Have you ever wished a superhero would swoop in to save you during life’s tumultuous times? It can be tempting to wait for someone more capable to come along and mend what has been shattered. But what if I told you that the hero you seek is actually yourself?
INTERVIEW AND REVIEW OF THE BOOK BY KELLY FUHLMAN
By Lilly Pidgeon
Facing challenges like dyslexia, addiction, and trauma, there were moments when author Kelly Fuhlman doubted she could persevere. Even in periods of great achievement, a sense of confusion persisted.
In her heartfelt narrative, Kelly emphasizes the importance of taking control of your life and becoming your own hero rather than waiting for external salvation. She asserts, “Regardless of your life’s circumstances, or the state of your heart, I invite you to join me on a journey where we’ll discover that no matter how low you may feel, you can always rise again.”
The 128-page book (most pages are left blank for readers to engage in self-reflection) is a quick read, yet the thought-provoking questions posed at the conclusion of each chapter encourage deep contemplation. From the outset, Kelly’s honesty may resonate with you. As you progress through the tale, you might find parallels to your own experiences, and by the conclusion, you could feel compelled to invite your daring new friend for an extended lunch. Fuhlman’s straightforward writing prompts introspection, urging readers to examine their own flawed histories and uncover the redemption that transforms them into the best versions of themselves.
Having triumphed over educational obstacles due to dyslexia, Fuhlman went on to achieve an MBA and held various positions at universities and the Disney Institute, among other prestigious roles. She always believed she was destined to inspire others through speaking, and her debut work certainly reflects that aspiration.
She remarks, “You have the power to be brave and Be the Hero and Rescue Yourself. It’s your time to reclaim your purpose and healing by embracing your inner hero.” Through a blend of memoir and self-help, you may find yourself metaphorically donning that cape and standing with newfound confidence.
AN INTERVIEW WITH KELLY FUHLMAN, AUTHOR OF BE THE HERO AND RESCUE YOURSELF
Q: What central message do you hope your readers will take from your book?
A: You are enough! Even in the darkest times, you possess the ability to rescue yourself and fulfill your purpose as the hero you’ve been searching for.
Q: What key advice would you impart to your 15-year-old self?
A: Trust your own strengths (a.k.a. superpowers) and don’t let others instill doubts about your capabilities.
Q: If you could have any superhuman ability, what would it be and why?
A: I would choose the power to heal others. In my work with at-risk youth, I often witness so much pain that I wish I could embrace them and alleviate their sorrow and rage.
Q: You write, “Happiness isn’t tied to perfection; it depends on how we perceive things.” You challenge readers to consider three actions they could take to improve their self-perception. What did you do to transform your self-image?
A:
1. I came to understand that seeking approval from others is not essential.
2. I stopped comparing myself to others and recognized that our paths and timelines differ.
3. Learning to say no doesn’t imply you care any less about your loved ones; it sometimes means you need to prioritize your time for rest and recovery. You can’t give what you don’t possess.
Q: How has your self-perception evolved from your 20s to your early 40s?
A: I’ve embraced my identity as I approach 43. I can no longer afford to worry about what others think of me. My mom taught me a valuable lesson: if you have outer beauty but lack inner kindness, you’re inherently unattractive.
Q: Despite your call to be your own hero, you often acknowledge the mentors, counselors, and others who assisted you. When is seeking help important in the journey of becoming one’s own hero?
A: Every hero faces challenges with the support of mentors or allies who aid them during tough times. Throughout my life, I’ve encountered numerous heroes who have opened doors for me, redirected me towards the right path, and focused my attention on my strengths rather than my weaknesses. However, ultimately, the work to be my own hero rests with me.
BE THE HERO AND RESCUE YOURSELF:
Creating the Inner Courage to Wear Your Own Cape
By Kelly Fuhlman
Publication date: August 4, 2020
ISBN-13: 978-1950892389; Price: $13.99
Kindle Edition: May 17, 2020
ISBN-10: 1950892387; Price: $7.99
Publisher: Clovercroft Publishing
Author Website: kellyfuhlman.com
Available through Ingram, Baker & Taylor,
Amazon.com, or Clovercroft Publishing
“The reality is that the only one who can truly save us is ourselves.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kelly Fuhlman, an author, speaker, and strategic planning expert, has spent years assisting Fortune 500 companies and collaborating with educational institutions and Disney Institute, sharing insights on leadership, marketing, and business strategy. Armed with an MBA and a Bachelor’s in Communication, she specializes in developing strategies and fostering relationships within organizations and teams. As a speaker, Kelly inspires both youth and adults to recognize their inner heroes and reshape their narratives.
- Website: kellyfuhlman.com
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kelly-fuhlman-mba
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOMMJ6IxndKLpNHzHNlX8pg
- Facebook: @wearyourowncape (Be The Hero Page); @kfuhlman1 (Personal Facebook Page)
- Instagram: @kfuhlman
