Just Say Yes! (Part 2)

“The first step on the path to positive change is acknowledgement that change is necessary and possible. Open yourself to the possibility of seeing the world in a new way. What do you have to lose?”
~ Alex Blackwell

A few days ago, I wrote about the positive changes you could make in your family’s lives by saying “Yes”! I recently had a chance to talk to Alex Blackwell, author and blogger. I have been reading Alex’s blog for a while now and feel honored to be able to interview him about his recently published book, Saying Yes To Change.

Tell me a little bit about yourself and about your wife, Mary Beth.
First, thanks for having me on your blog. You have created a warm, inviting place and it’s my pleasure to be here.

Mary Beth and I have been married 27 years. We have four wonderful children: Brandon (26), Caitlin (22), Andrew (20) and Emily (13). Brandon and Caitlin are out of college and have moved to different cities. Our younger son, Andrew, is attending college on a baseball scholarship. This leaves only Emily at home. We are a close family and enjoy spending time together.

My wife and I live in Kansas City. Even as we approach the three-decade mark, we still enjoy each other’s company and our love grows a little deeper each day. But our marriage isn’t perfect, it just that we have made the commitment to make our marriage a priority.


Did saying “Yes” lead to the book?
I said, “Yes” to change nine years ago. At that time, I was focused more on myself than my family. I kept my feelings close to the vest. In the summer of 2003, Mary Beth was on the verge of asking for a divorce.

In attempt to save my marriage, I attended a personal and spiritual formation seminar. It was at the seminar that I acknowledged the bleakness of my reality and began the journey to positive change. It was at this seminar that I said, “Yes,” to the possibility of change.

Which came first, the blog or the book?
The BridgeMaker came first. I founded the blog in September, 2008. My book, 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.


I love how personal your book is. 
Thank you Betsy. The purpose behind my personal approach is to provide a small window into my life so others can see their lives in the reflection of the window’s glass. Often we feel like we are alone with our thoughts, feelings or fears. But being honest with how I feel may give someone the courage to be honest with their feelings, too.


I love reading your blog.  Tell me why you decided to write one.
Writing, and blogging, provides a way for me to connect with others. It’s also gives me an avenue to express my thoughts and opinions. The other thing I like about blogging is it motivates me to write every day. I like receiving the immediate feedback.

I decided on the name, The BridgeMaker because the blog’s purpose is to connect people who are looking to walk by faith, share inspiration and celebrate positive 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 making the deliberate choice to cross the bridge to discover the beautiful life waiting for us there.


Where do you find your inspiration?
Betsy, I find inspiration in everyday life events. I also find inspiration when I see people living their passion. It takes courage to step outside of comfort zones and really “go for” our dreams. Seeing people do this a big motivator for me.

What is your advice to someone who is just starting out saying YES?
Take baby steps at first. Change doesn’t happen over night, so don’t be hard yourself thinking you need to be at a certain place by a certain time.

Since I love quotes and am always posting them, I wondered if you have a favorite quote?
“My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.” – Dalai Lama

One of my favorites, too!


Where can people find your book?
You can buy Saying Yes to Change: 10 Timeless Life Lessons for Creating Positive Change through Amazon. You have three options:

• Download the Amazon Kindle Edition right now. Did you know you don’t need a Kindle to read the Kindle version? You can use your computer, iPad, iPhone or other mobile device – just select your preferred delivery method in the right-hand sidebar on the Amazon page.
• Order the paperback edition.
• Grab the Nook Book on Barnes&Noble.com.

Alex is giving a book away to a lucky reader! Please comment below and tell him why you’d like to receive a book on saying “Yes”! Thank you, Alex, so much for the interview and I wish you the best of luck with your book.

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