Michelle Bishop is the author of the new book Choose You First. She is also a blogger and a life coach.
Q: What inspired you to write Choose You First?
A: My journey has been marked by profound challenges, from a tumultuous childhood and surviving domestic violence to battling breast cancer and losing the love of my life.
Through these experiences, I discovered the transformative power of finding your own strength and living a more authentic life—a lesson I felt compelled to share. By opening my heart and sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to embark on their own paths toward healing and self-love.
Q: How was the book’s title chosen, and what does it signify for you?
A: The title Choose You First encapsulates the essence of my message: prioritizing oneself is not an act of selfishness but a vital step toward living a life that serves you and your loved ones too. It’s the concept of putting your own oxygen mask on first.
Throughout my journey, I realized true healing and fulfillment begin when we honor our own needs and desires. This title serves as a powerful reminder that embracing self-love empowers us to be more present and nurturing for those we care about.
Q: How would you describe your relationship with your parents?
A: My relationship with my parents was complex and challenging, contributing significantly to the adversities I faced in my early life.
Navigating this tumultuous dynamic was difficult, but it also became a catalyst for my journey to resilience and self-discovery. Through these experiences, I learned the importance of forgiveness, inner-strength, setting healthy boundaries, and prioritizing my own well-being.
My mother passed in 2003, fallen by her disease of mental illness and choosing to self-medicate through alcohol abuse. I was at peace by her passing as she was no longer bound by her earthly demons.
My story is a wonderful love story for my father. As a child-parent relationship develops and grows, he has been a constant source of consistent strength and role model.
Q: What impact did it have on you to write this memoir, and what do you hope readers take away from it?
A: Writing Choose You First was a cathartic and freeing experience. It allowed me to process my past, embrace my vulnerabilities, and find strength in my story.
I hope readers recognize that, regardless of their past traumas or challenges, they possess the inner strength to overcome and thrive. By choosing themselves first, they can embark on a journey toward a life filled with love, resilience, and fulfillment.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: Currently, I'm dedicated to expanding my life coaching practice, focusing on empowering individuals to prioritize their well-being and embrace their authentic selves. I'm also developing workshops and online courses aimed at providing practical tools for personal growth and healing.
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: I'm deeply committed to creating a supportive community where individuals can share their stories, find resources and connect with others on similar journeys.
Through my website and social media platforms, I offer regular insights, tools, and encouragement to help you navigate your path toward healing and authenticity - whatever road you’re on. Remember, your story is far from over, and it's never too late to choose you first.
For more about my journey and resources, visit my website: Michelle Bishop Life.
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
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