An agent recently asked me if I had a five-year strategic plan for writing books. I told her it sounded like a great idea but, no, I didn't. This book, like all my others, evolved very organically from a casual conversation with my publisher, Lucy Raymond, about how I might self-publish a journal-style guidebook to share with clients and people at my workshops and Live Brave events. The original vision was largely just questions, a few quotes, empty pages and little else. As you can see, it has turned into something far bigger. So thank you, Lucy, for believing in me — a third time around — and allowing the scope and structure of this book to evolve as I dived into writing it. Thanks also to the team at Wiley who helped shepherd it into your hands right now.

Given this is my fourth book, it would be reasonable to assume I'd have this whole ‘book-birthing' process down to a fine art by now. Aaagh … if only that were true! From starting my first book Find Your Courage — when I had four kids under the age of seven (probably more crazy than courageous) — to this one, bringing a book to life while keeping up with my own has always been a juggling act. Disappearing for three months to a quiet cabin in the woods has simply not been an option. So, of all the people deserving of acknowledgement, my husband Andrew tops the list. Sharing my life with someone who is also my biggest cheerleader is a blessing I count daily. Or most days … some I forget.

I also want to acknowledge the many big-hearted people who make up my ‘tribe'. My friends, whom I can always count on to make me laugh, let me cry and to have the occasional vent with when my best-laid plans fall apart (which happened while writing this book … but I'll save that for another day). In particular, to Anna Quin, Christine Louden, Emma Hogan, Sarah Garrow … thank you for your listening ear and loving support at crucial moments throughout the last year as this book came into being. Also to my treasured family — Mum, Dad, Cath, Anne, Steve, Pauline and Frank — and co.! I'm so blessed to be part of the Kleinitz clan.

A shout-out also to my team — Val, Kim, James and Angela — for having my back and supporting me as I work to make my own mark. Also to Sal Bonney, Margie Edmonds and my generous in-laws, Chris and Di Warrell, for helping on the home front. It takes a village and I'm so glad you're in mine!

Finally, I want to acknowledge my four genuinely remarkable teenage children — Lachlan, Maddy, Ben and Matthew — who make me look like a good mum despite my shortfalls. Your advice on how to be a better parent, use hashtags, upgrade my 80s dance moves, sneeze more quietly and ‘get my act together' is both highly grounding and indispensable. While I know you feel you have enough books to read at school without one more added to the list, I hope that when you do finally pick this one up you'll find some small piece of advice you haven't heard already. You each have a uniquely important mark to make on this world, and encouraging you to make it is my greatest privilege.

— Margie