Real Stories about Real People to Entertain, Inspire and Challenge You. Get inspired to step out of your box and into a world full of potential. From the corporate world, to the arts, to working with the disenfranchised – the message is clear. There is no such thing as a normal way to live your life and no one right solution to any problem. Selected from amongst over 100 interviews, the stories shared here open a window on the journeys of seven women and three men who have charted their own path, including Ruthie Davis – top U.S. luxury shoe designer and the winner of the 2014 AAFA Footwear Designer of the Year award – and Geir Ness whose perfume is a staple in Nordstrom, Disney World and on Disney Cruise Lines. Enjoy a glimpse behind the scenes into the unique ways these individuals chose to deal with life’s challenges and how they define success in their careers.
My Thoughts:
This book tells the stories of ten unique individuals who have gained success and notoriety in their careers. They work in a variety of industries including but not limited to photographers, artists, shoe designers and creators of top selling perfumes. Reading this book felt like reading a chronological journal of sorts. The author steps readers through the moments and events that led each individual to the pinnacle of their career. Some individuals are successful with each step of the journey while others falter before hitting their stride. While I expected this book to be all about success within the structured work environment I was most pleased to see how often interviewees focused on success outside of their careers. This book may have been about the unique journey that led each individual to the top of their industry, but in many instances the subjects of each story talked about their children and family as the most important accomplishment in their lives. Here are a few of my favorite quotes that focus on life outside of work:
“Happy family, good kids, being a good mum – that’s more important to me than anything.” “My son is my angel. He made me really look at myself so I could become a better mother and a better person. I had to learn new ways to take care of myself. The one thing in my life that I really want to know I have succeeded at is that I’ve raised a respectful man.” “We get so caught up in the dollar value of things that that becomes more important than where your heart is.” “Even in the face of challenge, it’s important to find the courage to live a life of purpose. When you live a life of purpose and share it with the world, it awakens and inspires others to do the same.”
As a personal finance blogger it is easy to get caught up in the ways and means to earn an income. It is important to remember that life is not about saving every penny and swimming in your sea of gold like Scrooge McDuck. The goal is to keep an eye on the important things in life. To focus on friends, family and the relationships that bind us to one another. I particularly like this quote:
“I measure success by how I feel in the morning. If I’m happy, looking forward to the day, pain free, injury free, healthy, my family happy – then I am WAY successful. “
I feel the exact same way!
Author’s Bio:
Marilyn R. Wilson is a freelance writer and editor with a passion for interviewing. It all began in 2006 when the she answered a Craigslist ad from a NY magazine asking for story submissions. Two were accepted. The first live interview was life changing and Wilson has never looked back. With over 150 interviews now behind her, the love of interviewing is still as strong as ever. Whether through a random encounter on the New York subway or via a “one-on-one” interview with an internationally recognized artist, the goal is the same—to share the unique journeys of inspiring individuals. In 2007, this goal led the author to co-launch a successful, innovative magazine focused on professionals working in the fashion industry, paired with photography and illustrations by local artists. Now on staff at Raine Magazine (NY/Miami/LA), as well as freelancing for other publications, Wilson has taken her passion to a new audience with the release of her first book.
Disclosure of Material: I received this book for free, but the opinions I have expressed are my own.
Thanks so much for taking the time to read and review Life Outside The Box. I love what you brought away from it right down to giving a couple of your favourite quotes. The part I love the most was your pointing out that the personal side was there as well, “. While I expected this book to be all about success within the structured work environment I was most pleased to see how often interviewees focused on success outside of their careers. This book may have been about the unique journey that led each individual to the top of their industry, but in many instances the subjects of each story talked about their children and family as the most important accomplishment in their lives.”