By Jillian Risberg 

Her aunt, Mary Shortall was a nurse, mother, wife, legal nurse investigator who was committed to helping others before herself. And a faith-filled woman who frequently volunteered at local shelters like Market Street Mission. 

“She was kind, loving with a radiance that exuded from within,” says Bridget Aileen Sicsko; founder of Exalted Publishing House, podcast host and sales/messaging strategist for female entrepreneurs. “Her death (August 2020) inspired me to put together this book.”

She hopes Legacy Speaks: Powerhouse Women Leading Lives Worth Remembering resonates with people. 

“I hope (they) can see the beauty,” Sicsko says. “I do believe we live on a polarity planet — meaning there is light and dark, hot and cold, challenge and expansion; yet always beauty if we are open enough to see it.”

Before her aunt’s passing, the 28-year-old never lost someone extremely close. 

“Her death made me think about (what) we leave on this planet,” says the publisher. “She reminded me we all have a legacy. This book inspires us that regardless of circumstance, we are here for something beautiful.”

The collaborative book is composed of the stories of 25 powerful female leaders (Alia Marie Sobel, Allison Canales, AlyseMarie Gallagher Warren, Amanda Rumore, Annette Maria, Ashley DuFresne, Brandy Knight, Caitlin Lynch, Danielle Massi, Gina Frances, Hailey Parkes, Heather Robinson, Jana Bartlett Alonso, Jessica Torres, Jodie Stirling, Julia Rugo, Katelyn Annemarie Brush, Ligia Leite, Megan Kramer, Melissa Lambour, Patricia Lambert Gent, Rachel Sims, Stefani Silverman, Stephanie Heath, Toni-Ann Capece) who have asked themselves these very questions. 

They have gone to the depths of who they are, according to Sicsko; the deepest parts of themselves, their traumas, their healing and their joy to further understand the meaning of life and legacy.

“I am connected to many incredible female entrepreneurs who are healers, teachers, yogis, coaches and businesswomen with a mission on this planet,” the publisher says. “Each woman was able to connect to their challenges to see how that instilled them with strength, courage and purpose.”

According to Sicsko, whether you are ready to ask yourself some deeper questions, explore your humanity, hone in on your spiritual gifts, realize the power of your purpose, acknowledge your healing through a new lens or just to be filled with joy, this book invites you to remember your own legacy and what you are here to leave behind.

When the publisher is looking for her own inspiration, some great reads include: The Universe Has Your Back by Gabby Bernstein, Invincible Living by Guru Jagat, Frequency by Penny Pierce and The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz.

And she says sharing Legacy (which took three months to complete) with the public is healing. It is available on Amazon. 

“The world I see in front of me is in need of healing,” she says. “Many are struggling; physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually and we need hope more than ever. Although this book touches on challenging topics of grief, trauma, sexual abuse, it is also deeply instilled with hope, love, joy and the beauties of life.”

As a yogi and teacher, Sicsko learned that words hold immense power. Her late teacher, Guru Jagat used to say, “Sound shifts consciousness,” meaning sound (words in this case) have the power to redirect where we place our focus and attention. 

“When I was in my late teens and early 20s, I realized that the words or ‘sounds’ I consume (ie. music, TV, news, books, podcasts, conversation) matter. I am very conscious about what types of sounds I allow in my field,” says the publisher.

Looking ahead, we can expect more from Sicsko, including: Success Codes, The Secrets of Success You Weren’t Taught in School (on Sept. 3; another collaborative project with 22 authors) and Lineage Speaks, Women Healing Generations Past, Present & Future in December. 

Another big goal is to continue to interview inspiring individuals for her podcast/live talk show ‘The Gathering MVMT.’

She’s been an avid reader her entire life and many books have moved and shaped her.

“I plan to do the same for others through sharing powerful voices and words,” Sicsko says. “Observe what you listen to, read and allow into your experience.”

For more information on Sicsko, follow @blissfulbridget on Instagram or visit her website at www.bridgetaileen.com.