, take several steps, like take several seats, and let things happen, you know, and just like he's back

Juli Wenger: 41:54

all the way up. He told me last night when I'm trying to plan this course, and I'm having this conversation, he's like back all the way up. Just stop. Just stop, come back to me tomorrow, like, but this ties into I think two and you're talking about the whole teacher thing. And I just want to make sure that we touch on this because this is one of the key key pieces within the context of the book is that your identity is not teacher. Right? Right. Who you are is not teacher who I was was not realtor. Yeah, it was not successful business woman. Yeah. And when we can step out of that we understand the who and whose we are we answer that question, which we go through, tactically and tangibly in the booking process. For you. It's like, I'm literally taking you through what he took me through. And he's turned it into a process and something linear, which I'm thankful for, because my brain bounces all over the place. And so stepping out of that, and detaching from I am this thing, I am this title, I am this role, because then we attach our worth to that, and instead getting clarity on No, I am love and joy and strength and light and grace. Yeah, whatever your I Am, is our anchor. And this is how he's reflected in me and how I reflect Him and my value is actually in him, not in outside perceptions. And I can find that within myself. That's what gives us the clarity to then go dig up, like, what is our purpose? And what is the call, and he may give you something really clear, and he may not, but it's kind of like, it's an essence, right? Like, it's not something super concrete, and we can put language around it. And that helps. But it's again, it's an anchor. And, you know, it's one thing I'm thinking about quickly, and then we'll start to wrap this up. But as I was chatting with my friend, Jason, who's been on the podcast a number of times, and he's been so integral in this journey, like that's just been one of those prevision points for me, but we were talking about spiritual gifting, actually. And he was like, you know, some people know what it is, and some people never find out but as long as you're in a position of like following and being available, then he'll just use you how he needs to use you and your gift exists or gifts or like they'll shift or whatever, but like it's not about I need to know so that I can put a label on it. It's a I need to be willing to show up and to love better and to serve more and to be be available to here's the verses on my wall let letting perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. You don't have to lack anything. That's the definition of fulfilled I think, right? Like let him fill you so you can operate from a place of overflow and follow the path which is built for you. So yes, it's going to be exciting and yes, it's going to be something that fires you up And those things combined ultimately are freedom. It's not just like this financial thing of I make lots of money, and I go on lots of trips, and I like live the life. It's my, my soul knows that I'm doing what I'm built for. And I'm doing it with the one that I'm built for. And that as much as there's been a lot of suck in this journey, that has been a joy. And that has been fulfilling. And that has been, what keeps me going. Right when it gets crappy, and it will. So there's, yeah, there's that. Well, as thoughts,

Unknown: 45:50

I was gonna say, as we wrap up, I'm curious if you could celebrate something about this process. I think that we've kind of, I think that throughout this episode, we've really touched on a lot of things that are like, celebrate worthy, we've just done a very conversational kind of style. We haven't really like intentionally said, I want to celebrate this thing. But I just want to give you a minute. Like as we close this, to just really take this all in and celebrate yourself and celebrate what he's led you to celebrate that this has happened, that this is here, that the you have people behind you people lifting you up, and people behind this project, people who truly get it, and that this will touch people who are trying to get it.

