Dream Pursuit…
The day is here! I have gone through the Dream Exploration phase with Jess and through it all gotten to know myself and my desires better than I did before. Now comes the part of drafting my Dram Declaration, sharing it with all of CTC, and beginning the Dream Pursuit phase.
To say there was fear and perhaps even anticipatory anxiety about this portion was an understatement. It is easy to go through the exploration phase and have declaring, let alone the pursuit phase, seem so far away. It was like something out in the distance, giving me nothing but the feeling of excitement it will be reached one day but also a bit of a disconnect from the actuality of it all.
Realizing the heart and passion behind my dream and the reality of declaration become ever so close, my thoughts quickly turned to excited and some feelings of being petrified. All things that in my past usually confirmed 2 things for me - 1. this is what I should be doing and 2. I am on to something so keep pressing forward! Putting the ideas of my dream and milestones into action!
Identifying my top 5 Strength Finders of Developer, Communicator, Empathy, Positivity, and Individualization, as well as my list of 100 Dreams…you guessed it, all roads led back to my 5-Year Dream self. I decided to start with what felt like the best first step on the road to Girl, It’s Time and all my 5-year dream would be.
“I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear. ”
With that, below is my official Dream Declaration I shared at July’s Dream Day.
The road that brought me here, like most, has not always been smooth. It has been paved at times with sand, gravel, and pebbles, but has done refining along the way and most recently feels like shiny yellow bricks arriving at CTC.
Years of what could be defined as a whirlwind of professional, spiritual, and personal growth, included a constant and driving passion and force to want to help and reach others using the gifts, experiences, and voice God has given me. I have felt for some time seeds being planted internally and an ultimate knowing that someday it would all come to fruition. What I didn’t know is how it would look, where I would be, who would be on that journey, what would be the catalyst, and ultimately that the passion I have had these past years would ultimately ignite into an even bigger fire, all amongst the chaos and uncertainty in the world.
I am stoked to say I'll be kick starting my first dream by adding to my tool box and gaining more confidence to take the next steps to putting myself, my voice, and CTC out there in the world. To be a voice of encouragement and empowerment, seeking opportunities to step into speaking engagements, and writing articles to share information, experience, and inspiration. Regardless of the medium, putting myself out there 2% more (shameless plug to Jaz Ampar-Farr) to positively impact those around me and to be a catalyst for change.
One of the main ways I will be adding to my tool box will be by education and knowledge with enrolling in Masterclass, where I will be taking a series of courses focusing on key elements for speaking and writing - from creativity + leadership - to authenticity + communication - to performance + presentation - to humor + storytelling.
My dream will include intentionally creating at least two opportunities to hold myself accountable and to immediately put into action the tools I will be refining and studying. This accountability will include one written article or piece that will be posted online (i.e. LinkedIn, Blogs) and the other will be a speaking presentation / performance at the end of the year (who knows, y’all may be my first audience at the Christmas party).
Success will be measured and milestones achieved by taking the series of courses, stepping into action, continuing to seek opportunities to lean in and connect, and to ultimately feel and know I am a true change maker.
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
“Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”
