For years, I’ve dreamed that I would be a motivational speaker. I specifically remember standing on a stage in high school for some sort of speech event, believing with all my heart…this is where I belonged. I desperately wanted to pour into others (acts of service is my primary love language), breathe life into them, help them unleash their potential, and provide an avenue for them to see their worth. This dream hasn’t fled, rather, found itself somewhat tweaked.
As I recently sat outside in the sun, getting some good ol’ natural vitamin D, I scrolled through the day’s FB memories, and had to smile. It was interesting to discover that I’ve been writing much longer than I realized. One of the memories that popped up was an inspiration I’d written in 2011. I suppose I’ve written long before I had a mindful desire to also be a writer.
In 2017, out of necessity, I started writing as my primary vehicle for communicating. It was simply easier and faster than trying to find my actual voice. Certainly more readily understandable. I did not realize, at the time, what an impact it was making. I was simply trying to “speak.” All the years I’d unknowingly “practiced” writing proved fruitful. Not only was I “heard,” but somehow, apparently, I was helping as well—sharing scripture, bits of my story, and positive prospectives. Even when I felt completely incapable, I was contributing in a way I’d never thought possible: I had become a source of inspiration for others.
As children, we dream BIG without hesitation. Astronaut. Princess. Professional Sports. Doctor. Dancer. You name it, we thought we could do it. BE it. The reluctancy we develop as adults can cripple us to cease believing what could be possible. It becomes more comfortable residing in “reality” instead of continuing to dream. And thus, most adults will still jokingly say, “when I grow up, I want to…” (insert: learn to do X, travel more, finally be X, etc) because they do not feel complete, haven’t accomplished all the things they’ve envisioned for themselves. Their dreams dissolved, disappeared, because they could no longer see it as a reality.
Here’s where my story continues. Stuck in the middle. Not yet finished. I am well spoken, or at least the Toastmasters thought so when I visited a few meetings. But for now, I’m relegated again to communicating through “written” words. And yet, miraculously, somehow I am “speaking” affirmation into others.
I share this not out of boastfulness, rather, to prove a point. Life will throw you curveballs, you may even get clobbered, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t continue to dream. Take and build upon them, my friend. Be bold! Believe you CAN, and make daily strides towards any sort of forward motion. Stand upon the roadblocks, using them as a stepping stone. Dig deep and you will be surprised what surfaces. The world will marvel in wonder at the meticulously cultivated pearl you’ve created from within.
I am an author, motivator, and speaker. It’s not how or in the way I’d envisioned, but I believe it to true. As my journey unfolds, I’m encouraged to build upon my dream. See how grandiose I can make it. It will not work if I don’t. I pray you will do the same. Don’t allow your dreams to be buried along with you! It would be a wasted spark that might have been exactly what you were purposed for, my friend!
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