I am honored today to interview Alex Blackwell who has just published his first book, Saying Yes to Change: 10 Timeless Life Lessons for Creating Positive Change.
Alex is a gifted writer and founder of the amazing blog, The BridgeMaker. Alex writes from his heart, sharing his past, even the most painful parts, so that we can be inspired, realize that we are not alone, and know that change is possible.
Can you explain your book title, “Saying Yes to Change?” What convinced you to write the book?
Saying Yes to Change is a reminder that the choice to seek positive change belongs to each of us. Except in unfortunate circumstances, we can chose to stay in a place that is toxic, destructive or unfulfilling; or we can chose to break free, seek change and begin the journey to a more rewarding, happier life.
Simply put, we own the choice to say “Yes” to change and I believe that is incredibly empowering.
I wrote the book to provide a properly sized window into my life so others can see their lives in the reflection of the window’s glass. Often we feel like we are alone with our thoughts, feelings or fears. But by being open with my path to change, might give someone the encouragement to begin their journey, too.
What overall message do you hope to share with readers of your book?
Saying Yes to Change: 10 Timeless Life Lessons for Creating Positive Change is for anyone who feels the nudge to change; and it’s for people who are already walking the paths to positive change. If you feel stuck, alone or scared, the book will inspire you to acknowledge what you need to heal or change so you can begin living a happier, more meaningful life — right now.
The book has one primary theme, or message I would like the readers to remember: Creating positive change begins with discovering one powerful truth: You cannot change or heal what you do not acknowledge.
Clearly your upbringing affected you. Can you expand how your mother’s substance abuse altered the course of your life?
Cathy, this is a deep and painful question.
My mother was an alcoholic. Later in her life, she became addicted to pain medications (narcotics). Both of her parents were also alcoholics, so I guess she never had a chance.
My most vivid, and painful, image of mother is of her sitting in a dark room, drinking. She would pull down the window shades to make sure the light didn’t come in. The only light was from the end of her cigarette.
To this day, I get triggered around 4 p.m. when the light begins to fall outside and the room grows darker. I turn on every light in the room so I don’t have to go back to that time and space.
Her abuse has altered my life by making me anxious, but it’s also made me vigilant to break the cycle for my children. I’m proud to say that I have done that.
Do you think everyone who has a troubled childhood has to “hit bottom” before they can change and shed the burden of their past? What advice do you have for others who have suffered from a similar situation?
No, I don’t.
I believe we walk the journey that is planned for each of us. Hitting bottom is not a prerequisite to surrendering the past, only becoming mindful of what the past is costing us is needed. This mindfulness can certainly happen in degrees — there’s no one size fits all.
Tell us about your amazing blog, The BridgeMaker.
The BridgeMaker connects people who are looking to walk by faith, share inspiration and celebrate positive change. The meaning of the blog’s name comes from becoming aware of where we are today and seeing where we want to be tomorrow and then making the deliberate choice to cross the bridge to discover the beautiful life waiting for us there.
What is your dream going forward? How will change continue to affect your life?
My dream is to continue sharing my heart. I don’t know where all of this is going, or how it will turn out, but I do have faith. This is my plan and I’m excited to see what’s next!
What do you like to do in your spare time?
This may sound old-fashioned, but I still enjoy hanging out with my wife, Mary Beth. I love our Saturdays of running errands, chauffeuring Emily to her events and then catching a movie, or dinner, or both.
I’m also an avid runner, Kansas City Royals baseball fan and an enjoyer (but not expert) of fine wine.
I try to spend my spare time savoring every moment — each one happens so fast.
Click here to order this inspiring book on Amazon!
Alex Blackwell is the Founder of The BridgeMaker. His first book, Saying Yes to Change: 10 Timeless Life Lessons for Creating Positive Change is now available on Amazon. Connect with Alex on Facebook.
