Saying Yes to Change with Alex Blackwell and Giveaway!

by Tess

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Today's interview is with my friend, Alex Blackwell, from The Bridgemaker. 

For my readers who don’t know you, introduce yourself and tell us about your blog. What is the meaning behind The BridgeMaker?

I’m happy to be on your blog Tess. Thanks for having me.­­ My name is Alex Blackwell – the founding editor of The BridgeMaker, an honestly written lifestyle blog dedicated to relying on faith, sharing the amazing power of love, and walking the simple paths to positive change.

Mary Beth and I live in Kansas City. We celebrate our 27th wedding anniversary in June. My wife and I have four wonderful children: Brandon (26), Caitlin (22), Andrew (20) and Emily (13).

The BridgeMaker connects people who are looking to find faith, share inspiration and celebrate personal change. The meaning of the blog’s name comes from becoming aware of where we are today and seeing where we want to be tomorrow and then stepping outside of our comfort zones to cross the bridge there.

I love that you’ve included so many personal stories in your new book. Tell my readers briefly about your new book, “Saying Yes to Change: 10 Timeless Life Lessons for Creating Positive Change.”

Saying Yes to Change: 10 Timeless Life Lessons for Creating Positive Change is a heartfelt recounting of my best advice on building healthy relationships, learning to love yourself and being a positive force in the world.

From Prepare Your Soul for Change to Let Faith Be Your Guide, the book provides ten timeless life lessons for finding happiness and the sense of peace that comes with true self-acceptance.

How would they benefit from reading it?

This book is written for you, the reader. Although I provide glimpses into my life, I do so as a way to share the ten timeless life lessons with you. These life lessons are intended to encourage you to acknowledge what you want to change or heal, beginning today.

There are three themes that run through your blog and even your book: Love, faith, and forgiveness. Tell us why these are so important and how they’ve changed your life.

Love: It begins with learning to love ourselves. Love needs to come from the inside, out for it to be authentic and lasting. Romantic love is important, too.

The love Mary Beth and I share has been life-changing. Eight years ago, she gave me a second chance to be a better husband, and person. This is the most precious gift I’ve received. It is has taught me how to separate the seemingly important to what is truly important – like listening, supporting and spending time with one another.

Faith: Life can unfair, it can be tough and it can be painful. But when we lean on faith, we can often find the strength to keep moving forward – no matter the circumstances. My faith has given me the ability to focus on being a good parent, a loving spouse and a person with big hopes and dreams – no matter the obstacles I encounter along the way.

Forgiveness: Offering forgiveness is the most important thing we can do to embrace the present moment with purpose and passion. However, providing forgiveness isn’t about letting the other person off the hook, or ignoring what has happened, it’s about freeing yourself so you are no longer stuck in the past.

In my book, I write about the forgiveness I’ve received (from Mary Beth); and the forgiveness I’ve provided (to my mother); and how both have resulted in life-changing, positive change.

How do you think your blog has helped you to grow personally? Professionally?

Professionally, my blog has made me a better writer. Like anything we do, the more we do it, the better we become. My blog has also helped me find my voice, which is both a personal and professional benefit.

Blogging has also made me more aware of what I think, feel and how I want to express myself.

If you had 60 seconds to give a message to the world, what would you say?

I love the question Tess. We are all in this thing called “life” together. By practicing kindness, patience and love, we can make our time here happier and more meaningful. Let’s encourage each other more, and criticize less.

What do you like to do for fun?

Having fun is important. Why do we work so hard if we don’t take the time to enjoy what we have, right? I’m a runner. So, strapping on my iPod and going for a four-mile run is like nirvana.

Mary Beth and I still have a weekly date night and heading to Kaufman Stadium to catch a KC Royals game is a blast. Looking ahead, my wife and I just bought a beach house. We’re looking forward to future family vacations full of surf, sun, and laughter and time spent together.

What books are on your nightstand or Kindle? I read a lot of blogs during the day so at night I switch to fiction. I just finished “The Hunger Games” because my 13-year-old daughter wanted me to read the book before seeing the movie together.

My favorite authors­ include John Gresham, Scott Turow and Patricia Cornwell.

What one single piece of advice do you have for people who want to improve their relationships? Place your partner’s needs before your own needs

Click here to order this awesome book on Amazon!

Alex Blackwell is the Founder of The BridgeMaker. His first book, Saying Yes to Change: 10 Timeless Life Lessons for Creating Positive Change is now available on Amazon. Connect with Alex on Facebook.

