I recently posted my less than stellar editorial book review I received last year after my book, “The Reluctant Ninja: How A Middle-Aged Princess Became A Warrior Queen.” was released to the world. Fortunately, that review did not break my spirit. Instead, I was able to shake it off and move on, which is a skill I developed with my martial arts training.

I’m glad I didn’t let it get to me, because the second one I received had an entirely different opinion, and here it is.

As reviewed by FF of Readers’ Favorite:

“Betrayed by a predator hidden in plain sight as a medical practitioner, Cheryl found herself battling PTSD and alone with nobody to talk to and share her traumatic experience with. Fortunately, Cheryl’s acupuncturist convinces her to take some martial arts lessons after trying several times to get her to enroll in a class. Thus began her journey to becoming a formidable ninja warrior with a deceptive, feminine charm. Reluctant at first, she surprised herself with her consistency and strength as she showed up every day to face frightening opponents and daunting techniques alike. In The Reluctant Ninja, Cheryl L Ilov shares the story of how a decision to learn martial arts helped her to recover from the despair and Trauma of abuse. When faced with challenges, you can either fight back or give up. Cheryl chose the latter, and this is her remarkably inspiring story.

The Reluctant Ninja gives readers a vivid picture of what being a martial artist means and expresses that it is about “self-awareness, introspection, and pushing beyond your limitations.” Cheryl’s jovial tone makes her book such a delight to read. I felt like I was chatting with a friend with many interesting stories to share—one who is also a retired warrior with a lot of battles won. With great introspection and an exceptional eye for detail, Cheryl L Ilov shows us what rising through the ranks of martial arts with a tough sensei entails. Her story felt surreal, like an epic martial arts movie with several exciting, spine-chilling, and unpredictable moments. I would be one of the first to see the movie if the story ever gets adapted into one.”

An epic martial arts movie? Really? Well, one can always hope. And I guess the point is that not everyone is going to love your work, no matter what it is that you put out in the world. But, don’t let it discourage you. Shake it off, and move on. Because we all have something important to share, and there is always someone who wants (and needs) to hear your message and your story. Write on!

Originally Published on https://www.cherylilov.com/blog/

Chery lIlov PT, GCFP

Cheryl Ilov is an author, speaker, dancer, martial artist, and physical therapist. She is also a former chronic pain patient who began a journey of self-discovery and self-healing after her medical team informed her that she would never recover. They were wrong.

Cheryl fired her medical team and found her own path to health and healing, as well as a journey of life-long learning. Her areas of expertise include the art of healing through movement, personal empowerment, and fitness over fifty. She is also the host of The FemiNinja Project podcast, which focuses on overcoming obstacles, personal empowerment, restoring human dignity, and alternative health and healing.