My Book Is Coming Out Soon (What's Next?
So, this happened: My book is coming out soon.
It kind of snuck up on me. I’ve been working on it in little inspired bursts over the past couple of years—never forcing, just following the energy when it felt right. So much so that when a friend recently said, “Nicole… you did it. You really built the life of your dreams, and your book is about to be out in the world,” I had to pause.
He was right.
Somewhere between adapting to a new country (with values wildly different from where I was raised and where I spent the last decade), building a slow, freedom-based lifestyle, and learning how to surf—I had done the damn thing.
I wrote the book.
I built the life I used to daydream about.
And now… it’s happening.
That conversation cracked something open in me. It made me ask: What do I want next?
Because becoming an author was always the dream.
Helping others overcome their fear of doing things differently—that’s always been the mission.
And creating a life where I could sneak in surf sessions between website tech troubleshooting and content creation? Dream achieved.
So… now what? 😂
Honestly? I don’t know exactly. I’ll be promoting the book over the next few months, sharing its message and building a community around the ideas inside. But beyond that? I’m still figuring it out.
What I do know is this:
I love the lifestyle I’ve carved out.
I love the strength I’ve built in my body.
I love how deeply I sleep—even if I’m woken up by a mosquito or a surprise power outage.
I love the version of myself that wrote this book.
Thinking About Writing Your Own Book?
If you’ve got something to say—something you want to share with the world—do it. It’s easier than you think, especially if you’re willing to take a DIY path. Here’s what I used to get mine across the finish line:
Formatting: KDP ebook formatter from Fiverr – $111
Editing tools: ChatGPT Premium ($20/month) + Grammarly Premium ($30/month)
Final edit: VA by Niecy – ($405)
Cover art inspo: Juul Lit – $120
Book-strategy session: Janet Goldstein, free (it was a favor)
Don’t let perfectionism or process hold you back. Start scrappy, follow the spark, and trust the message.
And if you want to follow along on my journey, subscribe to my Exiting the Matrix blog. I’ve got loads of stories, resources, and behind-the-scenes to share over there.
Need to ask me a question about exiting the matrix, website troubleshooting or digital nomadding? Get in touch.
What Kind of Person Are You, Really? (A Self-Reflection Prompt That Surprised Me)
I recently asked a thoughtful question to an unlikely source—ChatGPT, my BFF AI tool I’ve been collaborating with for months. I was curious how well this bot knew me and if it had any insights that would help me grow.
The answer? Surprisingly spot-on. And warmly comforting.
So I’m sharing the exercise—and my own reflections—with you in case you want to try it too.
The Self-Inquiry Prompt
Here’s the exact question I asked:
“Judging by our interactions—what kind of person do you think I am? What qualities do I possess, and what are some of my shadows or misgivings?”
I didn’t want sugarcoating (although ChatGPT does have quite a gentle way of delivering feedback). I wanted honesty.
Here’s What Came Through (And What You Might Learn About Yourself, Too)
1. You Might Be More Aligned Than You Think
The reflection I got was that I’m:
Deeply reflective and emotionally intelligent
Creative and multi-passionate
Rebellious in nature
Value playfulness, especially when things are hard
Grounded and visionary
In other words, ChatGPT’s reflection of who I am is in alignment with the person I believe I am. I was quite surprised to find how clearly my essence came across.
2. Your Shadows Don’t Cancel Your Light
What I appreciated most was the loving honesty. The shadow-side reflections weren’t criticisms. They were patterns I already sensed, but hadn’t fully named:
Sometimes I overthink, loop in self-doubt, or want things to be “perfectly aligned” before I take action.
Resistance to traditional paths = occasional isolation.
I crave depth and authenticity, which makes traditional marketing feel cringe.
I help others be visible, but sometimes resist stepping fully into my own spotlight.
Sound familiar?
If you’re multi-passionate, creative, and heart-led, you probably relate to some of that.
Why This Exercise Is Worth Doing
We don’t often pause to ask how others experience us, and when we do, we usually brace for judgment or rejection. But if you’re asking the right people (those who’ve witnessed your unfolding), their reflection can be healing.
It might affirm your unique gifts.
It might reveal a sneaky self-sabotage pattern.
It might relieve you to know that yes, you really are doing the thing—even if it feels messy or slow.
Try This for Yourself
If you don’t have a BFF bot friend, ask someone who’s witnessed your unfolding the following questions:
What kind of person do you think I am?
What qualities do you see in me?
Are there any patterns or blind spots I might not be aware of?