Alex is giving away 2 copies of his book for FREE. You only have to share this interview on Facebook, Tweet it and leave a comment below mentioning that you did so. How cool is that? 

If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or joining The Bold Life to receive my free ebook, How To Be Bold .

Please join The Bold Life for free and receive my free ebook, How to Be Bold. Please share this post with a Tweet and a Like.

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    { 30 comments… read them below or add one }

    Vidya Sury April 9, 2012 at 9:57 pm

    Lovely interview! Thank you, Alex and Tess! It is a fantastic book!
    Vidya Sury´s last post…You Can Sell

    Reply

    Alex Blackwell | The BridgeMaker April 10, 2012 at 8:34 am

    Thanks for your encouragement Vidya!

    Reply

    Betsy at Zen Mama April 9, 2012 at 10:05 pm

    What a wonderful interview, Tess! Alex, It’s great to get know you better via this interview!! Can’t wait to read your book.
    Betsy at Zen Mama´s last post…The Tao of Winnie the Pooh

    Reply

    Alex Blackwell | The BridgeMaker April 10, 2012 at 8:34 am

    Betsy,

    It’s been pleasure getting to know you better the past several months, too. Thanks for taking the time to read my book – I appreciate it!

    Alex

    Reply

    Bryan Thompson April 10, 2012 at 5:36 am

    Alex, first of all, congratulations on your book! I’ve been looking forward to it! Second, I love your response to Forgiveness. It can be one of the most difficult things to give sometimes but the results can be outstanding. Can’t wait to read your book!

    Tess, I hope you’re doing well. Great interview!
    Bryan Thompson´s last post…What Time Travel Can Teach You About Living For Today

    Reply

    Alex Blackwell | The BridgeMaker April 10, 2012 at 8:36 am

    Bryan,

    Finding the way to forgiveness has changed my life! Thanks for your support,

    Alex

    Reply

    Fran Sorin April 10, 2012 at 5:58 am

    Great interview Tess. Alex, as I’ve told you, your personal story is moving, the work you’ve done to transform your life is inspirational, and the guidance you offer readers is filled with love and generosity. Fran

    Reply

    Alex Blackwell | The BridgeMaker April 10, 2012 at 8:37 am

    Fran,

    I’m so glad you find inspiration in my writing. Your encouragement motivates me to keep writing, and sharing.

    Alex

    Reply

    Cathy | Treatment Talk April 10, 2012 at 2:52 pm

    Hi Alex and Tess,

    What a great interview! Loved learning more about Alex as well as his amazing book. The book is so insightful and heartfelt, readers will be drawn to it. Congrats Alex, on your wonderful accomplishment.
    Cathy | Treatment Talk´s last post…Connecting to Your Heart Through Nature

    Reply

    Alex Blackwell | The BridgeMaker April 10, 2012 at 3:02 pm

    Your kinds words have made my day Cathy – thank you! I’m happy to hear you like the book, too.

    Alex

    Reply

    Ben April 10, 2012 at 5:19 pm

    Thankyou Alex,
    The part about freeing yourself to no longer be stuck in the past stands out to me the most!

    Since i’ve started a process of looking at my past limiting memores, emotions, patters, and also my current patterns coming up which are usually linked to the past, i’ve made awesome changes.

    It’s awesome you were able to be courageous enough to realize change was needed, to explore what was inside and now you have a blog about it helping other people do the same!

    -Ben
    Ben´s last post…USING YOUR ‘TRIGGERS’ AND WHAT COMES UP IN EVERYDAY LIFE TO ACCELERATE YOUR HEALING AND FREEDOM.

    Reply

    Alex Blackwell | The BridgeMaker April 10, 2012 at 5:49 pm

    Ben,

    Good for you! Change is difficult, but it sounds like you are well under way. If you need a dose of encouragement along the way, all you have to do is ask.

    Best,

    Alex

    Reply

    Born27 April 10, 2012 at 7:30 pm

    I love your post as well as I am very much intrigue with the. It got lots of lessons to be learn.
    Born27´s last post…Online Conference Call

    Reply

    Alex Blackwell | The BridgeMaker April 11, 2012 at 7:15 am

    So glad you like it!

    Alex

    Reply

    Find Your Harmony April 11, 2012 at 7:38 am

    Tess and Alex,
    Thank you for a wonderful post! I am looking forward to reading your book, Alex.
    I am going through some of those life lessons right now, and I think it will be a valuable read for my husband and I.

