Invest in Yourself
I have not written for
awhile because of FEAR. I have put more energy, over the last 8 weeks, applying
for jobs rather than developing my dream to own and operate my own business. I
have been on several interviews and spent hours online looking for openings,
filling out applications, and hoping for a positive response from the agencies
or organizations. I invested a great deal of time, energy and travel trying
find work rather than working to create a business plan, gathering my credentials
and marketing my services. As a result I have made no progress because I did not
invest my time energy and money in me.
I have to say I am inspired
by my daughters who are taking risks and making progress moving ever closer to
their dreams. The oldest, Celestine moved to New York soon after graduation
without a job banking on her skills and talent as she worked to create the
career she wants. Last week she called to tell me she is now a regular dancer on
Boardwalk Empire and may have a speaking role soon. My second daughter,
Antoinette, stayed in New York after graduation, and is the main character in
an off Broadway play. She is a tremendous vocalist but frequently under
estimates her skills and for some time sought the safer path of traditional
employment. However with some encouragement from family and friends she is now
relying on her talent. Last week she informed me that she will be singing at
the Apollo in August 2013. My third daughter, Dionnea has overcome tremendous
barriers and she also is relying on her skills and is creating her own business
doing hair. Although they have not yet achieved the success they desire they
are well on their way because they are investing in themselves.
Inspired by their
willingness to take risks, work hard and make progress toward their desired
vocation, I am now doing the same. I had to ask myself, “Are your actions
consistent with what you say you want?” The answer is no they were not. It is
not my dream to make someone else’s dream come true. As I listened to their
excitement and pride in their accomplishments I was reminded of what I always
told them, “For each step you take towards your dream; your dream will take multiple
steps towards you.” In the last 48 hours I have taken several steps towards
mine by investing time, energy and money in me. Stepping out on faith is
difficult and despite having done so successfully before I have found it
especially difficult to do so on this occasion.
I have been here once before
as I transitioned from being part of a married couple raising children to
becoming a single custodial parent. The transition was scary but because I
really had no other choice I rose from the ashes of my own hurt and despair to
provide the guidance, protection and provisions required to successfully raise
my progeny. I had help but I was the primary and with God’s blessing we reached
and surpassed the goals we set. And now I must rely on the lessons learned during
that chapter of my life to create what I want in my life and not settle for
something safe and unfulfilling.
When I started down this
path I understood the hard work it would take to become successful. However
what I did not anticipate was the commitment to self and investment in self
required to overcome the barriers and pitfalls involved in building something
out of nothing. During my career with the City I have on several occasions
built vehicles for others to become successful that continue to exist, thrive
and grow. I invested my skill, time, and conviction in others and it worked
well. This time I will invest my time, skills, experience and conviction in me
to create a vehicle for my success.
These lessons will not be
lost on me as I work with others to support and motivate them to improve their
health and learn to live well. Being able to tap into the fear I am feeling
even now to understand and empathize with them when they appear unmotivated or
resistant, knowing it is probably fear that is preventing them from moving
forward. I have done it before and will do it again only this time I believe I
am worth the same level of investment as I have provided for others. Inspired
by my daughters as they feel their fear yet do it anyway I am going to Get UP and Get Moving while remembering…………..
CHIT
CHAT WON’T BURN FAT
