For several years now, I’ve been supporting entrepreneurs to write and publish their books. Our goal to get them to bestseller status. Together, we’ve experienced excellent outcomes. It’s always thrilling to witness their success. I feel a little like a mother hen watching proudly over her brood. I helped them overcome their fear of being seen.

The problem is that I hid behind their successes. I was the proverbial Wizard of Oz working my magic from behind a computer screen. I remained hidden, which is my safe zone. I’ve spent most of my career (and life) hiding, doing meaningful work with credit going to others.

So when the first book in which I’ve been published launched this week, My Camino Walk #2, I felt a combination of terror and excitement. I wanted to hide and not share with you my chapter, my story, of walking a portion of the Camino de Santiago de Compostela.

I’m proud of my story in My Camino Walks #2. That doesn’t mean there’s no fear associated with sharing it. My ego whispers, “It’s only an anthology, not your own book.” True, but it’s a fantastic anthology of twenty stories, full of wisdom, challenge, and joy. It’s an inspiring read for anyone who has ever set a goal and worked through fear to achieve it. (Read more about my Camino experience.)

What publishing this book has done for me is elevate my self-confidence. In fact, I opened the box containing my draft novel—a box sealed for over two and a half years—and finally feel ready to tackle the last major revision and get it in front of an agent. Publishing this first book has reignited excitement to publish my next book—and the one after that!

Where are you hiding behind your computer in a way that doesn’t serve you or your clients? I encourage you to push through that fear and climb that next big mountain. Trust me, the view is amazing!

If you find that you’re hiding and want to unpack why I invite you to join me on a Journey to discovery and changing the words we use in our stories.