Why is this subject, “Get Your Spark Back,” important in the world?
Even though the world is more digitally connected than ever, one of the most common comments and emails I receive is from women who thank me for letting them know they are not alone in this journey. I truly believe loneliness is stronger than ever, partially because social media has the potential to filter real issues and make many of us forget that most of us have stories with challenges, unexpected moments, and a whole bunch of normal.
The way I’ve found to combat loneliness is to begin to open up about experiences, as well as the path and steps it takes to get out. Now, everyone will have their own path, and one’s path isn’t a prescription for another but rather a motivator or a guide. When we share, we also encourage each other. When we encourage, we also remind others that they are not alone.
What is the pressing issue right now and how are you addressing it?
The most pressing issue right now is divisiveness and misleading information. As an author, writer, blogger, and influencer, I try to show up and be a friend to others. I don’t have all the answers, but I do have my own journey, with its twists and turns, that I’ve vulnerably shared. I encourage my readers to remember that there is always another person on the other side of the screen and to pause for a moment before hitting send. Words can get misinterpreted, and often comments are taken out of context, and the nuances of conversation are missed. I am all about talking about issues and talking about our stories, but with the posture of seeking to understand another’s perspective without cutting down the other person’s character. Seeking to understand a perspective doesn’t mean you agree, it simply means you give space for another to share.
Rachel Marie Martin Biography
What is your background in this subject?
I’ve been writing online for almost twenty years now. Over time, I’ve observed much, but I’ve always held to the belief that we are stronger, especially as women, when we use online platforms to build each other up and not tear one another down. This is why I founded FindingJoy.net. I’ve often said that for thousands of years, women have fought for a “voice” in the world, and now that we have it, the best thing we can do is show up and support each other. Strong women make waves in the world; they create ripples, and they often disrupt the norm. We need strong women who are willing to take risks, to speak up, to be advocates, and share their stories.
What is something that most people don’t know about you?
I grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during the 1980s. At that time, Minneapolis was at the heart of the computer revolution, and I remember my dad purchasing a Texas Instruments home computer from some guy’s kitchen. This man had stocked computers and had monitors above the cabinets and accessories lining the counter. These were pre-Best Buy days, in the early 80s. Shortly after bringing it home, my dad handed me a book, and as a young girl, I learned to code. In the beginning, my coding resulted in a pixelated ball bouncing across a screen, but that initial fascination with the computer’s language ignited a fire of possibility in me. My love of coding, computers, and technology, coupled with my love of writing and communication, led to a life of writing online, writing books, and speaking worldwide.
What are your passions outside of your career?
I love to run. It teaches me the discipline to keep pushing through uncomfortable things. When you push through, it makes what was once uncomfortable and comfortable, and your strength increases. In 2022, I ran one thousand miles. Initially, I was planning on running the distance between my home in Nashville and my parents in Minneapolis (about 989 miles), but then a couple of months in, I changed it to one thousand. I documented the whole path, and parts of my book have stories and lessons learned during that challenge, including the power of giving ten percent more. Little changes can lead to massive growth.
Get Your Spark Back
Tell me about your book
Get Your Spark Back: How to Find Happiness and Reignite your Life, which comes out August 27, addresses those moments in life where we wonder, “Is it too late to try?”, “What do I do now?”, and “Who am I?”, with practical encouragement and stories from my journey getting my own spark back. Thousands of women have asked me, “How do I get my spark back?”. This book is my answer to that question. In it, I tackle busting through uncomfortable money mindsets, aging, setbacks, and what to do when you simply feel lost in life. It’s meant to be a motivator and a guide. I really believe most of us want to live lives filled with vibrancy, and when we do that, we inspire others to do the same.
Where can people buy the book?
The book will be published on August 27 and will be available on Amazon, Books-a-Million, Barnes and Noble, and your local independent bookstore.
Are there any social causes that you believe in and support?
My youngest son, Samuel, was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 2011. I’ve always been an advocate for Celiac Disease research and early diagnosis. I’m also aware that for many families, the cost of a gluten-free diet exceeds their means, and many young Celiac patients end up not being able to afford to eat gluten-free. Since Celiac isn’t a wheat allergy but rather an autoimmune disorder, if one doesn’t adhere to a strict gluten-free diet, many other disorders and diseases can manifest. I don’t want any child to be unable to eat the food that would save their lives, so bringing awareness to this often-forgotten segment in the medical world is important to me.
Ishmael Martin: Inspiring Others to Chase Their Dreams(Opens in a new browser tab)
What is next for you?
Writing a book is a labor of love and time. This book has been in my head for a couple of years, and the writing process took me about a year. I’d like to take a bit of time off from writing and devote it to speaking and sharing about this book. And I’d like to run a marathon before I turn fifty which is approaching rapidly.
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