You can also try journaling your answers first. Then compare.
This isn’t about “fixing” anything. It’s about integrating all the parts of you—your light and your shadows—so you can move forward with more clarity, power, and grace.
Final Thought
Those who are the most self-reflective and self-aware also tend to be the biggest self-critics. While you might not think you are outwardly living your values, being the change you wish to see in the world, or moving mountains, you are likely making a big impact in the smallest of ways. Keep showing up and living your truth, so that those who need to find you most…will.
If you did the exercises, what came up for you? What surprised you? Feel free to write me an email at hello@nicolepaulus.com or share in the comments below.
3 AI Tools I'm Loving Right Now
Lately, much shade is being thrown at AI and content creators who use AI, but I’m here to be a contrarian. AI has the potential to offer business owners (especially my fellow soul-preneurs) - alternative, easy, and budget-friendly ways to amplify their impact.
The following AI platforms have transformed how I approach my client work as well as my passion projects, whether for illustration, writing, or video creation. Let me share the AI tools I’m loving lately and how they help me create more freely and efficiently.
#1 OpenArt.ai: A Game-Changer for My Illustrations - $75/ year subscription, 5000 credits/ month
When my publisher Rio Nuevo shut their doors, I found myself in a bind. My upcoming project, a Desert Animal Oracle Deck, was on hold, and I was scrambling to find a new illustrator. My initial thought was to reconnect with my previous illustrator, but her quote was well beyond my budget. Not only that, but she also failed to respond to my inquiries about the timeline, leaving me in the lurch. I contacted other illustrators, but the responses were delayed or inconsistent, and the time was ticking.
That’s when I discovered OpenArt.ai. Desperate for a solution, I explored the world of AI-generated art. I taught myself how to create AI art using this tool, and the results were terrific. OpenArt.ai has allowed me to produce high-quality illustrations without the headaches and delays of finding a traditional artist.
Using OpenArt.ai and Canva, I’ve crafted stunning visuals that perfectly capture desert wildlife's mystical and serene essence. The best part? I can tweak and refine the art as I see fit, ensuring that the final product aligns perfectly with my vision and that I don’t need to spend much money on it. Here are some sample cards….SNEAK PEEK…Shhhhhhh!
#2 ChatGPT: My Go-To Writing Assistant, FREE
Regarding AI chatbots, I must admit that I haven’t experimented much with the plethora of options available. Why? Because ChatGPT has everything I need. As a writer, the ability to brainstorm ideas, generate content, and even refine my work in real-time has been invaluable.
Whether drafting blog post ideas, developing content strategies, or polishing my rough drafts, ChatGPT has proven an indispensable tool in my creative arsenal. The ease with which I can communicate with the AI and get meaningful responses makes it feel like I have a dedicated writing assistant at my fingertips.
The versatility of ChatGPT is what sets it apart for me. It’s not just about generating text—it’s about the collaborative process that makes my writing more dynamic. I can ask for suggestions, get feedback, and even ask AI to tweak content based on my target audience. This level of interaction has taken my writing to new heights, allowing me to experiment and push boundaries in ways I hadn’t considered before.
#3 InVideo: Bringing My Words to Life Through Video, FREE or $20/month
As a writer, I’ve always been intrigued by bringing my stories and ideas to life through video. However, the technical aspects of video creation always seemed daunting—until I discovered InVideo. This AI-powered video creator has become my latest obsession, enabling me to quickly transform my writing into engaging visual content.
InVideo offers a range of templates and customization options that make video creation accessible, even for someone like me with little experience in the field. I’ve started experimenting with creating promotional videos for my writing projects, and the results have been spectacular. The platform allows me to integrate my text with images, animations, and music, creating a cohesive and compelling narrative that resonates with my audience.
One of the things I love most about InVideo is its user-friendly interface. It’s designed to be intuitive, so I don’t have to spend hours learning how to use it. Instead, I can focus on the creative process, experimenting with different elements until I achieve the desired effect. Whether it’s a book trailer, a promotional clip, or just a fun visual experiment, InVideo has become an essential tool in my creative toolkit. Here’s a video I had fun making last night - I used text from a project I am working on about Exiting the Matrix. Not bad for a newb!
Embracing the Future of Creativity
AI is no longer just a futuristic concept—it’s a tangible resource revolutionizing how we create. Tools like OpenArt.ai, ChatGPT, and InVideo have empowered me to take control of my projects, allowing me to produce high-quality work without the usual hurdles. By integrating AI into my creative process, I’ve explored new mediums, experimented with innovative ideas, and brought my visions to life with unprecedented ease.
