Living your Dreams

                      Do you have a dream? As a single parent,have you felt you couldn't possibly pursue it? Or have you entrusted your dreams to someone who has acted as a pin to deflate your balloon? If so, I can relate. I have had several avenues I wanted to pursue but lacked the confidence to until now. I have had dreams of becoming a professional singer/entertainer, an author and a nurse. I was able to fulfill  the dream of becoming a nurse,LPN to be exact,in September 2007.However, an injury I sustained on the job,halted the full effect of being able to jump in with both feet. I have the license but am unable to spread my wings until I am released from doctor's care.I most recently had the dream of writing a book for single moms but was discouraged by a member of my former church stating," It's going to be almost impossible to make it because there a 1,000,0001 books like that out there." Not knowing much and respecting her opinion, I chose not to. Thankfully for every negative counsel you recieve there are many more positive,and thus this blog was born.It's not a book per say, but I hope to one day make a compilation of my writings for a book.As for becoming a singer/entertainer, I still have stage fright issues but I plan to fullfill my dreams of recording a studio demo...God willing.
                    I want to encourage everyone who visits my blogs (and beyond) to pursue your dreams.Through the recent deaths of close friends from my past( one died from breast cancer,the other from a tragic car accident) I was confronted with the reality of how short life really is. Both of these women were in their mid to late thirties. I am quite certain that if they knew ahead of time,the course their lives would take,they would have made a point to live with no regrets. Sure not everyone is discovered,sure not everyone will make it beyond the drawing board;but don't let your choice to not try become the reason.We all need a supportive cheerleader in our corner.Someone who will encourage you and inspire you;not be jealous or sabotage you.That person for me is my friend Izola,to whom I am dedicating this article.Our friendship has spanned 20 + years. She is such an extraordinary person in her own right and talents, that her confidence in self gives her the heart to lift you up,not tear you down. The benefits of working toward your dreams are undeniable: 1) You gain confidence 2) You are given a purpose 3) You learn (sometimes for the first time) just how capable you are 4) You discover how valuable your natural talents really are. 5) You get to enjoy the fruit of your hard work.
                           No matter how big or small, take that first step toward making your dream a reality.We were all given various gifts and talents.They were not given to us to lay dormant like an unopened gift in a beautiful package, but for us to share them with the world, blessing others as he intended it.