Fertile Imagination - by Melissa Llarena (Paperback)

About the Book

A fertile imagination is one thing every mom will want to stretch, because it will expand what will be possible for generations; a mom's ideas and impact matters.

Book Synopsis

Fertile Imagination is the jet engine you need to go after what you really, really want.

You can be a great mom without giving up, shrinking, or hiding your dreams. There's flexibility in how you pursue anything-your role, your lifestyle, and your personal and professional goals. The limitations on dreams you chase are waiting to be shattered. It's time to see and seize what's beyond your gaze. Let's bridge your childhood daydreams with your grown-up realities. Imagine skipping with your kids across any path-you, surpassing your milestones while your kids are reaching theirs. There's only one superpower versatile enough to stretch your thinking beyond what's been done before: a Fertile Imagination. It's the perfect kryptonite for impostor syndrome and feeling stuck when it's alert!

In Fertile Imagination, you will awaken your sleeping source of creative solutions. If you can wake up a toddler or a groggy middle schooler, then together with the stories in this book-featuring 25 guests from my podcast Unimaginable Wellness, proven tools, and personal anecdotes-we will wake up your former playmate: your imagination!

Dive in if you've ever asked yourself:

• Why do I want more?
• What about my big ideas?
• When do I get to play?
• Where can I find the energy?
• Who else is going for it and getting it done?
• How can I stay relevant and keep growing?
• What if I don't want to wait until my kids are grown?

Featured podcast guests include: Suzy Batiz, Beth Comstock former GE CMO, Diane Bell, Lisa Messenger Australia's Entrepreneur's Entrepreneur, James Altucher, Martha Hennessey, Phaidra Knight, Gary Vaynerchuk, David Meltzer, Marc Champagne, Breeja Larson, Theo Travers, David Roberts, Asha Curran and others.

Discover fresh ways to:

• Rewrite our "mom scripts"
• Overcome imposter syndrome
• Reduce decision fatigue
• Play with new ideas
• Be more present, feel more alive
• Duplicate yourself by asking for help
• Use your greatness at home and/or globally

About the Author

Melissa Llarena is an author, imagination coach, consultant, speaker, and contributor to ForbesWomen articles that have garnered 4 million + views. She is also the host of Unimaginable Wellness, the podcast for entrepreneurs, founders, and creators who are also moms. Featured guests include GaryVee and Beth Comstock. Melissa holds a psychology degree from New York University, an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, and a Transformational Coaching Academy certificate. She is training to become a meditation practitioner. Melissa lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and three sons. Visit www.fertileideas.com.

Review Quotes

"Melissa is a mom of three with big dreams who tells it like it is. She draws on her own experiences and the experiences of professionals she's interviewed for her podcast to reflect on the plight of the mother. How do women conform to or challenge the traditional 'mom script'? If you're a mom, what can you do to break the 'cultural glass ceiling' to be yourself and a great parent, all without having to force yourself into a mom mold that doesn't fit you? Melissa is like a great friend, honest and wise and funny, telling you about her life and asking you to reflect on yours. This book is a great purchase for moms in every stage of life." Maureen Turner Carey, a librarian in Austin, Texas

"Melissa is an inspiring display of tenacity and motivation. Whenever you're feeling stuck, peruse Melissa's thoughtfully compiled tips and exercises and you'll be creating magic in no time." Suzy Batiz, the chief executive and visionary officer of Pourri, The Makers of Poo Pourri, supernatural, and Alive OS(R)

"Melissa's words are authentic and important. She is a great listener and now shares reality-based strategies for imagining your own imperfect, fulfilling life." Dr. Martha Hennessey, a former New Hampshire State Senator/member of the House of Representatives

"Melissa invites the reader into a personal and deep journey about topics that are crucially important to uncover what would make a mom (and dad too) truly happy to work on...even after the kids are in bed. It was an honor and a pleasure to speak with her for an interview, which she has included excerpts of in this book, too!" Ken Honda, Japan's best-selling Zen millionaire and the author of Happy Money: The Japanese Art of Making Peace with Your Money

"For moms like me, the pandemic was an opportunity to reevaluate and course-correct things in our lives we weren't thrilled with. Coming out of this period, sluggish yet motivated, so many of us can use this book to help us wake up! If you're looking to refresh, reenergize, and yes, reimagine a better version of your life, this book is for you. I loved the hilarious yet poignant stories about motherhood today and the window into the world of those who've gone for it-and done it." Macollvie Neel, a communications executive in Brooklyn, New York

"The words imagination, play, and fun are not the usual things we as mothers think of when wondering how to get a grip back on our career, and I believe this book provides a really fresh take and lots of food for thought for mothers reading it. Its tone is so energetic and fresh!" Alejandra Molina, a coach in Miami

"What sets this book apart is the incredible depth of research and the fascinating interviews that have gone into its creation. Melissa has woven together a tapestry of stories from a diverse range of individuals who have successfully pursued their ambitions, offering invaluable insights and inspiration. The book doesn't just inspire; it equips you with a treasure trove of practical strategies, tips, and a wealth of free resources and tools to support your unique journey. Paulina LaRocca, the author of Harness Your Emotions To Enhance Your Creativity," Sydney, Australia

"In her book, Melissa shows us that motherhood does not have to be a pause or an end to your pre-child(ren) self. With guidance from her podcast guests, she encourages us to think big, find what lights us up, and move toward our goals with the steps that fit the reality of our lives today. In doing so we honor and inspire our child(ren) and our own inner child." Katherine Howell, a museum administrator in Queens, New York