I Cried at a Business Meeting

In her hands was my new book (and a pen).

I hadn’t realized that the books were being shipped out yet. Everything I had been told from the publisher to the distributor was that the books would not be released until November 18th. But lo and behold, people are already receiving them!

So there I was at church on Sunday when one of the mothers came walking toward me, smiling from ear to ear, holding my book in her hands and asking me to sign it. She was just beaming, and in that moment, I felt my heart swell with gratitude.

Fast forward to Monday morning, during my regular Motivational Monday call with our 30-plus Swann School owners. I was making announcements and, of course, sharing details about my upcoming book tour. I told them about this encounter at church and how surprised I was to see someone holding my book for the very first time.

As I started to share the story, something happened that I didn’t expect. I became so overwhelmed with emotion that I started crying. On a business call!

For over a year, I poured my heart, time, and energy into creating Elaine Swann’s Book of Modern Etiquette. I have dreamed about the moment when people would finally hold it in their hands. But to actually see it happen, right before my eyes, brought everything full circle. It was no longer an idea on paper. It was real.

And I think that is why I could not hold back the tears.

There is something so powerful about seeing your work, something you have dreamed about, prayed over, and pushed through, come to life. It reminded me that the journey is filled with ups and downs, but moments like this make every challenge worthwhile.

So yes, I cried at a business meeting. And if you see me crying again during the book tour, now you know why!

If you are in or near one of the cities, I would love for you to join me. Come be part of this moment with me. It would truly do my heart good to see you there.

[See Book Tour Cities and Dates →]

Oh, and here is a photo of her and me with the book. She asked one of the sisters to take a picture of us.

With love and gratitude,

Elaine