If you’re a creative professional looking to expand your toolkit or a business owner seeking to amplify your purpose, I highly recommend these AI tools. Whether you want to create stunning visuals, enhance your writing, or delve into video production, an AI solution can help you achieve your goals. The future of creativity is here, and it’s more exciting than ever.
And yes - I did enlist AI's help to write this blog post :)
Want to know more about how to use AI to amplify your impact? I’m currently offering a $77 one-hour Zoom session where you and I will dive deep into the inner workings of your business. During the session, you will learn how to create engaging, authentic content that resonates with your audience, saves time AND aligns your message with your mission. More details here.
Riding the Loneliness Wave
This past year has been all about me taking steps towards living my dream life, instead of just fantasizing about it. That means that I have been giving myself permission to explore and try things out that pique my curiosity. I have no expectations in mind, just to make sure that fun and lightness are never too far away.
That’s how I ended up in Costa Rica learning to surf, and then later to Morocco to attempt to put into practice what I learned in Costa Rica - this time with a constricting wetsuit on. It’s also how I ended up signing up for a permaculture design course in the north of Portugal, where I currently am.
On the surface, and maybe on Instagram, my life is seemingly falling into place.
The other day though, while driving down a long stretch of road, I felt an incredible wave of loneliness overcome me. Though I had been waking up in the most beautiful places, exploring old Moorish castles, hiking through running rivers, and loving on the cutest animals, I felt an intense longing to share this chapter of my life with at least one other wanderer. I yelped out loud in between tears to no one in particular, “I don’t want to do this alone.”
I let myself have a pity party for a while and then I reminded myself WHY I was going on this journey. That’s when I had a thought, I would rather be temporarily lonely, and get to wake up in beautiful places while also getting the opportunity to explore my interests than go back to my life in Berlin having more frequent social interactions but those that were often misaligned to my soul.
A big part of why I wanted to go on this journey was so I could meet like-minded souls, souls who had wandered off “the path” and had been curiously carving out their own.
The Feeling of Home
A few days ago, I arrived to the farm where the permaculture course would be taking place, and I felt immediately at home. There are 16 souls here, from all over the world, who are keen on disrupting the “norm” and becoming more in sync with nature. And not surprisingly many arrived in their vans.
When the teacher’s assistant was giving me a tour of the compost toilets, he proclaimed that those were only for poo and that we were to pee outside on the land. That might have terrified others, but I immediately felt my nervous system relax. I LOVE peeing outside. Not only do I have free rein to mark my territory wherever I fancy, but there is also an outdoor shower. I know I said I loved peeing outside but there is NOTHING better than showering while birds are chirping happily around you and the breeze is breezing over your most tender parts.
To top it off, every single person I’ve had a chat with since being here has been super open, warm-hearted and… curious. From one day to the next, I went from feeling completely alone in the world to feeling like I found a group of souls I could resonate deeply with, those who, like me, seek the company of animals and nature instead of highly stimulating, highly populated events - which is probably why I don’t come across groups of them very often. LOL.
For two weeks though we will be together learning about sustainable farming techniques, designing our dream permaculture projects, and giving each other knowing nods while passing each other on the way to the compost toilet.
Loneliness is a wave. It ebbs and flows. But as long as you keep following what lights you up, a like-minded soul will never be that far away.
How do you move through the feeling of loneliness?
Give More Grace
A few months ago I bought a minivan complete with a built-in bed and set off on the adventure of my life. Most people go on adventures like this with a partner or a friend, but for some reason, I felt the urge to do this solo.
I’m rarely scared. I get to wake up to beautiful views or fall asleep to the crashing of waves. But there are still a lot of things I don’t know or understand about life on the road.
Since I am always driving through a new city, I am never in my comfort zone. Which means sometimes I drive too slow or I miss important turns. I try to pull to the side of the road when someone is tailing me so that they can pass. Sometimes, though, I get honked at.
I’m not going to lie, it does sting. I’m doing my best, here, doesn’t anyone realize how difficult it is to navigate through unfamiliar territory?
Yesterday though, I am guilty of exerting the same holier-than-thou behavior. I was feeling pretty confident with my roundabout maneuvers, had to pee very badly, and was only 15 minutes away from where I was going to sleep for the night. I was antsy and ready to walk around after having been in the car for several hours. And I got stuck behind a very slow car.
My first thought was…COME ON, VAMOSSSSS.
