Richardson - Stand Up For Your Life: a Practical Step-by-Step Plan to Build Inner Confidence and Personal Power

ALSO BY CHERYL RICHARDSON

Take Time for Your Life

Life Makeovers

THE FREE PRESS
1230 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10020
www.SimonandSchuster.com

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Copyright 2002 by Cheryl Richardson

All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form.

THE FREE PRESS and colophon are trademarks of Simon & Schuster, Inc.

The Values List is based on the Tru Values Program from Coach U ( www.coachu.com) 1994. Reprinted with permission.

ISBN 0-7432-3458-8

eISBN-13: 978-0-7432-3458-0

http://www.simonspeakers.com

To my husband, Michaelthe man whose love and support allows me to fulfill my greatest potential.

To my mother, Ann Richardsonthe woman who instilled in me a reverence for all life.

To my father, John Richardsonthe man who taught me how to bring my work to the world.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I AM BLESSED BEYOND MEASURE to be able to write and publish my worka privilege that I never take for granted. The amazing people who support my efforts make my ability to help others possible. It is with deep gratitude and appreciation that I thank them here.

Id first like to thank Marilyn Abraham, the woman who continues to be the guiding force behind my writing. Thank you for your friendship and for inspiring my best work. You continue to be the guardian angel who settles the fear that grips my fingers and I love you dearly.

Michelle Burford helped bring this book to life. Thank you for your dedication, your integrity, and for reminding me about the importance of asking for and receiving help. Your inspiration is on every page.

Ginger Burr is my dear friend who not only helped shape this manuscript, she spent many a night listening to my ideas over and over again. Thank you for your love, your friendship, and for uncurling my fax paper. And a special thank you to Patty Portwine for watching over us both. Fran Masseys editorial comments in the last hour were priceless. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to make this book better (and a big thanks to Nick Massey for faxing so many pages!). My love and thanks also go to Shirley Anderson, wise woman and coach extraordinaire, for returning me to my spiritual center when I get off track. I love you Yoda.

My literary agent Amanda Urban of ICM is the best in the business. Thank you for your exceptional representation and guidance. Working with you has taught me a lot about standing up for my life. Thanks also to John DeLaney, Helen Shabason, Karen Kenyon, and Margaret Halton for taking care of my literary and television needsI appreciate your support! And a very special thank you to my attorney Mark Lawless who has been with me from the beginning. You are irreplaceable.

My editor, Dominick Anfuso, is a very special man. Not only is he an exceptional editor, he has a kind heart and a great sense of humor. Thank you for believing in my work and for making the process of publishing such a joy (and for the great laughs!). Thank you also to Carisa Hays for her professionalism and for taking good care of my publicity needs, and to Kristen McGuiness for your support and cheerfulness. Thanks also to Rachel Burd and Carol de Ons for their copyediting expertise. The incorrect grammar is all mine!

Id like to share my deep appreciation for the men and women at Harpo Productions who worked on the Lifestyle Makeover Series. These talented people work extremely hard to bring the best life-changing programs to television. Thank you Katy Murphy Davis for modeling such high standards and a big hug to Jack Mori, Cindy Mori, Stacy Strazis, Danette Kubanda, Andrea Wishom, and Jen Todd Grayyoure the best in the business!

A very special thank you to Oprah Winfrey who continues to raise the bar on what it means to leave a powerful legacy. Shes the tough act we all need to follow.

Jan Silva, my right hand, is the kindest and calmest woman I know. Thank you for your commitment and for your love. You make my life sane and I still dont know how I got so lucky to have you. Thank you to my smart and savvy webmaster Laura Franklin, and to my financial whiz Robin Gillette. A big hug and thank you to Heidi Krupp, the publicist whose energy and enthusiasm could light up Manhattanyoure amazing.

Many thanks to the team at Transworld Publishers especially my wonderful editor Brenda Kimber, Larry Finlay, and Helen Edwards. Thanks also to Reid Tracy and Danny Levin for their love and support, and to all the staff at Hay House.

Thanks also go to my TV team at OxygenGerri Lay-bourne and all the great staff and crew! And special thanks to Linda Corradina and Michelle Hord for your patience and understanding while I finished this book.

Thank you to the folks at my favorite retreat spotMiraval Life in Balance in Catalina, Arizona. My love and gratitude to Joseph Denucci (one of the wisest men I know), Wyatt Webb, Joe MacDonald, and every member of their incredible staff.

A big thank you to the writers in my life who support my work and my writing process: Joan Borysenko, Terry Real (thanks buddy, for reminding me to enjoy the enchanted space of writing), Andy Carroll, James Van Praagh, Brian Weiss, Joann Davis, Debbie Ford (my self-care sister), Loretta LaRoche, Julie Morgenstern, Alan Clements, and a special thank you to SARK for the writers packetit was a soul saver!

Thanks to the people who provided resources and care during my writing process; Jonathan Berg, Gregg at Mad Marthas, Ann Lee for use of Waltons Ocean Front, my friends at Jabberwocky books, Linda Novotny, Ania OConnor, Alison Shaw, Christine Misiano-Cornelisse, Carol Look, Barry Crites, Lynn McCann, Beth Garland, and a big thank you to the Plum Island Workshop gang who helped me shape the book! Thanks also to Tan Doan and Gam Nguyen for the great food at Viet Grille and to Diane at Nutcracker Bakery for the best chocolate chip peanut cookies in the world!

My heartfelt love and gratitude goes to the dear friends who always stand by meI love you all; Chris and Greg Barnes, Stacy Brice, Stephen Cluney, Sharon Day, Deirdre DiDonna, Aryn Ekstedt, Rich and Kathy Fettke, Connie Kelley, Bruce Kohl, Nancy Levin, Kelly OBrien, Ed Shea, Steve Shull, Debbie Stier, Niravi Payne and my dialogue group: Nanna, Helen, Ro, Greta, Ellen and Pat.

To my family: Mom, Dad, Steven, Janice, Donna, Tom, Lisa, Walter, Shelly, Mark, Robert, Karen, Kerri, Missy, Curt and Pat Gerrish. I love you all more than youll ever know. And to my best friend Maxthanks for keeping me honest, for bringing me chocolate, and for giving me your coat.

To my sweet husband, Michaelthe center of my world. I cannot imagine my life without you. Thank you for giving me exactly what I need to do Gods work. I love you way more

And finally, I thank Godthe Divine force that continues to guide my life.

CONTENTS

STAND UP