Tag: motivation

The Power of Visualization

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I’m going to begin a series called ‘Power’. The Power series of entries will help illuminate the wonderful and intangible skills that can take you and your dreams to the next level.

*mic drop*

This specific topic has been on my mind for quite a while and I have also wanted to write about it, but it wasn’t until today that I realized a series was needed. Far too often, we miss the mark when it comes to the important and intangible things that matter because we are too focused on the material things that we have right in front of us (you might be looking at your device, up in arms at this point, but stay with me here).

Visualization is the practice of thinking deeply not only about what you want, but also already believing that you have it, that you have claimed it, and that it is yours. Visualization is POWERFUL because your thoughts and your ideas are powerful. Have you ever given much thought to that?

It has been said many times, and I’ll say it again… your thoughts determine your actions, which determine your habits, which will in turn affect your character. It is very important to pay special attention to all of the thoughts that cross your mind, and understand that with self-discipline, you can have healthier and more fruitful thoughts. But that’s another entry for another day.

The great thing about visualization is that you can practice this anytime, and anywhere. The only thing you need to visualize is your beautiful mind, and a great sense of what you’d like to have happen. Close your eyes, and focus on what it is that you dream of, and BELIEVE (key word) that it is already yours, and it will be. Perhaps not right this second, but soon.

Visualization, with prayer and work, can give some amazing results when paired with gratitude and patience. Another key thing to remember is that what we want is not always what we need. Visualizing is even greater when you have faith that God will work everything out for the very best.

“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” -Mark 11:24 (ESV)

Surprise! I’m a bee!

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So, I did a thing.

And now I have many feelings about it and I’ll write it out for you.

So, several months ago, I decided that I wanted to take my creative endeavors to the next level. For over a decade, I knew what I truly wanted to pursue. I dreamed of having a creative career that could bring me joy, wonder, an added sense of purpose, and enough income so that I could live my best life. For many years, people would tell me to reconsider, or may even joke about my dreams.

So I decided to study healthcare… specifically dental health, and it really wasn’t for me. At that time, I put others’ needs and desires before my own, because I thought that if other people around me were happy (and happy about what I was doing) then I would also, in turn, be happy. I was wrong.

Earlier this year, in January, I met up with one of my fabulous mentors (she basically runs a very impressive design firm, no big deal) and I let her know where I was in life, and that I still missed the creative process and cultivating the artist within (okay, so I didn’t say it like that, but you get the point). She told me that I needed to get back into taking art classes and basically to not let anything stop me from achieving my dreams.

A few months later, in the spring, I decided to do my research on some of the best art schools in the nation. I was so over listening to everyone else’s critiques and dismissive comments because it was doing nothing but holding me back. And besides, I know I can do it, I just have to make it happen! So, I applied for several art schools, but there was one that I really had my eye on… and, can you guess which one it was?

SCAD.

SCAD, aka The Savannah College of Art and Design, is the king of art schools, and their student work is absolutely phenomenal. I really desired to get in, and there were more obstacles in my way, it seemed. I had to get all the paperwork together, write letters, fill out financial aid, the list goes on. Although I had a lot to do, I did not complain because this is where I knew I had to be. I chose the e-learning option, since I also work full-time, so this would give me greater flexibility.

More weeks went by, and I was honestly at the edge of my seat constantly, wondering if I had been accepted or not. I really tried not to be too anxious about it, and had a ‘Let It Be’ mindset about it. What’s meant for me will come to me, and that’s exactly what happened. I got into SCAD (Woooo-hooooooo! *shimmies*) and on top of that, I also received additional financial assistance to help ease the cost of attending.

If you happen to read my other blogs, you’ll realize that I am really all about everyone going for their dreams. Going for your dreams sometimes isn’t easy, people may make fun of it or try to talk you out of it, but in the end, you still have the power to make the choice of whether you actually decide to pursue your dreams or not.

You have the power to make your dreams happen. So, what are you waiting for?

