I'm Learning To Be Just Like The Sun! Shining Each Day Even When The Clouds Are Grey!

A while ago I came to a point where I realized that I needed to shed some things – some beliefs, some people, and some habits. I needed to shed so I could be a different person – a more beautiful person. Yes, at 40-something I felt like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly. I realized that for a very long time I had my identity tied up in what I did as a profession, to a lesser degree what I had accomplished or where I failed, where I had been, and the friends I had had in my life. Realizing I had to shed some things became a defining moment for me because I realized that all those things couldn’t really define me.

In a few days I will have reached 10 years living in Atlanta. 10 years ago I made the conscious and proactive decision to move here in hopes that I would make a comfortable, happy and successful life for myself. Success, I defined at that time, was a fantastic career, a loving family, a nice home, and a full and committed spiritual life which would provide me opportunities to be of service to others – all things most people would say are components of success. However, just about 6 months ago, realizing the 10 year mark was approaching, I began to assess whether I had made the right decision to move to Atlanta. Had I accomplished what I had set out to create for myself? Was I “successful” and had I been better off for making the move? I believed the answer was no. First, my career had been totally derailed due to layoffs and years of a tough economy. The relationship that held promise to produce the loving family with a great husband and beautiful children plummeted to the ground, crashed and burned due to unforeseen challenges. That event destroyed that particular chance of familial happiness and delayed the start of another. I am thankful to God that I do have a nice home. And, while I have opportunities to serve in the churches with which I have been associated, some of my more painful personal interactions have been with persons involved with places of worship. So, I began to seriously challenge myself to search for the right way to make adjustments in my life so that I didn’t spend another 10 years working towards my goals to only look back and not feel like I’d not been successful.

As with all of my prayers, God answers one way or another. In the process of my search, God began to change my thinking. He helped me see that I needed to think of and see myself the way God sees me. I needed to simply “be” who God made me to be. Though things may not look like I am who He says I am, I simply must believe it and walk in it and just be. A career or lack of a career does not define who I am – I might have a job today but not tomorrow. A family or lack of a family does not define who I am – I might be single today and married tomorrow. A church affiliation does not define who I am – I might worship at this church today and another tomorrow. I am simply who God made me to be.

I was driving home yesterday and noticed how overcast the sky was. There were lots and lots of clouds. I immediately thought of all the times I’ve been on a plane taking off from Atlanta’s airport on seemingly cold and dreary days like yesterday. Shortly after takeoff and once the plane travels high enough and through the clouds, the skies are generally blue and clear and the sun shines brightly with no more grey clouds in sight. The sun is there all the time, the beautiful skies are there all the time, although sometimes the clouds simply cover up the sun and we can’t see or experience it as easily. The weather and climate situation changes daily. So we may easily see the sun or not. But, the reality is that the blue skies and beaming sun are there each day. The sun doesn’t take a break. On yesterday, even though the low clouds cast a feeling of drudgery over the city, the sun was still there and it was still, in reality, a beautiful day! In the same way, I am who God made me to be regardless of the situations that arise that cloud the ability for me and for others to really see who I am. Regardless of how things may “seem”, there remains the reality of who I am.

So what does this have to do with my journey and getting to my destiny? Well, in embracing me, the true, authentic, essence of me, I had to let some things go. And, I am working on embracing and accepting concepts about me that are new to me while they are really not new at all. I am being transformed by the renewing of my mind so that I see myself as God sees me without the clouds of career, family, or any situation to define my reality. Who I am is bigger than any situation. But, mind renewal is a process and is the transition to which I refer. I’m letting go of the old perception (which can be difficult because it’s comfortable) and embracing the new perception of me (which can be difficult because it’s not so comfortable, at least at first). So, when I feel the tug of doing things or thinking of things the old way simply because that’s how I’ve always done it, I have to check myself. The process takes time. But at the end, regardless of the situation, I will continue to be who I was made to be. And that’s a peaceful and restful place.

Even before the cocoon, the caterpillar’s destiny is to be beautiful and fly – that’s a fact. I have to believe if I were able to talk to a young caterpillar it would have a vision and a sixth sense about how beautiful it would become and its ability to fly in spite of its current physical state of having no wings. I would imagine it would have had dreams about where it would fly and the flowers it would rest upon with no way imaginable of how it would happen just knowing it would. I can imagine the enthusiasm, assurance and faith in the fact that in its own time, it would have those wonderful experiences. Who has God created you to be? Have you embraced who He has made you? Do you dream about where He will take you in spite of where you are today? Recognize that by simply BEING the authentic you, not necessarily DOING any particular thing, you will transcend any situation that may suggest otherwise. The transformation process may take a while, but you can still enjoy the ride!

