A weekly newsletter from Dr. Brenda, Money Coach​

Life is About . . . Catching a Break

Over the last few weeks, I've been thinking about a single word - REJECTION. As an entrepreneur, rejection seems to come with the territory, a constant companion on my journey. But is it genuinely rejection, or merely a detour pointing me toward my true path? This morning, I was reminded of trip down a quiet country road in Florida in my RV. There I was, following my GPS when suddenly, a yellow yield sign loomed ahead, boldly stating, "ROAD ENDS IN WATER!" With a mix of caution and curiosity, I pressed on, trusting that my campground would appear before the boat launch.

And then, just as I feared the worst, a dirt road leading to a charming little campground emerged, as if by magic. It turned into a wonderful stay - even the cats enjoyed the daily chicken parade. The truth is, out here on the road, I've had to trust technology, instincts, and strangers on more than one occasion. It speaks to the unpredictability of life, and the joy that comes from its unexpected surprises.

A New Dawn on Campus

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Parallel to this journey, my professional voyage has mirrored the uncertainty and eventual joy of discovering the right path. Last summer, I made a substantial investment, both in time and resources, towards carving out a profitable niche in the speaking world. And here's a slice of honesty: I initially ventured down what felt like the "wrong" road, or at least one that wasn't quite right for me.

My professional journey has been woven through the non-profit sector, enriched by collaborations with researchers and academia. But I found myself trying to forge connections within the corporate sphere, particularly with local Human Resources organizations, in hopes of securing speaking engagements. After months of a lukewarm pursuit, it dawned on me that I wasn't excited about delivering my talk to corporate audiences. Yes, I'm passionate about speaking, but my heart yearns to connect with college students.

So like the rooster crowing at the first rays of dawn, I'm ecstatic to announce that I stand on the brink of securing my first paid engagement at a local university. The journey here has been winding, peppered with daily challenges (which I refuse to label as rejections), but here's what I've come to believe: everyone deserves a chance. Just a sliver of an opening. A moment to showcase our unparalleled talents.

This upcoming gig is not just an event; it's my springboard into the collegiate speaking circuit. I'm a firm believer in the power of word-of-mouth; my aim is to leave a lasting impression that opens more doors than ever before. This winding road has led me to exactly where I need to be! And I'm more than ready to leap through those open doors.

Coming Soon: Goofy TikTok Adventures

For those of you who've been keeping up with my newsletters this year, you're already in the loop about my new book – Money Road Trip: Chart your Course to Financial Freedom (buy it here). This gem of a book should be on the bestseller list in the personal finance realm. But without a marketing squadron or a publishing giant in my corner, I've had to to roll up my sleeves and dive into the world of DIY promotion.

So, dear friends, brace yourselves for an onslaught of goofiness on TikTok! Let's just say my videos will feature a play mat and some zippy Hot Wheels cars. Strangely enough, venturing into the wilds of TikTok has been like opening the floodgates of my creativity. This whole endeavor could either crash and burn or skyrocket to viral fame. Curious to see which way it'll go? Swing by my Linktree page and find your way to my TikTok profile - give me a follow and join in on the fun!

Wishing you a super week, and an open door!