This is the second month’s Soul Wisdom that is unique.  Last month, you were able to read the introduction to the upcoming book.  This month, I am presenting the acknowledgements to express gratitude for those who have helped me so much in the process of completing the first of a long line of books.  Your glimpse at this aspect of my writing means that soon you will find the first book available as an e-book.  At the same time I publish the e-book, I will be looking for a publisher, and working on self-publication.  I thought it fitting to express my gratitude as a fitting piece of closure for this process of completing this first book. 

Acknowledgments

      This book was initially conceived as support for the journaling program I created.  As the journaling program grew, so did the amount of information for the book.  What has actually happened is that one book has turned into about seven books, all of which have been written simultaneously.  Needless to say, this initial book has been a long time coming!  Not only have I been writing books for each aspect of the journaling program, I’ve been being a mom involved in my kid’s lives (probably too involved if you ask my teen-ager), and I’ve been maintaining a private practice along with teaching my workshops.  After writing that last sentence, I am surprised it only took 5 years to finish this as opposed to 10 years!  Due to the length of the process, I feel I have many people to acknowledge. 

     First and foremost as both a direct and indirect influence upon this offering is God.  What is written within these pages and what I teach comes not from me, but through me.  It is so amazing some of the time for me to say some of the things I say or make the connections I make.  I stand there with my mouth open knowing full well that this came from God and God alone, because I could not put this stuff together on my own.  The truth is that this is all about God.  I just listened.  Yes, sometimes I begged, but most of the time I got out of the way and let God talk.  Thank you, God, for working your magic through me.

      In the early stages of this process several people offered either inspiration for the actual book or they read through things I was writing at the time.  Lynn Mitchell was the first person to read through a version of this manuscript from five years ago.  She was also, extremely helpful by offering her business expertise.  I am very grateful to those mornings at the round table in her family room. 

     There were several brain-storming sessions with Lisa Ray, Annette Gustafson, Amy Roby, and Tony Mers.  These supportive individuals gave me time and conversation regarding any and every topic I asked them to discuss.  And, of course, Catherine Elsenbast and the Thesaurus, without these two, I would have much less understanding of the process I was teaching. 

     Lisa Ray, Annette Gustafson, Kate Roden, Krissy Hayden, and Maria Cormier also brain stormed on the Transformation Oracle Deck.  It certainly was fun for me to sit around with some of my favorite people at the Walkup table, eating, drinking, and sharing space. 

     Lynne Carey came on board and added so much enthusiasm and life blood to my efforts.  She and her sister, Karen Walker put an extensive amount of time into organizing and editing initial copy back when I thought I would be taking a more work book approach.  Neither of them will recognize this final form, but I believe I needed to go through all steps and be touched by all these different lives for this end result to manifest.  Thank you, Lynne for just talking about things so I could get my creative juices flowing.  Thank you for believing that I could and can do everything.  Not only did Lynne type out much of the original program, but she also did much of the computer work for the cards.  Mahalo

     Maria Cormier started the editing on this actual version of the work.  She also edited the Transformation Oracle Deck which goes with this book.  Her expertise is greatly appreciated.  I am thankful that she has been a part of the design team.  She assured me that I could do things that I thought initially “I couldn’t”.  Things would look very different in my life if it weren’t for Maria.

     The person most well read in this project is Krissy Hayden.  By that, I mean I literally read her the whole book.  I do much better at writing when I am reading out loud to someone (my mother taught me to read Shakespeare in this manner, she said, “you understand things better after read out loud") and Krissy was the lucky ear I bent.  She focused my writing (oh, look there’s a chicken) and helped me to clarify what I was actually trying to say.  This was a priceless contribution.  Bless you, Krissy.

     Debra Dee also helped by reading and inspiring.  There were many “intern” conversations with much tea consumed.  Thank you for helping me to think through my process.

     My final editor, Kelly McLoughlin was clearly the "right" choice.  When I found out that we shared the same birthday I knew that I had someone who would see things the way I did.  Kelly has brought joy and understanding to this process.  She is so much fun.  I am thrilled to have her working on this project.

     Kelly Hazard and Laurel Palma added tremendous typing efforts to the final copy.  Krissy Hayden is my office product and office services wizard.  If you need anything, call her at Source One Office Products.  Neither the cards nor this book would have come into existence without her.

     My illustrator is Diane Wlezian.  All I need to do is say, "I’d like something like this" and the next thing you know, there it is.  Diane is extremely talented as an artist, but is also a healer.  Her groundedness and her teaching ability has touched my life and the lives of some of my clients.  Thank you, Diane.

