“”The moment you doubt whether you can fly,

you cease forever to be able to do it.”
— J.M. Barrie

She sat quietly at the back of the room—20 years ago now—part of a program I was running.

Anne-Marie Allen.
Smart. Grounded. Quiet strength.

I remember being struck by her presence. But, like so many of us, she carried a deeper story—one she hadn’t yet shared.

Recently, I had the privilege of launching her new book, SERVE, with a small but powerful gathering of people at a local bookstore.

The book is a deeply personal account of Anne-Marie’s life inside Opus Dei—and, more importantly, how she found the courage to leave.

It’s about reclaiming your voice when silence has become your default.
It’s about stepping out when staying hidden feels safer.
And it’s about beginning again—on your own terms.

But there’s something else that struck me.

Bringing this book into the world wasn’t easy.
Anne-Marie isn’t a full-time writer. She doesn’t have a big following.

She took on what most would consider impossible:
Writing her story.

Finding a major publisher.

Launching a book that could help others.

And she did it.

That, to me, is as inspiring as the story itself.

In a world that often celebrates loud ambition, Anne-Marie is a reminder of something different:
That quiet courage matters.
That your past doesn’t get to write your future.
And that stepping outside your comfort zone—even in a small way—can change everything.

So this week, a reflection:

Where in your life are you underestimating what’s possible?
Where might a small, brave step open a new door?
And what part of you is asking to be heard—at last?

Best,

Shane

PS – You can get more details on Anne Marie’s book, SERVE, here.

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