🙌🏼 YOU DESERVE A HIGH-FIVE!

When was the last time someone looked you in the eye and said, “I’m proud of you”? If it’s been too long, let me be that person today. And, let this month’s newsletter be a boost of encouragement. Inside, you’ll find what I’ve been reading, highlights from a recent author event, and a quick challenge to lift your spirits.

 📚 BOOK(S) OF THE MONTH SPOTLIGHT

I'm currently reading The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. 

Yes, I know it’s been out for years, and yes, I've seen the movie, but to be honest, some books are worth re-reading. What really inspired me to pick up this book was Dan Brown’s Masterclass on writing. I'm listening to it during my morning walks. His dedication to research and craft is incredible. He spends years on each novel, creating detailed outlines and studying every location. It's both intimidating and inspiring!

My next read:

• Summer Sisters by Judy Blume. I mentioned it in my last newsletter and am looking forward to reading it while traveling in a couple of weeks.

Now, it's your turn! Email me at sandy@sandyclements.com and tell me what book you've recently read that you'd recommend to others!

AUTHOR MEET & GREET IN HISTORIC DOWNTOWN LIBERTY, MISSOURI

What a fun day in Liberty, Missouri! Last week, Basement Books in Liberty gave my friend and me the opportunity to meet our readers at an Author Meet & Greet.

I absolutely loved it. I visited with a variety of people, but some of my favorites were the young aspiring writers who asked the most thoughtful questions: "Is writing a book hard?” "How do you get published?" "Do you ever feel like giving up?" Their curiosity and determination reminded me why I fell in love with writing in the first place.

I was there with fellow author Chalene Skinner, author of the nonfiction book 6 Rounds to Resilience. Her book offers practical tips and encouragement for someone going through a difficult chapter of life. It’s available on Audiobook and paperback and I highly recommend it!

Chalene and I met by chance at the downtown Kansas City Library Book Fair almost two years ago. Since then, we've collaborated at other author events, and she's been an amazing source of encouragement to me.

We hope to appear together again this fall at a couple of other bookstores in the area. Stay tuned for details!

🙌🏼 YOU DESERVE A HIGH-FIVE!

There's something special about getting and giving a high-five! Am I right? A simple slap of the hand signifies winning, enthusiasm, and encouragement.

As a bonus, high-fives usually come with words like "You've got this!" "Way to go!" "Good job!" or "Nice effort!"

The combination of words and action literally changes your brain chemistry. Don't believe me? Let me prove it.

Is there someone near you that you can high-five? If so, give them a high-five right now. No one near? Then try this: Look in the mirror, reach up, and give yourself a high-five. Tell yourself something positive like "You've got this" or "I'm proud of you."

Here's my challenge to you: Be your own cheerleader. Think about the most encouraging person in your life. The coach who believes in you, the teacher who sees your potential, or the coworker who always has your back. What if you spoke to yourself the way they speak to you? Starting today, you're going to be that voice for yourself.

When you've accomplished a task, give yourself a virtual high-five. Or, when you're feeling uncertain, look in the mirror, raise your hand, and tell yourself, "You've got this."

DON'T wait for others to be your source of encouragement. It's nice when external validation comes, but you might find yourself waiting indefinitely. The power is in your hands now. You're officially your own Chief Encouragement Officer.

Here's to you and the power you hold within yourself. Today is your day. I'm proud of you. High-five!

✈️  WHERE AM I GOING NEXT?

Stay tuned because my travel isn't over yet! Nashville, Tennessee, and Berlin, Germany are both on the itinerary for this fall. Stay tuned for all the inside scoop!

💌 LET'S CONNECT!

Loving this newsletter? Share it with a friend and ask them to subscribe at www.sandyclements.com!

Got a question or comment? Hit reply—I love hearing from you!

High-five, my friend!