Reignite

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You can’t spell reignite without reign, and when I reign, it pours (greatness). Okay, I did say that I love wordplay in an earlier post, but really, I am here to help you reignite and reawaken your long-forgotten dreams that are currently collecting cobwebs in the far back corners of your mind. It’s for the best.

Why did you push those dreams away? Did you do it because you think you’re now too (insert any excuse) to accomplish it? Is it because you no longer think it’s worth it, and since then, has life became a bit more dim for you? When we push our dreams away and begin to settle with what we have, you are more likely to develop resentment in the future. No one wants that, or to even feel regret because you chose not to continue pursuing your amazing and one-of-a-kind dream.

Well, these dreams are here to stay and they are NEVER going away. That’s a great thing, and we have so many resources nowadays to make your dream a reality, and I urge you to keep working hard towards your dream, and WHEN you accomplish your dream that once seemed so far away, don’t become complacent with your accomplishments but continue to work hard, and help make others’ dreams come true. Continue to inspire others by sharing your story, because achieving ones’ dreams is not easy, there may be many sleepless nights and you may have had to live uncomfortably on a measly income and yet YOU STILL DID IT.

I am here for you! This is a wake-up call for all who are reading this to go back to the depths of their mind and rediscover their abandoned dreams. Pick your dreams back up with warmth, love, and kindness, but most of all, tend to it like dutiful gardeners tend to their exquisite rose gardens. Yes, there are thorns that can dig into your skin if you’re not careful. Yes, there are bugs and weeds that threaten your beautiful blooms. And yes, there are times where your roses are not budding or blooming in their season, but then surprise everyone by blooming out of season.

At the end of the day, however, there is a phenomenal sense of accomplishment that the gardeners feel, and even more so the day that their roses are all healthy and in bloom. These gardeners will also remember the bigger picture… the happiness that a beautiful and delightfully aromatic rose will bring to whoever is blessed to behold it.

By you committing yourself to your work towards achieving your dreams, you will also bless others along the way. It is not always easy or simple, but it is definitely worth it. You got this, now… reignite!

Go After Your Dreams

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In case you ever needed a sign, or permission, or an alert to help you remember that your dreams are valid and amazing and need to be realized, this is it. Everyone has dreams… dreams of a better future, dreams of achieving a goal, or even dreaming to reach new heights. However, not everyone will actually pursue their dreams and this has become a major crisis. I will spend some time with you today to break down what makes dreams so great, what holds some dreamers back, and how to overcome whatever holds you back so that you can keep going.

Dreams are so great for an innumerable amount of reasons, including inspiring others, revolutionizing the way we think and live, and for creating true, positive change in this world. Sometimes our dreams seem so out of our league that it can scare us a bit, or make us feel silly for even thinking such a thing. We might begin to doubt ourselves or our abilities and wonder what it would truly take to make our dreams reality.

It takes a lot of faith, patience, sacrifice, focus, and determination to make dreams come to fruition. Faith is needed because the steps to get to the reality of your dreams may seem so rickety, slippery, steep, and long that you might feel out of place even trying. A lot of times, you may feel like you’re not where you are supposed to be or where you need to be, however, you must remember that you are exactly where you need to be. Climbing these steps build endurance and stamina and will help you even after you realize your dreams.

Patience is also needed so that you don’t flip your lid with all the crazy feelings you might feel when you are in the process of achieving your dreams. You may have to sacrifice things that you don’t really want to sacrifice, because you need to work hard to make your dreams a reality. You may need to carve out (or sacrifice) a chunk of time that is solely for working on your dreams, so that we can really focus on the next step in the process. You must also stay determined because there will be obstacles that will try to throw you for a loop, but when this happens, remember why you began.

All in all, remember that you are capable and you can make it work. You may have to do a lot of research, reaching out, and remain confident. You could even write your dreams down on paper and try to understand how you can make it happen, and also why you want to make it happen. Dreams and ideas are the true riches of the world, intangible and multifaceted. Dreams carry A LOT of power and a lot of weight, and can go so much further than you may have ever thought of before. I am not saying this to scare you, I am saying this so you realize that you and your dream… y’all are going to get to go to some amazing places. Get ready.