Climb That Fence and Take That Leap by Philip Johnsey-- Guest Blog and Giveaway

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Philip will be awarding a $50 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Five things we’d probably never guess about Philip Johnsey

I embarked on this journey to connect more with people and always enjoy these interviews. Here are five things you’d probably not guess about me, course you haven’t met me so this is easy :-)

1) I am on T.V. every month show casing a positive story in our area and I enjoy it, even though it’s a bit of work. First I find a potential story, then I write the script, schedule the interviews, and then conduct them on camera. The producers film and complete the final editing.

For example, I just did a story on a no kill animal shelter and highlighted all the services they provide and their goals. Those are my favorite stories because they’re so informative and the people are so passionate about what they’re doing. My dream is to work in television producing positive shows like that.

2) Of course I enjoy the outdoors, but would you believe two months ago, I took a 3 week solo road trip and camped in the wilderness of Colorado. No electricity, no cell service and the only running water was the creek behind me. Town was only 5 miles away so I wasn’t totally isolated, but I was far enough to really air out.

It takes a few days to completely unplug and the four days of driving did most of that for me. Yet the first day I was there, I was deathly ill. I mean face down in my tent, nothing would stay down, and my head felt like it was going to fall off at any minute. Being sick is never fun. Being sick and alone is worse. Being sick, alone and 3,000 miles from home, sucks!! I knew I’d recover so I just slept as much as I could. It was a great reminder to maintain both my mental and physical health.

That may sound awful, but once I got that out of the way, I was fine. The trip was by far the best thing I’ve done in ages!! When I left all of what I knew behind and stepped out into the unknown great things happened. Stepping outside of myself and looking in was an unforgettable, life changing experience.

Upon my return, I immediately changed several habits and began to live totally different. Mainly, I put myself first (emotionally/physically) and then everything else gets in line. That may sound selfish, but not really. If you’re not up to your best, you can’t be your best in a relationship, at work, hobbies, etc.

3) I totally love to paint, but not artistically. A blank canvas is not my forte; give me something that needs some work. I love to paint my home and bring out a totally new feeling with color. A new coat of paint is the single most enlightening thing you can do to anything. It’s like putting on a new suit. I often take items that people discard, sand it, paint it and then free cycle it. I enjoy taking something that was doomed for the dumpster and giving it new life.

4) Here’s a fun one: I wrote a book, am on T.V. regularly, write a column at work, and have two blogs. But would you believe I’m a little bit shy? I can climb fourteen thousand foot mountains, drive solo across the country, but put me in a room full of strangers and I’m a little out of place. I’ve always been a bit shy and this past year or so has really pushed me beyond that and I’ve totally enjoyed that. One of my friends wants me to start giving presentations which will be fun and yet a little scary. This whole book process has really pushed me way beyond my comfort zone and I’m glad I did it!!

5) I took dance lessons and totally loved it, but for unexpected reasons. I’m a man; I can fix most anything from a car, home, technical, etc. I can even cook and clean well. However, I’ve always admired people who could gracefully move around a dance floor. I’d love to confidently take a lady gracefully across the dance floor.

When I signed up for dance lessons, I thought I’d learn how to dance and that was it. Boy was I wrong!! I had an amazing teacher and friend, Babette Brown, from Fred Astaire in Jupiter Florida. She pushed me to the limits but not just in dance; in my life! She taught me the importance of leading, often without saying a word and the consequences when I don’t. I learned the importance of posture and the amazing feeling of confidence between standing tall and slouching over.

I’ll never forget the day she sat me down in the middle of a session and asked me “what’s the worst thing that can happen to you out here on the dance floor?” My instant response was “I’ll look like an idiot!” She calmly and firmly said everyone has the right to be themselves out here. There is nothing to be ashamed of or afraid of. Be you and enjoy it!!

Our next dance session, she immediately noticed a difference in how I responded. She asked what happened to you! I said you gave me permission to be me and I’m having fun. I’ve never forgotten that!!

Thank you for the opportunity to share some fun factoids about myself and I hope you enjoyed them. Have a fun week!!

About the Author:

Raised on a farm and having been a volunteer at different animal rescues, it’s no surprise that his first two published articles were about animals. So it’s only fitting that Phil’s first book is about animals and the connections we share.

From Phil’s first high school job to present, he’s spent his career working with clients, explaining complex ideas in an easy to understand manner. In addition Phil enjoys exploring the world and sharing those adventures via writing, photography, and videography.

Phil’s credits include multiple certifications, Reiki master, photographer, author of two blogs, author of a travel column, creates short segments for a local T.V. station and whatever else he can get into.

Read the Kirkus Review of Climb That Fence and Take That Leap. Buy the book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Createspace.