05/18/2026
This weekend, Guidance from the Universe took GOLD in the Mind-Body-Spirit category from Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) !!
I want to share something with you, something I began to understand as Johnny and I drove back from Portland yesterday with this honor in my hand. It finally dawned on me what a big freakin' deal all these awards are. That's right, for although I've been thrilled by all the awards my tendency has been to downplay the accomplishment in my own head. Driving home, I realized why.
In my family any of my accomplishments were met with indifference by parents who were too busy to pay attention. One example, was when I was accepted to attend the High School of Music and Art, (the fame high school) which takes students based on their audition (I played classical piano.) When the acceptance letter arrived in the mail, there was no congratulations from my parents. No special dinner to honor the achievement. Nobody mentioned they were proud of me.
Since its publication date, my book has won 4 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze and more than a few distinguished honors. When I tell friends and family members - I expect to receive a lukewarm response and if it happens, I accept this as the most normal thing. Well, no more. I’m switching gears. Lukewarm can be the exception, but it's no longer going to be the rule I have learned to live with.
This book is challenging me to want more for myself. I'm switching my focus and I'm going to fully accept and honor without apology that I wrote this book that is obviously getting attention. No more downplaying. Nineteen hundred entries for the 2026 IBPA award in all categories and the judges decided MY book was worthy of the top honor? That's right. They did!
This realization means I can congratulate myself without apology and without worrying about it all going to my head. I know who I am. I'm not suddenly going to become some egotistical as***le.
From now on I want more for myself. Living small holds, me back. I am going to celebrate myself. Great job Jill. Keep going. Stay strong, stay brave, and allow yourself to take-in what all of this means. You've earned it.
