What Would You Do if You Ran the World?
October 16th, 2009
Welcome 
Shelly Rachanow, author of “What Would You Do if You Ran the World?: Everyday ideas from women who want to make the world a better place…” to the Living the Life of My Dreams interview series. Thank you Shelly for taking the time to share with our readers your story of succcess and encouragement.
Tell us about the path you traveled to arrive where you are today:
Ever since I can remember, I wanted to be an author (I’ve had a book in my hand ever since I could hold one). But I sort of took this detour down People Pleasing Lane and ended up an attorney, and I was really miserable in that profession. In 2003, a friend in his late twenties died instantly of a heart attack. I realized I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life doing what I didn’t want to do. That gave me the courage to take a chance and say yes to my dream.
That same year, I moved to California and began writing. My first book, If Women Ran the World, Sh*t Would Get Done, which celebrates women and the fabulous things we do, came out in 2006 and it was also translated into Korean in 2007. In that book, I asked a question…What would you do if YOU ran the world?…that really resonated with my readers. Many sent letters and emails answering this question by sharing great ideas for making the world a better place, and I was more and more inspired as time went on. This led to my second book, What Would You Do If YOU Ran the World?: Everyday ideas from women who want to make the world a better place, which came out in February.
What kept you moving forward on the days things were not going exactly the way you were hoping they would?
My friend’s sudden death was a huge awakening for me. I hit a place where I just wasn’t willing to settle, be it in a career or in life overall. Sure, it was scary figuring out how to earn a living writing while also working on my first book idea (I temped and did technical writing). And there were plenty of self-doubt moments. But there was part of me that knew I would always regret it if I didn’t give myself that chance and that permission to pursue my dreams. Thinking about my friend who didn’t have that choice kept me going.
What piece of advice would you give to someone who has decided they would like to live in a world of their own creation?
Oftentimes we are so good at doing for others, or doing what we think others want us to do, that we lose our connection to what matters most to us. Know that you are completely worthy and deserving of the life YOU want. There really are no limits unless you decide to believe them or impose them on yourself. So think big. Imagine big. And live fully! Say YES to yourself…and feel good about it!
What special things do you do for yourself daily to maintain your momentum and energy levels?
As often as I can, I go down to the beach near my home and watch the ocean. The ocean has a way of calming me down if I’m super busy or super stressed, and it’s the best creative jumpstart whenever I need it. No matter what might be happening in my life, when I’m by the ocean, I feel peaceful, blissful, and totally relaxed. For me, the ocean is better then ice cream (though ocean and ice cream together is a total win win!!)
The other thing I do is that I always have a coloring book on standby. Coloring completely takes my mind off of things and really helps me relax. When it’s time for me to resume thinking about a project or issue, I’m ready with a fresh perspective. And these days, there’s no one to tell me I need to stay between the lines!
Who has inspired you and what is it about them that you found inspirational?
My mom is one of the most amazing women I know. Not only did she survive raising me (I was very dramatic), she also raised my sister and my brother, who has many special needs. Day in and day out, she did so much, and one day it occurred to me…while my mom is extraordinary, she is not unique. Like so many women, she gets amazing things done. That’s why I decided to write books that honor and celebrate her and the millions of women like her.
Anything I missed that you would like to share?
Anne Frank once said, “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world?” That’s true for the world and our own individual worlds.
Whatever ideas you have to make the world and your world a better place – start today!
I encourage everyone to take a few minutes and visit Shelly’s website at: www.WhatWouldYouDoIfYouRanTheWorld.com to connect with her today!
Be sure to watch Shelly in action here ~ What Would You Do If You Ran The World?
In gratitude,
Caryn, “The manifesting queen” set your mind to it and create it today!
http://www.CarynFitzGerald.com
EmbracingMyJourney L.L.C. was created by Caryn FitzGerald in 2008.
Caryn, known as "The Manifesting Queen" is a motivational columnist, speaker and writer, she has been featured in and published several books, including "Tulips In The Sand" "Fish Sticks, Books and Blue Jeans" “Manifest Success” “Visual Arts Junction Interviews” & “Online Marketing Success Stories..."
Caryn is a domestic violence survivor who has triumphed over a 10-year battle with anorexia and bulimia. She is a wife, mother, writer, speaker, blogger, coach and a health food enthusiast Click to connect with Caryn at her website Or click here to get inspired by her latest ebook “Living the Life of My Dreams” There may be paid links on this page, click here to read the blog disclaimer.
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If I ran the world, I would delegate my Authority to the 6.0+ billion inhabitants and let each of them know through a global conciousness that they are self empowered to create and control their own destiny. Is it really that simple? Hmmmm………
What a fabulous book title Michelle, I wish you much success and freedom to be all that you will be.
Brian J. Donley
Author, The Original Psychology of Success – Methods to Attain a Positive, Powerful Winning Personality!!!
Thank you, Shelly, for sharing your passion with us. You’re an inspiration!