     These people are simply the individuals who directly touched the book.  There are so many in my life who have indirectly touched this work.  Some of the contributors I previously mentioned have both direct and indirect influence upon my efforts.   

     As for indirect influences on this work, I begin with my parents and my family of origin.  I know that they did and still do the best they can with me.  Even if you don’t understand me, you say, “that’s just Shelly”.  This seems to be all the understanding needed.  Thank you for inspiring this work.

     Never once did it cross Michael’s mind that I wouldn’t finish this book.  His confidence in my ability was never ending.  It was always “understood” that I would complete this work.  He did his best to provide me with a writing environment.  All words of gratitude lack in comparison to this type of confidence and support.   

     I have gratitude for my son, Brett, for acting as though everyone’s mom writes a book.  I also have gratitude for his being the intense and infinitely wise soul that he is.  Even in adolescence, I still experience glimpses of this ancient, compassionate soul.

     Brenna, my daughter, is a beautiful young woman for whom I am infinitely grateful.  She has been understanding in allowing me the time to complete this work even though it has taken away from our time together. 

     Susan Wisehart, thank you for helping me clear a path so that my life’s purpose could take precedence over old “stuff”.  I am eternally grateful for all you have done.

     My circle of women without whom I would have had a much more challenging time with my life, Blessed be. 

     To my singing partner, Kate, you are a phenomenal talent.  It brings me such joy to sing with you.  Also, you will never know how much those “It’s a beautiful day calls” mean to me.

     To my Hawaiian Ohana and participants, you rock.  This beautiful space of Hawaii is so inspiring; it’s land, it’s tradition and it’s people.  My experiences with this beautiful energy allowed for so much of my own personal work to occur.  I love you all.  Duke, much gratitude for your inspiration and assistance.  You helped by bringing a vast store of energy to this project.  Michaela, thank you, for showing your true soul to the world.  It is passionate, kind, loving, and generous.  Thank you for your ability to see value in life experiences that most people would only witness as hurtful or painful.  You are a treasure to this world and to the Hawaiian people.  I am very proud to call you friend.  Mahalo, nuiloa.

     To Jean Pitzo and Ace Metal Crafts, thank you for believing in me and thank you for showing the world that a company can run well, successfully, and survive as a nourishing environment for employees and customers, alike.  What you have created Jean is truly phenomenal. 

     To Mark Mitchell and State Farm, I have so much gratitude for the support and assistance you offer.  Mark, you provide your employees with a family atmosphere.  This seems to truly uphold the whole philosophy of your work.  Thank you.  Keep the Faith!

     Thank you to all of my teacher from Clara, Jane, Nina, Wendy, and Eugene at the Dance Department of Western Michigan University; Marc, Carol, Mary Frances and Seymour at the Adler School of Professional Psychology to Donna from the Institute of Advanced Perception.  You give heart and soul to your work.  It is deeply appreciated.

     To Annie, and VIBE Dance Company, Amy, Chrissy, Leah, Lauren, Megan, I am so thankful.  I cherish the dancing that we have done together, that you have done for me, and that I have been witness to.  You are all exceptionally talented women.  What a privilege for me to be a part of such an amazing group of people.

     To my best friends from childhood, Lorie Neiger, Cindy Gardner, Michelle Kubacki, and Shelly Longuski, my life would not be what it is now if it weren’t for my relationships with you.  Thank you for playing with me. 

     To all of my Writing the Soul participants, I am forever thankful for your support of my work.  It means more to me than you will ever know that you have been part of this life path.  I am honored to have served you, taught you, and shared life with you.  It is my hope that with this book, you accept my deepest gratitude.

     My life experiences both pleasant and unpleasant have brought about this work.  What you need to know is that I believe that there is something to be grateful for in each experience.  There are a multitude of names I could express to you concerning these lessons; Beatrice, Bob, Cathy, Cheryl, Dane, Darren, Dawn, Dianne, Gary, George, Greg, Gregg, Jack, Jeff, Jill, John, Karen, Josh, Julie, Judy, Ken, Kim, Lisa, Lori, Marg, Mark, Matt, Michelle, Mike, Monica, Paul, Renee, Rick, Shannon, Stephanie, and Susan. 

     And, finally to our mother Earth for providing such a fantastic home, thank you.  It is my prayer that we continue to wake up and provide you with the love and nurturance you so abundantly have shown us.  May we honor, and cherish you for years to come.

  

                                                                                         Michelle L. McClellan, Psy.D. ©