As a kid, I spent a lot of time inhaling books and pondering the universe (this did NOT make me popular on the playground). Decades later, I’m still doing the exact same things. I have gratefully written a few books along the way, mentored hundreds of writers as the executive director of Story Summit, and taught years of classes in A Course in Miracles (which, for me, holds the answers to all those universal questions I started asking so long ago).
In this newsletter, writing and life meet in stories, reflections, prompts, and programs. My hope is that A World of Your Own will help you live more deeply and write more truly so you can live in the world you create.
“I’ll do whatever it takes.”
That’s the attitude I had when I quit my job at age 29 to be a freelance writer — right in the middle of a divorce — knowing I would have to support myself. That attitude was everything, and I repeated it to myself like a mantra: I’ll do whatever it takes to make this work. If it meant flipping hamburgers or running a cash register, I’d do it. The dream was more important than any task I might have to take on along the way.
When I quit, I had one week’s worth of work lined up, but I wasn’t worried. I was all in, and I had no doubt—and no resistance. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was living a powerful equation:
Goal + clarity + willingness = success.
I got the divorce, and my freelance writing career grew. I said yes to every assignment and saw them all as stepping stones — and those stepping stones kept the bills paid. In the first couple of years, it was a huge win when I could pay rent and buy a bicycle at the same time. Abundance.
But now, many years later, I find myself with a project that feels hard. Discouraging. Like I’m pushing a boulder up a hill. This morning I asked myself: Why does this feel so difficult?
The answer surprised me:
I’m not “all in.”
Instead of the “whatever it takes” attitude, my thoughts have been:
I don’t like doing this.
I hope someone else will take care of it.
I’ll do some things — reluctantly, half‑heartedly — but I really want to put my energy elsewhere.
No wonder it’s felt like pushing a boulder. My energy has been split — wanting results, but not fully willing to do what it takes.
So I tried on the all‑in energy. What if, instead of feeling defeated, I decided I’d do whatever it takes to make it work?
It clicked. The resistance dissolved. Suddenly, I felt energized instead of exhausted. Excited instead of resentful.
And my guides, of course, had something to say about this:
“Isn’t it ironic that when you decide to do whatever it takes, you end up needing to do far less?”
They’re right. I’m no longer fighting myself. I’m aligning with my own desires instead of pushing back.
That shift — from ego mind to higher self — has changed everything. Work that felt heavy now feels light, and effort has turned into flow. The project feels like an adventure now rather than an obligation.
“I’ll do whatever it takes” sounds like committing ourselves to hardship — hard labor, paying dues, endless struggle. And it is when we come to it through the ego, which thinks we don’t deserve to be happy or realize our dreams.
But when we say “I’ll do whatever it takes” from our higher self, we’re acting from abundance — abundance of time, energy, enthusiasm, and desire.
Sure, I’ll do whatever it takes, because I know my guides and angels and Spirit will be helping me.
Sure, I’ll do whatever it takes, because I know I can’t fail.
Sure, I’ll do whatever it takes, because it feels good to have a dream and move toward it.
This is the power of being all in. It connects us to our own strength, our own flow, and to Spirit itself. Instead of trying to dredge up artificial energy, we tap into the real source — the place in us that knows we are worthy and capable.
The difference is night and day. And the results? They can’t help but follow.
Saying I’ll do whatever it takes might mean more action for a little while. But ultimately, it makes everything easier.
I definitely want that for myself, and I want it for you, too.
With blessings,
Deb
Prompts for writing or reflection
Where in your life — or in your writing — are you truly “all in”? Where are you holding back?
What would shift if you stopped resisting and decided to do whatever it takes?
How might being all in actually make things easier, lighter, or even more joyful?
What support (spiritual or practical) becomes available to you when you step fully into willingness?
Announcing:
I’m offering a new class…exclusively for my paid Substack subscribers
For a while now, I’ve wanted to teach a class called InPowerment.
The inspiration first came to me last November, when there was so much fear in the world. People expressed concern about “those in power” and what might happen next. But the guidance I received was different. It said:
Our true power isn’t “out there.” It’s within us.
We don’t need to be empowered by something external.
We need to be InPowered — connected to the source of power that’s already inside us.
That single insight changed everything for me.
As I continued to listen to guidance, I realized InPowerment was only one part of the picture. The full vision includes:
InPowerment
InCouragement
InBodiment
InLightenment
These four principles will form the foundation of the 12-week journey I’m offering this fall.
Why this matters for life — and writing
This program isn’t just spiritual theory; it’s practical transformation you can apply to every part of your life. And if you’re a writer, you’ll discover that everything we cover — clarity, courage, trust, self-compassion — directly fuels your creative work. The way you show up for your writing will mirror the way you show up for yourself.
Why Substack?
I’ve led many courses and retreats over the years, but this is the first time I’m offering a program directly through Substack. That means:
You’ll receive weekly teachings, meditations, and journaling prompts right in your inbox.
We’ll meet every other week on live Zoom calls for coaching and connection.
You’ll receive a special PDF workbook with prompts and reflections to deepen your experience.
Normally, a program like this would cost several hundred dollars. But by hosting it on Substack, I can offer it to my paid subscribers for just the cost of an annual or monthly subscription.
Special pre-launch offer
An annual subscription to my Substack is typically $100, but through August, I’m offering it for $80. When you become a paid subscriber at this special rate (annual or monthly), you’ll receive:
The entire 12-week InPowerment program this fall.
A full year of my weekly Substack columns.
Monthly group coaching sessions.
Surprises and bonuses I’ll reveal along the way.
Are you all IN?
Over the next couple of weeks, I’ll share more details about the program, but if you already know you want to join me, simply upgrade to paid.
And if you’re already a paid subscriber, you’re all set. Thank you for your support. Hope to see you on this inner adventure!
“A WORLD OF YOUR OWN” IS A READER-SUPPORTED PUBLICATION. To receive new posts and support my work, please consider becoming a paid subscriber.
A NOTE TO MY READERS: I write “A World of Your Own” as a member of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative, which is led by Julie Gammack, of Des Moines. I’m honored to be part of this group, featuring the diverse voices of more than 70 professional writers and journalists across the state of Iowa. I encourage you to check out their columns.
I worked with a man way back in the 1980s who had an expression he used whenever someone around him gave voice to optimism and positivity: "I like your altitude!" I loved it and have never forgotten it – and it's what I thought all the while I was reading your piece. This was inspiring, Deb!
I'm all in! Woof! I like the name of the new course!