    I hear you about the runner…I am in nirvana heaven when I run as well. Love your take on blogging, life, and relationships!
    Heading to order on Amazon.
    Have a beautiful day! (You too, Tess!)
    In Harmony,
    Jen
    Find Your Harmony´s last post…BILLY GOAT GRUFF?

    Reply

    Alex Blackwell | The BridgeMaker April 12, 2012 at 1:16 pm

    Hi Jen,

    Running is just as good for our souls as it is for our bodies, right? Thanks so much for ordering my book. Please be sure to tell me what you think!

    Alex

    Reply

    Galen Pearl April 11, 2012 at 10:41 am

    Love this interview, and I’m excited about this book! Alex, I share your favorite author list!
    Galen Pearl´s last post…Code to Joy

    Reply

    Alex Blackwell | The BridgeMaker April 12, 2012 at 1:17 pm

    Galen,

    I appreciate your excitement. It’s been a labor, but a labor of love!

    Reply

    Alex Blackwell | The BridgeMaker April 12, 2012 at 1:18 pm

    Charlene,

    Thanks for checking out my blog and for the wonderful shares – I appreciate each one!

    Alex

    Reply

    LuKa (Lubna) April 13, 2012 at 7:52 pm

    Tess, thanks for this interview with Alex. I see that a lot of people find it difficult to forgive. This, fortunately for me is not an issue. My main issue is holding on to faith when life becomes difficult. I know life would be easier when you surrendered yourself to a higher power, but this is easier said than done.
    Unfortunately I am not on Twitter or FaceBook, but I still wanted to comment.
    Thanks again.

    Reply

    Alex Blackwell | The BridgeMaker April 14, 2012 at 6:04 am

    LuKa, the lesson of surrendering has been the hardest for me, too. But once I learned how to turn it over, change went from a drip to a gush!

    Alex

    Reply

    LuKa (Lubna) April 16, 2012 at 9:18 am

    Thank you Alex for your message. It gives me some hope.
    LuKa (Lubna)´s last post…We Interrupt our Programming

    Reply

    janet April 13, 2012 at 10:12 pm

    did my social sharing part.. thank you!
    i think the opposite of an asterisk. it’s not a limitation to me at all.. because i always think of the multiplication symbol.. also an asterisk. for me it symbolizes multiplication and infinity!
    janet´s last post…Don’t Let Your Website Look Like a Third World Ghetto

    Reply

    Alex Blackwell | The BridgeMaker April 14, 2012 at 6:05 am

    Thanks for sharing my book Janet and for your perspective on an asterisk.

    Alex

    Reply

    Deev April 15, 2012 at 3:00 am

    Thanks for this interview! Have shared on Facebook. I’m not on Twitter. Would love to win a copy as I’ve just made a big decision and I’m facing big change! :)
    Deev´s last post…Time’s awasting – getting busy living!

    Reply

    Alex Blackwell | The BridgeMaker April 15, 2012 at 4:38 am

    Good luck with the pending change in your life Deev.

    Thank you for getting the word out about the book – much appreciated!

    Alex

    Reply

    Luke April 17, 2012 at 3:14 pm

    Great post Alex! Forgiveness is a massive subject! One of my favorite quotes I share with my clients is that, withholding forgiveness is like drinking poison that was designed to harm the person you haven’t forgiven. In the end the other person walks away healthy and you become seriously ill!

    Forgiveness is so liberating!

    Thanks again Alex

    Luke Havard

    Reply

    Rose Byrd April 18, 2012 at 12:42 pm

    So very pleased you posted this terriffic interview with my online friend and advisor, Alex Blackwell. I read his posts so much that I was already familiar with much of the information and philosophy in this interview; but this one sentence really jumped out at me all over again:
    ‘Offering forgiveness is the most important thing we can do to embrace the present moment with purpose and passion.” And how we let ourselves off the hook by extending forgiveness! Thank you for posting this important interview.
    Rose Byrd´s last post…“……and suddenly we heard singing!”

    Reply

    Charlene April 11, 2012 at 4:13 pm

    Oh yeah – I shared on Facebook and Tweeted under @CharleneBurke :D

    Reply

    Alex Blackwell | The BridgeMaker April 14, 2012 at 6:02 am

    Thanks for your kind words about my book Sandra.

    If you like, you can contact me at for bulk ordering information.

    Alex

    Reply

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