During the 26 years she lived in Malibu, Heather McCloskey Beck sought to pay it forward by getting involved in such causes such as Malibu Little League and a citywide recycling program. Now, with her recently released book, “Take the Leap: Do What You Love 15 minutes a Day and Create the Life of Your Dreams,” the inspirational speaker is hoping to further spread her message of “dynamic peace.”
Beck, a columnist for The Huffington Post, said “Take the Leap” is about creating a life you truly love.
“It’s about discovering your own natural brilliance. Every one of us is born with our own unique genius,” she said. “A lot of times we get busy and forget what we truly love to do. When that piece is missing our lives aren’t as enjoyable or meaningful as they are meant to be.”
Beck, who lived in Malibu from 1977 to 2003, said her inspirational writing and speaking helps her forge a life she adores.
“Someone asked me, ‘Heather, what would happen to you if you couldn’t write, your circumstances didn’t allow you to write’” she said. “I said, ‘I would die.’ I am not a morbid human being. The expression implies that it would be harder for me. A huge part of me would wither up.”
The 176-page book, released Aug. 1 by Massachusetts-based Conari Press, is Beck’s first. Beck will be in Malibu on Saturday, Nov. 9 to speak about the book and sign copies during a 2 p.m. event at Bank of Books bookstore on Point Dume.
Most people, Beck argues, pine for a more creative, fulfilling life. Yet often societal pressures tell us that creative pursuits are not responsible. Beck’s book insists this isn’t true, and that one can transform one’s life by practicing a creative activity for 15 minutes per day, then building upon that progress. Using stories from her own life, along with practical suggestions and guidance, the book offers a way for people to rediscover the activities that truly excite them, Beck writes.
“My desire is to share ideas and suggestions on how to create a life that you will truly love, and then, in turn, for you to be able to share your joy with those around you,” Beck said on her website.
Several high-profile fans agree.
Four-time Grammy winner Pat Benatar said Beck is a spiritual visionary.
“Read this book and feel your life transform in amazing ways,” said Benatar, the author of “Between a Heart and a Rock Place.”
Colette Baron-Reid, the author of “The Map” and CEO and founder of The Invision Project, said Beck rocks a great life and is the real deal.
“When I first set eyes on her she absolutely glowed with vibrance, exuberance and inspiration,” she said. “If you want to be that kind of person, read this book. Heather will show you how to create a life that will make you feel joyful, inspired and deeply fulfilled, every single day.”
Years before she authored “Take the Leap” and began traveling as an inspirational speaker, Beck, a Westlake Village resident, lived in Malibu. She spent time as president of the Malibu Little League and Director of Music at Point Dume Marine Science School. She also started an efficient recycling program in the city.
She is a member of the “‘Bu Notes,” a nine-member women’s singing group in Malibu, which sings for the love of music and sisterhood.
Beck said “Take the Leap” is the first of four books she plans to author. Her next motivational work, “Peace Flash,” will be released within the next year.
Beck’s nonfiction work can be purchased in bookstores and on Amazon’s website.
Beck believes readers will enjoy her book, after speaking to groups of people both young and old about the ideas contained in it.
“Everybody is realizing that no matter what point in their life they are that they need to make sure that they do something meaningful that is joyful,” she said. “That is the purpose of life. To take that creative essence and to put it into our own unique creative expression or form.”
