“33 STEPS INTO THE UNKNOWN”: Discovering Oneself
About this ebook
When you reach the end of a journey, the first question that comes to mind is: Why now? Maybe because time, with its silent work, has brought us this far. Maybe because our hearts no longer beat with the same enthusiasm, or because circumstances push us towards a change. Whatever the reason, this moment is inevitable, yet we often experience it as a surprise, sometimes sweet, sometimes bitter.
Authoring this book was a way for me to stop and take a closer look at a universal, yet deeply personal phenomenon. It is not just the story of the end of a career, but of the transformation that comes with it. It is a reflection on the dreams that have accompanied us, the obstacles that have made us stronger, and the people who have guided us along the way.
This decision to come to this point, to stop and reflect on the end of a cycle, marks a special moment. It is the first time I have made this decision since I began my project as an author 36 months ago. In these three years, I have seen not only my works grow, but also the awareness of what really matters. Writing has taught me to face challenges, to explore myself and to recognize that every end brings with it new possibilities.
The end is never really an end, but a pause, a bridge between what we have been and what we can still become. We do not always understand it right away. Often the meaning reveals itself slowly, in the silence of the days that follow, when the echo of our past actions stops resonating and gives way to the new.
This book was created for those who, like me, have experienced or are preparing to experience the end of a cycle. For those who question the value of their choices and seek meaning even in the most uncertain moment. It is an invitation to look at the end not with fear, but with curiosity, because in every end there is a beginning.
You will not find ready-made solutions or easy advice here. Instead, you will find stories, reflections, and a shared journey, which I hope can offer a unique perspective, a moment of comfort or a small light in the darkness.
This book is dedicated to those who believed in me and continues to do so. It is my way of giving back the courage I have received, and of offering a spark of confidence in return.
If you are reading this, you are ready to explore the meaning of an ending. I invite you to do it with me, step by step, page by page, towards what awaits us on the other side.
About the author
Ferdinando is an Italian author who has crafted a unique writing style, capturing the essence of human experience through profound reflections and subtle observations. His career began in 1985 as a sales assistant at Gillette Italia, where he climbed the ranks to become a Top Manager by 2003. The following year, he decided to reinvent himself, embarking on a freelance career as a business consultant, professor, and executive director. This new path took him to over sixty-five countries, enriching him with unique experiences and enabling him to learn five languages, thus refining his ability to engage with diverse cultures. Since 2018, Ferdinando has been collaborating with humanitarian organizations in South America and Africa, passionately dedicating himself to helping communities in need. In 2020, he launched the website Universe Feminine, aimed at providing online relationship advice. Although it did not achieve the anticipated success, this initiative marked a crucial step in his desire to share experiences and assist others. The true creative breakthrough came in 2021 when he began authoring short stories for friends on WhatsApp. What started as a pastime soon turned into a mission: to become an author. Ferdinando developed a groundbreaking narrative form, far from traditional schemes, offering readers an intimate, genuine, and authentic experience. Today, Ferdinando has published thirty-tree works, including Kindle editions, eBooks, paperbacks, and audiobooks, translated into eleven languages, with 1,200 publications on major publishing platforms. His stories blend humor and introspection, prompting readers to wonder: “Is it all true? When did this happen? Is it possible?” Through a masterful mix of subjective experiences and imagination, each book becomes an opportunity to reflect, feel, and see life from a fresh perspective. Always seeking new passions, Ferdinando draws on an energy that keeps him youthful and ready to tackle daily challenges with enthusiasm. Yet, he never forgets that the true essence of our lives lies in the hands of the world’s wonderful women. On this subject, he often jokes, saying, “I will always love women more than money for one simple reason: goodness is always more important than a tool.” This sentiment encapsulates his life philosophy, rooted in authentic values and a profound gratitude for those who make the world a better place every day.