But then I saw the sign on the back of a car mentioning that the driver was just learning.
Tears immediately welled up in my eyes. This person was learning a new skill and needed some grace.
Learning a new skill, venturing off on a trip solo, driving through foreign countries, and stepping out of your comfort zone is NEVER easy. But it is the foundation of a happy, fulfilling life. How boring would it be if you just did things you always did, hung out with people you always hung out with, and ate the same things you always ate? Variety is the spice of life and contrast is what makes life beautiful.
It takes courage to live a contrasting life though because it means sometimes you are going to have to pee in a jar, get honked at by impatient drivers, or risk failing, falling, or having to ask for help. Let’s try to give the newbs a little grace (ourselves included). If you are a pro at something, use it as an opportunity to mentor or help someone who is just starting. If you don’t have the time or patience, might I suggest you just leave them alone as they stumble through this thing called life?
We are all living these lives in these bodies for the first time. Let’s give each other and ourselves grace as we maneuver through the world. Or maybe we should all just wear stickers that say “First time living this life, please be kind” as a gentle reminder. Anyone wanna print some up? :)
Are you good at giving others grace? Are you good at giving yourself grace? Why or why not?
Want to Feel Financially Free? Here's a Cheatsheet.
I recently polled my friends on social media. I wanted to understand why those who were interested in exiting the matrix/living a life outside the status quo weren’t taking steps to do so, or if they were taking steps, I wanted to know which ones they had.
I also wanted to understand their biggest fears about embarking on such a journey.
I had already made my assumptions based on my fears but it was interesting to hear it repeated again and again.
People’s Biggest Fear
People’s biggest fear of exiting the matrix was not having enough money to pay for basic things.
I get it. Capitalism thrives off of our fear of not having enough. The entire industry of Marketing was built on making everyone feel insecure, that they never have enough, and that they will always need more. The products we buy are not built to last because, well, what good is a consumer if they are only going to buy your product once?
Once you understand that Capitalism is a parasite, one that feeds off of the participation of its host (aka YOU), you can start to make different choices, choices that don’t continue to nourish this beast.
All of these tips may not work for everyone, especially those who are not able-bodied or have to be in a physical location for one reason or another (kids, family, sick parents, etc.) but I hope the list will help you to start reprogramming your mind, to stop falling into the fallacy that you have a finite number of possibilities to live a more fulfilling life. Because it’s not true. Where there is a will, there is a way.
Tips to True Financial Freedom
Move somewhere cheaper, somewhere with a lower cost of living
Move somewhere with higher wages/earning potential, or increase your wages through passive income/remote job
You can decrease the quality of your lifestyle (such as downsizing your home), cook more than eat out
Consider work/trade - exchange your skills for services/goods/rent instead of currency
Volunteer in exchange for food/accommodation using sites like Workaway or Trustedhousesitters
Move in with friends and family for a while while you save money to buy land or an off-grid home
Pool your money with friends or family to buy land and start creating a tiny home village
If your ideal lifestyle is to be in nature or to create more than grind, I want you to know that it’s possible. The path may not be what you think it is but if you stretch your mind beyond its limitations you can have everything you want and more. You can wake up every day feeling refreshed and energized instead of overwhelmed and stressed.
But first, you have to ask yourself the following questions….
Is this something you REALLY want? And if so, WHY do you want it?
Answering these questions will help you stay connected to the purpose when you go through a period of uncertainty.
One person who I polled answered that they had a fear that they would be homeless. At first, I thought, “Well that’s a valid fear.” But then I remembered that I was “technically” homeless. I travel and live in my van and break it up with house sits, visiting friends, and occasionally splurging on a hotel like when I am on my period and need extra comfort. And guess what - I am living my dream! I get to see the world, connect with people from different cultures, hike in unfamiliar mountains, and gain inspiration for my writing.
We have been trained (by Capitalism) to believe that certain things are bad or shameful - like being “homeless” or living with a friend for a while to save money. But you don’t have to uphold this shame. You can be the main character of your own story and write it any damn way you want.
Now, let me be clear, I am not here to convince you that van life is amazing and you should go out and buy one. Peeing in a jar is not for everyone. But if you are serious about wanting to spend more time with family and friends, creating art, enjoying your hobbies, and nourishing your mind and body - then you’ll first have to decide what you value and how you want to feel — and then, here comes the hard part, you’ll have to take steps, real steps towards achieving those goals (like some of the tips listed above.)
I hope this helps. Let me know, if so.