Juli Wenger: 46:53

What's really present for me in this moment is that I said yes, that there are so many little things, and there are things that I could get so into the weeds on. But ultimately, this is a project that I could have said no or not yet or pushed off or just, you know, I think I'm just hearing things and it's not you. Yeah. And with a yes comes a continual choosing. We talked about this a lot in the book, too, of saying, I'm choosing to trust you. And choosing to and so I'm celebrating the Yes. And the mostly unapologetic pneus of it sometimes it's been like, oh, no, but like, Yep, let's go, let's do this thing. And as a true Enneagram to that is for all the other people all the time. I am celebrating that the potential for transformation and the potential for this to reach people and to speak to them exists because of that. Yes, yeah. Because fundamentally like, and I will celebrate, right, like this is a major accomplishment. I'm not downplaying that at all. But there is this theme. And this was a piece of talking about purpose. And I don't remember what chapter it's in, but talking about this story in the Bible, of walking up this river, and being guided up this river, and this man is LED and he crosses, and then he's led a certain distance, and he crosses again, and it's deeper, and he's led a certain distance, and he crosses and it's deeper. And the rivers like flowing out of the temples was kind of like God, you know, like his presence. And then they get to this point where he can't cross without swimming because it's too deep. And he turns around, and it says he was surprised to see trees, all along this riverbank. And you remember this because you've read the book, but it was like the trees. This was one of those like Holy Spirit moments for me of the trees are people and it was talking about how they will produce fruit and they won't wither and they won't die. And it was very representative for me of we all have this path to walk that were created for and when we walk it, we have the opportunity to reach and to love and to show up for other people that have been assigned to us that have been placed along our path. And if we don't show up, they don't get that transformation. They don't have that opportunity. And that has been such an important motivator and visual for me in All of this, if I just keep going, then these people can get more of him. And if I just keep going, there is just so much opportunity for healing and me my calling is to create a world that has more love and compassion and justice and not a fight for his people and bring them home. Right. So the, the identity and the purpose and the getting out of our own way, like those are just the conduits. And those are the zones of genius and the superpowers that he's given me among, you know, some other things. But yeah, so all of that.

Unknown: 50:45

I love it. Beautiful. I think that's perfect.

Juli Wenger: 50:48

Okay, so to close out, here's what, here's what we're gonna do. Number one. Thank you, Jesus did it.

Unknown: 50:58

Let's just, let's point

Juli Wenger: 50:59

the finger in that upward direction. Like this was not me on my own. This was not us on our own, like, well just acknowledge that. Number two, if you haven't got the book yet, please, please, please go grab the book. It doesn't matter if it's launch week, or if it's three years later that you're listening to this, but either you are being called to this or someone in your life is. And I really believe that if you're listening to this, that is the case. And keep track of what we're up to. Because there are some exciting new god projects that are on the way. We, from a podcast standpoint, as we wrap this episode up, I'm taking a month to two months off of recording. So we're doing something we're going to call fan favorite summer, which may lead into fan favorite fall. Love, I'm not sure for zooming in, in September or October yet, but it's going to be a season of intentionally creating space to both refuel and to build up these new god projects. So make sure to tune in for episodes about all things no comparison and impostor syndrome. And we've picked out a few there that have been really impactful for people. Yeah, and if you're interested in the course, which I don't have a lot of details for you on because he's got me reengineering a bit of my own plans are ditching them completely, let's be real, we are going to post in the show notes, a interest to sign up for them. So that we just have a list of anyone who wants to walk through this journey of knowing who you are, and getting out of your own way and living your purpose in a more intentional and supportive container. Because to take this stuff and implement it for some of you it's going to be I'm going to read the book. And that's going to be like enough to spark me and send me off on my way. Yep. And the the people who are maybe a little more like me and me that like to circle the block a little bit. Sometimes we need more context or support or structure. So the course may be for you. Heads up to the audio book is coming. I'm hoping September, but we'll see what his timing looks like. And we are dreaming about the work along journal. So just make sure that you're following us on Instagram and Tiktok and Facebook and wherever you are. Kind of except LinkedIn because I don't spend a lot of time there. Let's just be honest. It's not my jam. Oh, good. Yeah, I think that's, I think that's the things and the stuff. That's the

Unknown: 53:42

thing, man. Okay. Whoa, all right.

Juli Wenger: 53:48

And I'm hoarse even because they saying all weekend like the froggy, but we're doing this anyway. Because absolutely, you know, what's the next step record the podcast with Laura, also, thank you for being in my corner and supporting me in this whole journey because you have been phenomenal. And it's just been a relief to have you so it's been a joy, all my gratitude. Okay, until we're back in the fall, but stay tuned for episodes over this. Next are already prepped and ready to go because we're smart like that. All my love Virtual hugs. I hope this episode stirred something up in you or gave you some hope. Until next time, know that you are enough that everything in you that has been placed in you has been put there to help you carry out the calling that is on your life. If you've enjoyed this podcast, please please please hop into wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a positive review for us. And then the links that we mentioned during the episode will be in your show notes. So make sure to check those out too. Until next time, I love the joy be strong and courageous and be too much I dare you