Owning Your Story, Becoming a Bestselling Author, and Creating Ripple Impact

Send us Fan MailIn this inspiring episode of Soulful Self-Care Conversations, Pearl welcomes Cathy Derksen, founder of Inspire Tenacity, international speaker, 23-time number one bestselling author, and publisher who helps midlife women step into visibility, legacy, and impact through books, retreats, and community.Together, they explore the power of storytelling, overcoming self-doubt, and why your story matters more than you think.🌱 Meet Little CathyCathy shares how moving frequently as a child shaped her resilience, adaptability, and curiosity. Growing up constantly starting over helped her develop the ability to connect quickly and see opportunity in change.Her lifelong curiosity—especially about living things—led her first into a career in biology. But over time, that same curiosity and love for people evolved into something deeper: helping women discover, own, and share their personal stories.📖 Why Your Story MattersOne of the most common beliefs Cathy hears from women is:Nobody wants to hear my story. I haven’t done anything important.Cathy challenges this mindset directly. Through conversation and guided reflection, she helps women uncover the turning points, lessons, and growth moments that make their experiences powerful and relatable.Even if someone’s journey looks different from yours, the courage, resilience, and perspective within it can inspire transformation.As Pearl shares through her own story—especially the legacy project honoring her late son—stories create ripple effects far beyond what we may ever see.📚 Becoming a Bestselling AuthorCathy specializes in collaborative anthology books, bringing together 20 authors around inspiring themes such as:Passion, Purpose, and PossibilitiesEmbrace CourageRipple Effect of ImpactBy publishing in a multi-author book, women gain:Expanded visibilityShared marketing powerBuilt-in community supportThe bestselling author titleConfidence to later publish solo projectsCathy explains that becoming a bestselling author is not just about writing—it involves editing, formatting, marketing, Amazon optimization, launch strategy, and coordination. Having an experienced publisher helps navigate those moving pieces and avoid costly mistakes.🌊 The Ripple Effect of StorytellingPearl and Cathy reflect on how one conversation, one book, or one shared experience can impact someone years later.Your story may:Encourage someone during a difficult seasonHelp someone feel less aloneGive someone courage to take a next stepCreate community where there was isolationStories do not expire. They continue to reach people long after they are written or recorded.🌸 Self-Care and Thinking for YourselfThe conversation closes with a reflection on personal growth and intentional living.Pearl shares her word for the year: Streamline—focusing on simplifying systems in both business and home life to avoid burnout.Cathy emphasizes trusting her intuition and building a business aligned with her own imagination and values rather than following someone else’s blueprint.Both agree that self-care includes:Protecting your timeRecognizing your accomplishmentsChoosing alignment over pressureThinking for yourself🐾 Cathy’s Favorite Self-Care PracticeFor Cathy, self-care is simple and grounding: walking her dog.Getting outside, breathing fresh air, and pausing from work creates space for clarity and gratitude.She also practices reflecting on progress instead of focusing only on unmet goals.🔗 Connect With Cathy DerksenWebsite: www.inspiretenacity.comCathy is also active on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.If you feel Follow Pearl onsocial media TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook: @PearlchiarenzaGo to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wsliving.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Remember to embrace your inner pearl, nourish yourself, and find balance in life. Staytrue to your authentic self and continue working on your personal growth.