A Memoir for Every Woman Who’s Felt Like an Outsider

Have you ever felt like your life was just a rough draft, waiting to be transformed into something extraordinary?

We all carry stories—some whispered, others screamed—that shape who we are. But can the intricacies of our everyday lives truly resonate with others? Author Barbara G. Pratt boldly answers with a resounding yes in her soul-baring memoir, “Like A Swan On Water: My Journey to Defining My Unique Ethnic, Cultural, and Spiritual Identity”. She pulls back the curtain on her life’s drama, inviting us to witness the raw and real moments where the struggle to fit in collides with the universal hunger for connection.

In a candid conversation, a heart-to-heart with an old friend, Barbara spilled the beans on her extraordinary life, shining a light on the magic of storytelling and the importance of owning our unique narratives. She didn’t hold back, sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly, reminding us that it’s in our vulnerabilities that we find our greatest strengths.

Identity and Belonging: Juggling Two Worlds with Grace and Grit

Barbara’s memoir looks deep into the complexities of growing up biracial, with a Japanese mother and an African American father. These two seemingly disparate worlds shaped her sense of self in profound ways, often pulling her in opposite directions, at times creating a tug-of-war within her soul. Barbara paints a vivid picture of this internal struggle, describing herself as a “swan on water,” graceful and serene on the surface, but paddling like mad beneath the waterline. It’s a powerful metaphor that captures the internal battles she fought while maintaining a composed exterior in the face of society’s labels and stereotypes.

“Society didn’t quite know what to do with us,” Barbara explained, recalling her family’s unique racial blend. “We were probably more similar to them than different, but we looked different.” This feeling of being an outsider, of not quite fitting in anywhere, is a familiar tune for many biracial individuals. Yet, Barbara found solace and acceptance within the Black community, where she finally felt a sense of belonging and could embrace her true identity.

Vulnerability and Strength: The Courage to Bare Your Soul

Sharing your deepest, darkest secrets takes courage, the kind of bravery that most of us can only dream of. But Barbara, with her unwavering strength and determination, dug deep into the most painful parts of her life, laying bare her soul for the world to see. It’s a testament to her resilience and a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there’s a spark of possibility waiting to be ignited.

“The beauty of writing a book is looking back on things,” she shared, her voice filled with wisdom and a touch of reflectiveness. “Yeah, these things changed me, some of them toughened me up, but most for the better. They made me tougher, more resilient, more compassionate.”

Writing became a cathartic journey for Barbara, a way to make peace with her past and forgive those who had wronged her. It was a way to heal old wounds and find a sense of closure. By sharing her vulnerability, she hopes to create a safe space for others to do the same, to find solace in knowing they’re not alone in their struggles.

“When you think about the swan gliding elegantly and calmly on the water, it looks like it doesn’t have a care in the world. But, under the surface, it tells a different story. The webbed feet are flailing furiously and wildly to give off that perception of this calm and elegance above the surface.” Barbara G. Pratt

Exploring the Impact and Legacy: Paying It Forward with Purpose

A pivotal moment in Barbara’s life came during a seemingly mundane professional development assignment where she was asked to write her own obituary. This exercise forced her to confront her own mortality and sparked a desire to leave a lasting legacy, one that would extend far beyond her own lifetime.

Though Barbara had outwardly achieved what many would consider the “American Dream” — a happy dual-income marriage, two amazing children, a fulfilling career, and a house with the proverbial white picket fence — she felt a stirring within her soul. A yearning to do more, to reach beyond her own comfortable existence and uplift others, began to grow.

“That whole paying it forward thing,” she said, her voice filled with conviction, “that’s what I wasn’t doing.” This realization fueled a transformation in her life, as she sought to align her actions with her newfound purpose.

The legacy Barbara wants to leave is one of inspiration and empowerment, a guiding light for those who feel lost and alone. She wants to show others that it’s possible to overcome even the most daunting challenges, to embrace vulnerability as a strength, and to find true fulfillment by giving back to the community.

Writing Process and Inspiration: Just Go For It!

Barbara’s path to becoming an author wasn’t a smooth ride. It was a bumpy road filled with detours and unexpected twists and turns. But she persevered, fueled by her passion for storytelling and her desire to share her unique perspective with the world. She self-published her memoir, taking control of the process and overcoming her fear of rejection. She sought guidance from a writing coach and tapped into online resources like Fiverr to connect with professionals who could help her bring her vision to life.

For aspiring writers who are hesitant to share their own stories, Barbara has some sage advice: “Just go for it!” She encourages others to find their peace with vulnerability, to embrace the therapeutic power of writing, and to remember that their stories have the power to connect with and inspire others in ways they never imagined.

In Conclusion: A Multifaceted Journey of Triumphs and Tribulations

Barbara G. Pratt’s memoir, “Like A Swan On Water,” is a testament to the power of storytelling, a raw and honest account of one woman’s journey to self-discovery. It’s a multifaceted exploration of triumphs and tribulations, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. By sharing her story, Barbara invites us all to embrace our own unique narratives, to find strength in our vulnerabilities, and to discover the extraordinary within the ordinary moments of our lives. She reminds us that we are all works in progress, constantly evolving and growing, and that our stories, no matter how messy or imperfect, have the power to change the world.

Psst… We’ve got something special for you!

Ever wondered what it’s like to be a memoirist? How to find the courage to share your story?

We’re hosting an exclusive live Q&A with Barbara G. Pratt, author of “Like A Swan On Water,” just for our valued community. This is your chance to ask Barbara your burning questions about her life, her book, and her creative process.

If you’re already receiving our emails, you’re all set! You’ll automatically receive an invitation with a special link to access the live Q&A. If not, make sure you’re signed up to receive our emails, and we’ll send you a special link to access the live Q&A. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this!

Stay tuned for more details and get ready to be inspired!

About Barbara G. Pratt

Barbara is a happily married published author, speaker, entrepreneur, and leadership development executive who has found true acceptance, peace, and joy within herself. A lifelong learner and former corporate executive, she is a professional coach passionate about empowering others to achieve their full potential. Barbara’s many roles – wife, mother, sister, friend, and confidant – enrich her life and inspire her work. She is committed to making a positive impact wherever she goes, and her warmth, compassion, and wisdom make her a sought-after mentor and guide.

“Like A Swan On Water: My Journey to Defining My Unique Ethnic, Cultural, and Spiritual Identity” is available on Amazon

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