I'm Ready To Make Changes…But Where To Begin?

I don’t often come across something that excites me enough to recommend it but here I am, excited to have Alex Blackwell of The Bridgemaker as my guest today.  My very first guest…ever!  

Alex is the author of a wonderful book I’ve just read “Saying Yes to Change: 10 Timeless Life Lessons for Creating Positive Change” and he has generously agreed to an interview. 

Alex’s story could be that of any one of us.  He shows how he stopped looking at what was, at who he was, and how he dumped all that baggage he carried around.  No easy task…to ask ourselves to die to the old in order to embrace the new. Alex makes the path easier, helps light the way with his heartwarming examples and tools that everyone of us can use.

Alex guides us, step by step, sharing techniques and tips that make it all look like a piece of cake, yet manages to keep it real.  Talking of which, I had to stop from time to time and take stock of my own experiences, as I answered, for myself, some of the questions Alex reflects upon.

Welcome Alex:

Did you have one particular insight or experience that led you to write your book?

It’s been a story in the making for the past nine years. In 2003, my life was at a crossroads. On the verge of losing my wife, I decided it was time to change. The spiritual and personal formation seminar I mention early in the book provided the kick start needed.

A few years later, I started The BridgeMaker. It was soon clear that my message, and personal journey, resonated with many readers. So, long answer short, I decided to put my story in one place, a book, to inspire others to begin walking their paths to positive change, too.

How do you envision your readers putting the basic tenants of your book into daily practice?

Elle, I think each reader will interpret my story differently. Through my transparent approach, I hope each reader will find the tenants that speak to them and then embrace those.

And to that point, the purpose behind my transparent storytelling approach is to provide a properly-sized window into my life so others can see their lives in the reflection of the window’s glass. Often we feel like we are alone with our thoughts, feelings or fears. But by being honest with how I feel, may give someone the encouragement to be honest with their feelings, too.

What kind of changes would you expect they’ll experience in their lives with that disciplined daily practice?

That depends on some many factors. But with any intentional approach, I would expect change to happen gradually and incrementally.

There’s a metaphor I like to use, “You can’t eat an elephant in one bite.” It’s the same with change. The thing we want to change didn’t just appear suddenly – it appeared over time, so we must change it over time, too.

Though this approach may seem daunting, be sure to celebrate the progress made each day. Small things do become big things, eventually.

You discuss listening to your inner philosopher.  How so?  And is this practical for most of us?

I do.

I believe all of us are blessed with an inner voice, which speaks for our inner wisdom. Some call this “listening to their gut,” or “using their common sense.” No matter how you refer to your inner philosopher, it serves an important purpose in our life – it guides us to the truth.

A change of pace….you know I love quirky.  What’s your favourite flavour of ice cream?

I love the differences between British and American words. My favorite flavor of ice cream is Butter pecan – yum!

Back to the topic on hand.  What was the most surprising thing you learned whilst writing this book?

I learned that writing is like medicine for my soul. Writing helps me go to places in my past I wouldn’t visit otherwise and then it helps me heal these places by acknowledging they no longer have power over me.

Writing is a discovery process for me. Even though I have a goal or idea in mind, I really don’t know where I’ll end up until I start writing. This process helps see things with a clarity, and a confidence, that is peaceful – and freeing.

Now you know why I’m so excited about Alex and his book.  Want to know more?  Check out the following:

Alex Blackwell is the Founder of The BridgeMaker. His first book, Saying Yes to Change: 10 Timeless Life Lessons for Creating Positive Change is now available on Amazon. Connect with Alex on Facebook.

Encourage one another.

Love Elle.

xoxo