Good morning, everyone! Welcome back to Jan-Carol Publishing's blog, Bookmarked.
Today, I'm very excited to share an interview with new JCP author Aubrie Abernethy, whose memoir Finding Peace in the Promise: A Memoir of Walking with Intention is currently available to pre-order.
This memoir evolved from a visualization Aubrie had as she struggled to find a way to lean more consciously into the last quarter of the century of her birth. What she sought was a healthier way to live, so she could be more fully present with her family and friends.
Aubrie realized that intentional walking helped to clear her headspace, creating space to examine her life. To check out the memoir for yourself, visit here.
Now, please enjoy the following interview with Aubrie about her new book!
BOOKMARKED: What would you like potential readers to know about your memoir, Finding Peace in the Promise?
AUBRIE ABERNETHY: Writing this book, my first, was one of the most joyful experiences of my lifetime. However, I had no idea I’d end up writing a memoir when I started my walking challenge! It all began when I was approaching my 75th birthday in 2022. I wanted to celebrate this milestone with gratitude for my past and hope for the future. I envisioned myself as a healthier, less anxious person who would be able to become more fully engaged with my family and friends in the last quarter of my birth century. I sought peace and contentment.
I had read the scientific data that informed me of the many benefits of walking, even for 30 minutes a day. These studies were astonishing! Physical and mental effects include: a significant decrease in the development of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure; a 50% reduction of a potentially devastating stroke; weight management; decreased risk of developing a physical disability; an increase in the size of the hippocampus which is responsible for memory and cognitive functioning; decreases in stress, anxiety, and incidents of major depression; and more peaceful sleep… to name only a few!
So, after considering this information and much reflection, I made a promise to myself to intentionally walk 1,000 miles by year’s end. Intentionality was important to me. Intentional walking helped to clear my headspace, creating room to examine my life. Three threads of intentionality wove through this tapestry: walking for personal wellness, walking for charity, and walking to inspire others.
Walking personally helped to lessen the anxiety I experienced in my day-to-day life, clearing the way for more enriching experiences with those around me. My focus was sharper, my heart more open, and my psyche more balanced.
Walking for charity in virtual walks satisfied a need I had to reach out to others in a tangible way. Each walk directly supported a charity with the proceeds that were raised. The charities I supported, all 30 of them, benefited in a small way. I am reminded of the words of an anonymous writer who once wrote, “Helping one person might not change the world, but it could change the world for one person.” That was my goal in reaching out beyond myself.
Walking to inspire others came more subtly. During the year of walking, family and friends became curious about my motivation for walking 1,000 miles. When I explained why I took on such a personal challenge, the comments and questions that followed revealed inspired ideas of their own. This was very gratifying — my heart smiled!
When it came right down to it, I adopted the mantra, “She Believed She Could, So She Did,” and began walking, one foot in front of the other, on January 1, 2022.
What was one of the most rewarding aspects of your walking journey?
One of the most rewarding aspects of my walking journey was sharing the insights and experiences with my family and friends. While walking itself was mentally energizing as the endorphins flowed through my body, I felt deep connections with those alongside me as they cheered me on. That is really what it’s all about — setting goals that not only benefit ourselves, but also in turn inspire others.
What do you hope readers take away from reading your memoir?
I hope readers of my book will be inspired to dream big and discover an avenue for themselves which will help them to live more fully into their own lives — no matter the circumstances they find themselves in. Connect with a force greater than yourself, be strong, and encourage others to become their best selves. Your life will be enriched beyond measure.
What advice do you have for aspiring authors hoping to publish a book one day?
My advice to aspiring writers is to recognize that all of us have a story to share. Since this is my first book, I know how intimidating the idea might be. I encourage writers to believe in themselves, surround themselves with “helpers,” as Mr. Rogers was known to say, and take a chance that what you have to say might bring clarity to your life and make a difference in the life of your reader. It all starts with one step…
Is there anything you’d like to say to the supporters in your life?
Oh yes! The experiences of my walking challenge, followed by a second year of writing my memoir, Finding Peace in the Promise, were made more meaningful knowing my cheerleaders actually walked alongside me in several incidents or vicariously in their own daily lives. An endeavor like this is not accomplished in isolation, but rather with lots of moral support! My husband, Jim, was my “soul” supporter, encouraging me to stay strong. We simplified our life, and he’d send me off walking in rain or shine, with a huge hug and warm smile. Jim was my rock!
My wonderful family and friends were my steadfast fans, as were my church community, and social groups. My dear friends, Nancy Barrigar and Pam Blair, helped me immensely as they guided me to publication with their literary support and scholarly edits. And a big shout out to Janie Jessee, CEO of Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc., and her amazing staff — Tara Sizemore, Draco Bailey, and Allison Chudina — for their editing, publishing, marketing, distribution, and promotion of this memoir. Thank you for partnering with me during this exciting journey!
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Thanks again, Aubrie, for a great interview! And tune in this Friday to hear a podcast interview with the author you won't want to miss.
Until next week, thanks for reading!
Allison Chudina
Editorial Assistant
Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc.
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