I remember, when I was little, I wanted more than anything to be a star - one of those acting, singing, dancing Disney Channel stars. I wanted to be on television, and perform in front of crowds. I would sing and dance in my room. I would write plays for me and my friends (starring myself, of course). I attended drama camp, I was on competitive dance teams. More than anything - I wanted this. One day, a family member lovingly implied that this dream may be... less than realistic. He didn't want me to get disappointed, he said (Very well intentioned, sound advice I can now appreciate as an adult). This did, however, fuel the opposite response. Instead of taking it to heart and focusing on something more realistic, this comment did less than discourage me. In fact, I became more determined than ever. I would sit and watch television, and I had a journal - every time I saw a child actor (which was a lot, by the way, since I was basically only watching Disney Channel... so maybe not the most representative sample) I would put a tally mark. I was going to prove them all wrong. I was going to show them how many kids did make it, and that I could make it too. I mean, I really believed in myself. Eventually, of course, I did grow out of that dream. I went from that to dreaming of being a teacher, to an astronaut, to a bus driver (don't ask..), to an author, to a business executive, to a small-business owner. The point is, I had dreams. I had dreams that I really believed in. I had dreams that I really believed in myself to accomplish. Kids' minds are beautiful that way. Unfortunately, I also eventually grew out of the confidence as well. As I was talking with my boyfriend tonight about how intimidating my fellow students can be, and how discouraged I get when comparing myself, and how I am scared to apply to these awesome positions because I am scared to get rejected, a problem I know is not unique to me... a question entered my head - when did we stop believing fervently in my dreams? When did we start comparing ourselves to others, and deciding we're not as good? When did we lose faith in ourselves? As kids, we dream and we believe in ourselves. As adults, we lose that. Just think how remarkable our lives would be if we dared to dream a little bigger, without holding back from fear of disappointment. Just think how much we would impress ourselves if we had the audacity to believe that we could actually accomplish those big dreams, instead of shrinking ourselves, or writing ourselves off. Imagine how far we would get if our hope fueled our work - and we worked and worked and worked until we accomplished our dreams, instead of giving up and just settling because it seems too hard, or "it's just not in the cards." At what point in our lives are we taught that dreaming is foolish? At what point in our lives are we taught to dissuade ourselves because of the embarrassment of failure? I don't know how to change this, friends. It's a personal journey that we all have to take. But I know the world would be a much more beautiful place if we all held on to that confidence we had as a child that, with work, we could be whatever we want to be, whether it be an actress, or an astronuat, or even a bus driver. "Do not ask, 'what does the world need?' Ask, 'what makes me come alive?' and then go do that. Because what the world needs is more people who have come alive." Howard Thurman.
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AuthorHello! I'm Becca -humanitarian, caffeine addict, lover of books, people, and all things Jesus. You can find me in my pajamas, day dreaming about rainy days and saving the world. Archives
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