The Smart Publishing Impact Series – Episode 76: Author Interview with Eliza Lake

Episode Summary:

What if you didn't have to choose between completely losing yourself for the people you love and becoming so focused on yourself that you disconnect from them?

In Episode 76, Renée Lautermilch, Chief Editor at Smart Publishing, sits down with Eliza Lake, author of the forthcoming book The Third Option, to explore a different path—one rooted in self-trust, wholeness, and learning how to honor both yourself and the people you love.

Eliza shares the deeply personal journey that led her to write the book, including motherhood, marriage, healing, faith, trauma, and the realization that she had lost touch with something as simple as knowing what she wanted. A solo trip became a turning point, and later, a difficult moment with her daughter sparked an even deeper commitment to learning how to be okay herself so she could help her family be okay too.

The conversation dives into what Eliza calls “the third option”: slowing down, reconnecting with yourself, and bringing your heart, mind, body, and nervous system into greater integration. Rather than choosing between self-sacrifice and self-focus, the goal is to find a grounded way to love others without abandoning yourself.

Eliza also shares how writing The Third Option became a therapeutic process of integrating what she had learned at a deeper level, and how she plans to use the book as a starting point for coaching, retreats, and helping more women develop a healthier relationship with themselves.

What You'll Hear:

• The personal journey that inspired Eliza to write The Third Option

• How motherhood led her to question whether she truly knew herself

• Why being “easygoing” can sometimes mean losing touch with your own needs

• The moment Eliza realized she needed to learn how to be okay

• How writing the book became part of her healing and self-discovery

• Why knowledge in your head isn't always the same as true integration

• The two extremes many women can feel trapped between

• What “the third option” actually means in everyday life

• How to slow down and reconnect with your heart, body, and inner knowing

• Why self-acceptance can be more powerful than constantly trying to “fix” yourself

• How parents can model emotional regulation and self-trust for their children

• How Eliza plans to use her book, coaching, and retreats to help women

Quote to Remember:

“You do not have to become anything else. You're already perfect.”

Guest Featured in This Episode:

Eliza Lake – writer, coach, mother of five, and author of The Third Option, a book about self-trust, healing, motherhood, and finding wholeness without abandoning yourself.

Mentioned in This Episode:

The Third Option – releasing September 15, 2026Eliza Lake on Facebook and InstagramVisit thecompassandflame.comsmartpublishingservices.com – publishing education and author supportConnect with Renée Lautermilch and Jonathan Lautermilch on Facebook

Join the waitlist today and get exclusive launch updates plus your opportunity to purchase The Third Option for less than $1 on launch day. This special pricing is available for one day only. 

👉 https://jusserv.net/waitlist

Key Takeaway:

You don't have to choose between taking care of everyone else and taking care of yourself. There is another way. One where you can love others deeply while staying connected to who you are.

Coming Next:

More conversations with Smart Publishing authors about the stories behind their books, the experiences that shaped their messages, and how publishing can turn a personal journey into something that helps others.