I have always been an overachiever. Ambitious. Striving for and racing to the pinnacle of success in my field.
I have always wanted it so badly; I needed it to prove my self-worth, even to myself.
So many women in the Gen X era were told we could have it all if only we went for it.
And boy, did I.
Over the past few years, I’ve struggled in every possible way, chasing the carrot that I thought still eluded me.
Until I was forced to stop running towards it and sit down; even as I hobbled around, desperate to continue my quest, the boulder seemed to grow larger, heavier, and harder to push on my own. And still, sweating and cursing, I pushed harder and harder with all my might.
Until recently, most likely out of pure exhaustion, I stopped. I stopped caring about any of it. I realized that I wasn’t even sure it was anything I wanted anyway. I became indifferent to the idea of being anyone. I became more interested in what I already had in my life. I realized that most people in this world don’t get to do the things that I’ve been able to do in my life; perhaps I had done enough. And now, although I may not be rich or have a fancy house, I may not be able to afford all the fancy skincare and surgeries, and I may just be forced to age naturally. That was something that was finally OK with me. Enough for me.
I’ve come to realize that I have found the success I had been seeking. I’ve won awards, although not the “big awards,” I’ve achieved box office success and notoriety. I’ve made a name for myself in an industry that isn’t always kind to women parentheses what industry is)
I’m okay with where I am, happy even though I have accepted and surrendered to the “success” I have already achieved. Where before I might have thought it was defeat, I’ve now come to treasure the peace that comes with no longer fighting for a story manufactured by our society. I can have it all and have had it all, and now I no longer need it all.
I’ve let go of the need to be and do all the things. In that freedom, space was created.
Never underestimate a woman who’s let it all go. You never know what to expect from us, and you shouldn’t expect anything.
There’s been so much talk lately about the menopausal woman, our worth, and what can we possibly contribute to society now that our wombs are no longer fertile. There is an odd infatuation with us “older women,” how are we aging? Are we still contributing and useful? If, after 50, we are not caring for our aging husbands and grandchildren while still looking fabulous but not too fabulous, then we must be a burden.
• • •
I got a call from my daughter the other day. She had been to a networking event where there were many women of a “certain age,” all successful in their field, and one of them asked her about her last name and whether she could possibly be related to, well, me. My daughter's eyes lit up, and she said yes, that is my mom. This woman began to explain to my daughter that I was a trailblazer and a badass in my field.
My daughter was thrilled and excited to share this with me, partly because she knows this big transition we’ve currently embarked upon in our little family has left me feeling a little unmoored about my own life’s purpose.
In that phone call, I was reminded of what I have achieved—not only in terms of what people consider success in the world but also in the fact that my daughter and my son are proud of me. As they begin their own long journey into life on their own, I am embarking on my own.
With the weight finally lifted from my shoulders of the need to be anything other than what I am, I have found so much more in terms of my creativity and connection to my heart.
One of the things my daughter told me was that several of the women she spoke to said to her that while I may have gone quiet for a bit, it’s only providing an opportunity to create something that will once again create a paradigm shift, as I have done in the past with my work.
I’m not sure I feel compelled to do that anymore or carry the obligation I once did with me. As a side note, it’s interesting that when someone does something that creates big success, they expect you to do it again and again, as once isn’t enough. It took me a while to accept that once is enough.
But you never know, do you? And this time, I’m not creating out of the need to prove myself to anyone; I’m creating because I want to, and it’s what I love.
I’m thrilled to be starting a new Mastermind in January of 2025!
"I am loving the process that Betsy guides us through in our MasterMind group. It's forcing me to dig deeper, ask tougher questions and face things I may have skirted over had I been writing on my own. The process is also becoming a beautiful container for greater inspiration to flow. I am remembering moments and events that I had forgotten that I definitely want to include in the story! Thank you so much, Betsy, for the expertise and for the love and support. You provide a perfect balance of honest feedback and cheerleading as I move through raw vulnerability toward authentic expression." - Catherine Stilo, Mastermind Group 2024
Have you always dreamed of becoming a best-selling author? Do you have a book you've been itching to write?
In just six months, you can achieve both goals.
I'm Betsy Chasse, a publisher and best-selling author, and I'm excited to offer a six-month program designed to turn your writing dreams into reality. This program will equip you with essential writing and publishing skills, including both self-publishing and traditional publishing. By the end of our time together, you'll be a published author, ready to finalize and promote your own book.
Here’s what you’ll gain from this program:
Expert writing tips and tools to elevate your skills.
Strategies to organize, outline, and complete your book efficiently.
Guidance on creating compelling book proposals and query letters for agents and publishers.
Contribute one chapter to a collaborative book published by Rampant Feline Media. This opportunity will enhance your writing career, let you apply the skills you learn during the course, and help you work towards completing your own book
Author profiles on platforms like Amazon and Goodreads to showcase your work.
Proven marketing techniques to promote yourself and your book effectively.
Insights on monetizing your writing through platforms like Substack and Medium.
I work with writers worldwide, and their biggest challenge is finishing their books. My program will help you overcome this hurdle, develop the skills you need, and achieve best-selling status.
This is not your typical writing course. You will learn from active writers and end the program with a published book ready for live events, website sales, and global distribution.
Only 15 spots are available. You’ll have monthly group Zoom meetings and one monthly private coaching session with me, as well as accountability and support from our group of fellow authors.
The collaboration book will be professionally edited, designed, and available online and in bookstores.
Become an international best-selling author with us!
Program Dates: January 15th, 2025- June 15th, 2025
Collaboration Book Launch June 2025 - you receive three printed copies of your book.
Email me at betsy@betsychasse.net for more details!
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