by Anita Comisky and Michelle Belloit
Shifting Narratives, a powerful book co-authored by Anita Comisky and Michelle Belloit, invites readers into the transformative journeys of women over 40 who are seeking meaningful change. With personal experiences that shaped the stories within the book, Anita and Michelle share a message of resilience, adaptability, and empowerment, offering practical advice for navigating this pivotal stage of life.
For Anita, the catalyst for change came after the sale of her beloved toffee company, Amelia Toffee. After pouring her heart into the business, transitioning to a new role as a controller for a growing short-term rental company in her sixties was both daunting and invigorating. “Starting fresh reminded me that growth and reinvention are possible at any age,” she reflects. This moment of reinvention became the inspiration for many of the themes in Shifting Narratives.
Michelle’s transformative journey began when her oldest child started high school. She began to reflect on her own desires for change, especially after connecting with other women whose children were leaving for college. As they faced the prospect of becoming empty nesters, Michelle felt a shift within herself. She asked, “What about me?” and started to explore her dreams through journaling, writing, and envisioning how she could reinvent herself in alignment with her talents. This personal exploration became a key theme in their book, emphasizing self-discovery and the power of embracing change.
The book’s focus on women over 40 taps into a stage of life that often sparks profound desires for transformation. After decades of fulfilling roles as caregivers, partners, or professionals, many women begin to ask themselves, "What about me?" Life experiences—both successes and struggles—often create a sense of what’s missing, prompting a search for a deeper purpose. Anita and Michelle believe this void is not rooted in dissatisfaction but a yearning for alignment with who women are now, not who they were expected to be. The stories in Shifting Narratives resonate with these struggles, offering relatable stories that validate the challenges of change while celebrating the strength and courage it takes to pursue new paths.
As the book’s release aligns with the start of a new year, Anita and Michelle hope their stories serve as a guide for readers looking to set new goals and intentions. They encourage readers to take small, deliberate steps toward transformation, emphasizing that big changes begin with manageable actions. Some of the strategies from the book include reflecting on what truly matters, embracing courage and curiosity, and building a supportive community. By making small, intentional choices, readers can create a life that resonates with their true desires.
Anita’s diverse background in artisanal confections and finance and Michelle’s experience in business and life coaching heavily influenced the book’s themes.
For Anita, moving from a toffee company to finance was a profound transformation that required resilience, learning, and adaptability. For Michelle, her work as a life coach provided invaluable insight into how empowerment is built through embracing challenges. Together, their experiences underscore the importance of reinvention and finding the courage to pivot when necessary.
The book also highlights the importance of community during times of transformation. The women in Shifting Narratives share their struggles and triumphs, demonstrating how connection with others—whether through friendships, mentorships, or communities—provides invaluable support, strength, and accountability. Anita and Michelle hope readers come away inspired to build or find supportive circles, offering practical advice on creating relationships that foster trust, encouragement, and growth.
Shifting Narratives is not just a collection of stories; it’s a resource designed to empower women to embrace transformation with clarity, confidence, and compassion. Through reflection, action, and the support of others, readers can navigate the changes in their lives and emerge stronger and more aligned with their authentic selves.
For more information about the authors, speaking engagements, connecting with the authors, learning more about shifting your narrative, please visit our website at www.shiftingnarrativesbook.com
Connect with Anita & Michelle
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