The creators of pursuit:365 describe the book as follows: “pursuit: 365 is a book co-authored by 365 Canadian women who lead by example in the every-day pursuit of success, happiness, and achievement. This book showcases encouraging words of wisdom, motivating success stories, and inspiring initiatives to applaud. Women are drivers for progress and when we celebrate the successes of one another, we are all elevated. This phenomenal group of women are beacons for us to learn from, aspire to, and celebrate every day of the year.”

As a co-author, it is so much more than that.

Shelly Lynn Hughes, Founder/Publisher at Fresh Magazine is the driving force behind this incredible project and her desire to celebrate inspiring men and women is apparent from the moment you meet her and the pursuit: 365 team.

In business and in life, it’s imperative to surround yourself with the right people and in this group of co-authors, I have found a bright light in an otherwise challenging year. Through our mutual desire to support one another and a joint belief in the importance of sharing our personal stories, together we have all created something very special.

When it was first suggested that I would be a good fit for this project, I was hesitant. I was not sure that what I had to offer was as valuable as some of the other stories being shared. I was wrong. I was experiencing the dreaded imposter syndrome and I am grateful that I didn’t listen to that voice. As I continue to connect with my co-authors, I am regularly reminded that while everyone’s journey is different, we all essentially started from the same place. A place within each of us that wanted to create change, a place of deep desire to improve not only our life, but the life of those around us, a place of humbleness and gratitude and an understanding that life happens for us, not to us.

I have learned from the experiences of these strong women. I have gained a greater compassion for struggles I’d never previously thought about and an awareness of issues I didn’t know existed. I have been reminded that no matter how much success we achieve, everyone is battling something. I have discovered new friends, discussed interesting collaborations, and formed new partnerships.

Thank you to my fellow co-authors for reminding me daily of the internal power we each possess to create the change we want to see within ourselves.