Yesterday, I decided to start living out my dreams. I mean really living out my dreams! For me this means getting out of a place of comfort, not accepting positions that I don’t really want but that pay well, and walking in faith.
What do I mean by that? Maybe you’ve never had this dilemma, but I sure have. Just to be completely transparent, I recently had an opportunity to begin a new contract. Now that contract was doing something I am trained to do, can do with my eyes closed, and I “somewhat” enjoy doing, but it’s not what I am “passionate” about. I knew this gig would allow me to stack some chips, but was concerned would it take away my focus and time from what I really want to do. I knew taking this contract would take time away from me pursuing my passion, which is, “Discount Diva Brands.” While this contract offered GREAT pay, it didn’t lack flexibility. I found myself concerned about how I would have time to do seminars and workshops, open my consignment shop, even travel and spend time with family and friends. For me, while income is great, quality of life ranks supreme.
Then I found myself remembering, that I hadn’t even consulted my Heavenly Father. I said to myself, “Lynesha, you didn’t even pray about this.” I don’t know about you, but prayer is an important part of my life. I am trying to get to the point where I consult my Heavenly Father on every major decision I make. I have not always done so in the past, and then I end up in jobs that I hate, situations that I could have avoided, or wasting a lot of time and money. So what did I do? I got down on my knees and prayed, “Father, if this is not for me, then remove it and make it obvious this is not the position for me.” Guess what? HE answered and HE answered in the same day I prayed about it! I got a text last night saying, she had to move forward and wouldn’t be able to use me. Now, while some people may have been alarmed, I knew this was the answer to my prayer, so I immediately had peace. It also made me question myself. If I know my passion lies elsewhere, why keep pursuing opportunities in other areas? Well I know the answer. Those other areas provide security. Stability. Safety. However, anyone who has ever accomplished a true measure of greatness had to step outside of what was secure, safe, and stable, and go with the faith. That was another light bulb moment. I thought, “Lynesha, are you gonna do what society says you should do, i.e. work in your field because that’s what you got your degree in, or are you gonna pursue your passion?” For me it was a resounding, “NO!” I didn’t want to be the Accountant who wakes up 10 years from now with a thriving practice, great income, but hates to go to work. I would rather be the person who makes less income, but LOVES what I do. I knew this was the case because I started thinking about being willing to lose some things, downsize, or sacrifice in some areas in order to achieve my dreams. In other words, if this meant I couldn’t take a vacation now because I am building my business and my income is not the same, I would be willing to do that. Or, if it meant not being able to move into another house that I want right now while I am laying the foundation for my business, I was OK with that. This is when I knew I was for real! This is when the rubber hit the road and I put on my big girl panties. This is when I grew up, just a little more.
I don’t know if you have something in your life you want to pursue, but I encourage you, not to allow society, your educational background, your family expectations, or lifestyle to dictate your dreams. Follow your passion, even if it means changing it up in other areas of your life. Now, you have to have some income to live, so don’t go out there saying, “Lynesha told me to quit my job and follow my passion,” but at least begin developing a POE or “Plan of Escape” so you don’t have to remain somewhere you don’t want to be for the next 5 years. Or consider starting a side hustle in addition to your job to generate some income and then when you are ready, take that leap of faith.
Let’s conquer our fears, walk in faith, and live our dreams together!
If you have stories of how you are “Living Your Dreams” please send them to: LyneshaTheDiscountDiva@gmail.com or Lynesha@LegUpOnLife.com. Also, follow me on Twitter, FaceBook, and Instagram at TheDiscountDiva and check out my website for additional tips and strategies on how to live our your dreams at: http://LyneshaMcElveen.com
