This week I realized I haven’t said one word about End Sex Trafficking Day since it’s happened. I have been so full of disappointment that it made me silent.
I know what you are thinking, she pulled it off, why is she upset? Before you go there let me explain.
Last night while talking to my husband I realized something about myself (I’m 30 and this is still happening). I thrive on projects. I love taking something on, accomplishing it and moving on to something else. Call me an accomplishment addict, or an over achiever but whatever it is it needs to take a break.
Why?
Because I haven’t stopped to celebrate what End Sex Trafficking Day was and still is.
And because of that I haven’t dealt with my unmet expectations of EST Day. I wanted to raise $200,000 for the Not For Sale Campaign in one day.
It didn’t happen. And to be honest I don’t know how many copies sold. I am purposely waiting until I get the quarterly check from the publisher. I do know that because of the paperback not being available on Amazon on the big day (which was out of my hands) I am still dealing with disappointment. I sat crying on my friends spare bed in New York City stuffing my face with a chicken salad sandwich crying. I remember calling Fred (my husband) and saying, “This isn’t fair, I’ve worked so hard for 10 months.”
And it wasn’t fair, but I had to suck it up.
I went out to dinner and tearfully described what was about to happen the next day. I told some of the amazing contributors that the paperback wouldn’t be up on Amazon over an delish vegan meal on the eve of End Sex Trafficking Day and they surprisingly said,
“Screw launch day…don’t let this ruin it for you.”
And I’m now deciding I won’t let it. Just because I didn’t hit #1 on Amazon or raise $200,000 in one day I worked my butt off for something I believed in.
I am choosing to recognize it as a success anyways, and for these reasons:
– I feel like I am making a difference, and that is how I want to feel.
– Nearly 4000 people watched two videos that educated them more on what Sex Trafficking is and exactly what is happening.
– I was able to gather 59 people that I admire around this cause.
– I have connected with a dozen of non profits that are fighting this atrocity every day.
– I have inspired other entrepreneurs and businesses to do good and do business, which is now my work.
– This book won’t go away, it will always be for sale with proceeds going to the Not For Sale Campaign.
I am going to refer to this post whenever any mean chatter starts to come into my head. And here is where I would love your help. Did End Sex Trafficking Day inspire you to do good or educate you for the first time on Sex Trafficking? I would LOVE to hear from you in the comments below.
Thanks for allowing me to be real with you.