Always Has and Always Will Be

During the webinar this week, we agreed that life is uncertain. It has always been and will always be. Uncertainty strikes everyone, especially when thoughts drift to wars, political turmoil, or crises that shake our sense of physical safety. But it also seeps into everyday questions: Is my job secure? How does my partner truly feel?

A Safe Space to Create

We began with gentle stretching, deep breaths, and the Self-Acknowledgement Hug. I invited participants to think of an image that made them feel happy, calm, and safe, and write that in the center of their cluster. For some, it was a beautiful place; for others, a cherished memory or a hard-won accomplishment. We then surrounded that center word with three or four related words and wrote short, heartfelt stories.

A Touchstone

These stories quickly became more than a simple exercise—they turned into personal touchstones, something to revisit whenever uncertainty creeps in, helping us reconnect to peace and perspective. The mood of the room shifted quickly. Within minutes, participants were sharing tender moments—like Susan describing her cats’ quirky affection—which brought smiles and a gentle energy to the entire group.

Results!

We didn’t erase uncertainty—no one can. However, by acknowledging it and stepping into a safe, creative space, we created room for new perspectives, positivity, and a strategy that can be applied anytime. That’s a skill worth carrying forward, no matter what uncertainties lie ahead.

Here’s a beautiful example of what emerged. Lynne shared this after using the Beyond Happiness Method:

The Last Line

The poem wants to end, I feel it pull

toward completion like a river

drawn to delta, to the sea—wide welcoming.

But still I hold the final line at bay,

savoring this moment before the close,

the way a conductor’s baton hangs

poised above the orchestra,

that breathless pause before the last note

blooms and fades to silence.

An Invite for You

Join me for the next webinar  on July 23. We’ll use the Beyond Happiness Method and the Word of the Day Practice to write through uncertainty, boost our creativity and overall happiness.

Dot Deals with Uncertainty

In Bad Girl Pie, our heroine is hit with a triple whammy of betrayal and self-doubt, leaving her feeling uncertain about ever finding happiness. It’s fiction, but her struggle to reclaim her joy and confidence is very relatable. One surprising key to her healing? Tango. This dance helps Dot step back into her own power—and maybe her tango story will  inspire you to do the same. Enjoy!

I dance therefore I am!

Tango is a way of life, self-affirmation and sensuality for Dorothy Sherlock, the protagonist of my latest book Bad Girl Pie. At a tango festival Dorothy attends, the dessert really heats up and a fireman lights her pilot light. Here’s the WORD OF THE DAY from that trip!

Details are…. Let’s say piping hot. All I can say is eat dessert first! Order your copy today for the August 1st release!

Tango, Triumph, and Second Chances-Dorothy  Sherlock’s Delicious Comeback

Dorothy Sherlock’s story in Bad Girl Pie is a testament to the magic of second chances-and the unexpected ways life can surprise us when we least expect it.

After surviving heartbreak and betrayal, Dorothy finds herself at a crossroads. Her book has been stolen, her father’s last act was to dig at her, and her love life is in shambles. But when it seems like her story is over, a new opportunity arises: the chance to co-write a tango book with a renowned teacher who’s about to train a famous movie star.

Dorothy throws herself into the world of tango, discovering a new passion for teaching and a fresh sense of purpose. When the movie star insists she come to Hollywood as his coach, Dorothy finds herself in the spotlight for the first time. In a dramatic twist,  she’s asked to step in as a dancer on set, turning a moment of crisis into a personal triumph. Her confidence soars, and her tango book becomes a runaway success.

As she reflects on her journey, Dorothy stumbles upon a forgotten recipe-a symbol of her creative spirit and resilience. It sparks the idea for a new bestseller and gives Dorothy the chance to finally achieve fulfillment as a writer in her own name.

Bad Girl Pie is more than a story about food, dance, or romance-it’s about finding your voice and daring to live authentically. Dorothy’s journey is a delicious reminder that it’s never too late to rewrite your own story. Don’t miss your chance to join her on this unforgettable adventure. Stay tuned for more updates and exclusive content as we approach launch day! Help a struggling writer and pre-order the book on Amazon here.

New Review:

A Darkly Delicious Romp Through Heartbreak and Hilarity

As a man who doesn’t usually reach for novels with “girl” in the title, I have to admit: Bad Girl Pie completely won me over. Dorothy Sherlock is a heroine for the ages—whip-smart, wickedly funny, and refreshingly flawed. Set against the vibrant, relentless backdrop of New York City, this dark comedy is a masterful blend of biting wit, emotional honesty, and just enough absurdity to keep you turning pages late into the night.

Dorothy’s journey is both heartbreaking and hilarious. The way she navigates her career as a ghostwriter—always behind the scenes, never in the spotlight—resonates with anyone who’s ever felt overshadowed. But when life throws her a series of gut-punches—her abusive father’s death, a stolen manuscript, and a love life that’s more rollercoaster than romance—Dorothy’s resilience and humor shine. Her trip to Mexico is a standout, injecting the story with passion and color, and her fling with the tango-dancing firefighter is as steamy as it is sweet.

What really sets Bad Girl Pie apart is its unflinching look at the messiness of life. Dorothy’s setbacks—her father’s betrayal from beyond the grave, her agent’s betrayal, and her ex-boyfriend’s betrayal (with the cleaning lady, no less)—are the kind of disasters that would break most people.  But Dorothy? She bounces back with a dry quip and a fresh batch of baked goods. It’s impossible not to root for her.

As a male reader, I appreciate that Dorothy’s story isn’t about  finding a man to save her; it’s about finding herself, her voice, and her own brand of success. The novel’s humor is sharp, its heart is big, and its message is clear: life is messy, but you can always rise again—preferably with a slice of pie in hand.

If you’re looking for a book that’s equal parts laugh-out-loud funny and deeply moving, Bad Girl Pie is the perfect read. Highly recommended! ~Rick Mowat, Award-Winning Writer/Director

Want More From Behind the Scenes?

If you’re looking to boost creativity, productivity, and most importantly, your overall happiness, join me on Substack. It’s free, fun, and a wonderful way to stay connected! New projects are unfolding at marilyninitiative.org and marilynhorowitz.com, including the release of a novel, interactive webinars, special giveaways, and inspiring resources in development. By subscribing, you’ll also gain access to exclusive insights and materials reserved just for my Substack community. Don’t miss out!

FREE Webinar, July 23:  Writing Through Uncertainty

Events and circumstances in our lives too often shake our confidence, strain our relationships, hinder creativity, and even make us question our worth. From global headlines to personal health, career pressures to personal battles—life’s uncertainty affects our overall happiness and blocks progress and success.

Through the Beyond Happiness Method—a gentle blend of neuroscience, somatic practices, and guided story writing—you’ll learn how to move from anxious overthinking to a steadier, clearer place.

This isn’t about ignoring what’s hard. It’s about discovering how to feel centered and resilient even when life doesn’t line up neatly. Whether you’re a writer, a busy professional, or simply someone longing for more peace, you’ll walk away with practical tools to help you stay grounded—no matter what tomorrow brings.

Register Here