Dreams Come True!

Faith is what gets you up every day; even while fear is making other plans.

Whatever dream you have, the fear that keeps you from taking that first step…I understand it. I know how hard it can be to allow that initial push that propels you into the world of uncertainty. The chill evoking, perspiring, heart racing fear of, “what did I just do.” Trust me, I know. Everyone feels insecure at times.

We look at our dreams and instead of looking at the first step ahead of us we focus on the steepest part of the mountain, and decide at that moment to give up. I get it. I know how that feels, the thoughts of, “I’m too old, too weak, fat, poor, uneducated, too______(fill in the blank).” I totally relate to how unsure it feels to take a piece of yourself and let the world have it. It can be scary. It can be overwhelming, even sickening; but when you learn that the only thing that matters is how you think, and feel about it. Besides if you don’t believe in yourself, how is anyone else?

Hey, one year ago on September 4th, 2011 I self-published my first novel. Talk about striping buck naked and running down the street. Yes, I will tell you there were days I would cry and scream. There were days I thought I wasn’t going to be able to do it. Every day when I would write another chapter, another paragraph, I would wonder if it was any good. But there was something driving me; something greater than my fear and uncertainty…it was my total belief that I found my purpose.

When it got tough, or someone would say something that would shake my foundation, I would have to say to myself, “that’s not the truth of me.” When people would say or I would read on the internet, “self-publishing is hard,” or “nobody will take you seriously, you self-published,” I would say to myself, “that’s not my story.” When hurdles would crop up, I wouldn’t allow them to even enter my consciousness. None of that hogwash was going to be part of my story. And when I would have days where my consciousness wasn’t as strong, I would look up success stories and prove it can be done. Whatever your dream, what you invest in it, is what you’ll get out of it.

Don’t let other people’s stories or experiences be your defining moments.

This is your journey not theirs. Let your story be paved with your dreams, your desires, and your beliefs. When naysayers come to squawk, let them alone, they are coming from fear. Fear you don’t need or want.

There is more than enough to go around, so praise success. When you come from graciousness, grace shows up in your life. When you come from authenticity, authentic events happen in your life. If you see someone following their dreams, celebrate them. Praise their good, and come from sincerity. When you are sincere in your life, life will always show up for you.

When I decided to publish Wilson Mooney and I needed a graphic designer. I struggled with how I was going to make it happen. I was wrong…I kept coming from fear. Fear of inability to pay them, fear I wasn’t going to be able to find someone that saw my same vision. Fear I wasn’t going to be able to “make it” happen. But the minute I gave up the “how” and accepted the “it is already done” a wonderful graphic designer came into my life, perfect timing. She is amazing! The minute I gave up the story riddled with fear, lack, and limitation, and accepted a better story for myself, she showed up. And she happens to be one of the most giving, wonderful persons I have ever met.

I have several stories like that, I needed a professional editor; again I feared the lack of funds, the fear of judgment in my shaky handle on the English language and all its rules. Even though I knew I had a good story I was afraid of being judged. But the moment I let go of that fear, that self-judgment, the most wonderful thing happened…I was contacted by an incredible professional editor. She saw my vision and she was willing to work with me. She sees beyond my short comings and believes in what I am doing. And lucky me, we work well together. She also is a very giving and gracious person.

Same goes for my beta readers, musical talent, readers, and supporters. People want to help you succeed. We all want to be a part of something that makes us feel good. That’s why we cheer for the underdog and praise the humble winner. We love to see people succeed.

But it starts with your vision, your dream. It starts with a spark that ignites the desire for something greater in your life. When you realize that—when you find your purpose and you learn to let go and let your journey unfold, anything is possible.

Thanks for coming by and reading my ramblings!