Mine is One of a Kind!!

I have a very good friend who is a very focused and linear individual. What I mean by that is this… since childhood, he has recognized his gifting and his talents and he has nurtured those gifts and talents and has made his life’s work building them, making them stronger, and using them. It just seems to me that he has always been extremely focused. It’s just the way he’s built and he’s that way in all aspects of his life. Take for example his professional work. He has worked for the same company for over 25 years (and he’s not an old man). In today’s work environment and economic climate, that is extremely rare. I applaud him for his efforts and marvel at how he can be so focused. When I look at what he’s accomplished, I’m so happy that he has managed his time and his talents in a way that has seemingly served him and others close to him well.

I, on the other hand, am a little more scattered. I don’t say that in a bad way. There are simply many things that I find enjoyment in doing. So, my path has been a lot more exploratory and varied as opposed to the straight and narrow. In being exploratory, I have learned a lot of things about what I like and what I don’t like, what I’m good at and what I’m not good at, and what works well for me and what doesn’t. Perhaps my friend knows that information about himself or perhaps he doesn’t. One thing that’s true, we probably have gained that understanding about ourselves in very different ways.

I used to look at his path and then consider mine and feel discouraged, unproductive, and slothful. But, a few years ago, a light bulb went off inside of me and I realized that those things are just not true. And, while I may be much more challenged than he is with completing one task before starting another, he may be much more challenged with trying new and innovative things than I am. Why, because we are all different. We all are assigned different paths. No path is good or bad, they are just different. The important thing is to have a goal in mind and continue moving forward, no matter what. And, it is important to recognize the exposures and challenges that exist because of one’s unique path and manage those the best way possible. For me, for example, that means a couple of things. First, it means making sure that when I start a project that I have an end goal or milestone that I can reach within a certain timeframe to help ensure that something productive happens. Second, it means being very intentional about ensuring that there is some common purpose or theme that ties my varied interest together.

For the past several days I have been very intentional about focusing on finishing some projects that I have recently started. I felt like I was beginning to drift prior to the beginning of the week. Staying focused is not an easy task for me. So, I shut out the outside world, for the most part, and have intentionally focused on working to reach a few milestones. Some days I do a good job of focusing, some days I do not. On the days I do not focus well, I do all that I can and I embrace the next morning as a new day and a new start and work on ways I can be better at it. On the days that I do focus well, I do all that I can and I embrace the next morning as a new day and a new start and work on ways I can be better even still!

So what does this have to do with my journey? It is just that… it is my journey and mine alone. It will look like and be like no one else’s. So, someone else’s directions aren’t necessarily always going to work for me with my unique destination and my unique path. No one but my Creator and the author of my path has the best advice and input regarding which roads I take, how long I’m on a road, which turns I take and when the journey ends. It’s all the more reason that I really need to make sure that I remain connected and always able to communicate with God – that’s where all the information is! God alone knows what is best for me.

Are you aware of how unique you are and how unique your path to your destination is as a result? No one else is like you, so none other but God can give you directions that will get you to exactly where you need to go. Even though your path looks completely different from any other that you’ve heard or seen in other’s lives, TRUST HIS WAY and ENJOY THE RIDE!

Don't Let Frustration Fool You! It's Gonna Be Wonderful!

It used to be that whenever I experienced a challenge, conflict or frustration of some sort when working towards a goal, I took that as I sign that I was in the wrong place and I needed to move in a different direction. I am still learning, even today, that the challenges that I experience are a part of the process. Some of the best end results come out of the choas of challenge, frustration and being stuck!

Yesterday I attended a pastoral appreciation for a pastor friend of mine. It was a phenomenal and excellent celebration! Everyone had a really, really good time! However, I know first-hand that even though the event was wonderful, God was glorified and the man of God was most appreciated, the days and weeks of planning leading up to the event got stressful and frustrating for those preparing for the special day. But, however stressful, the behind the scenes challenges that were experienced by the planning committee were not evident in the smooth and spirit-filled celebration on yesterday. What a blessing!

What does this have to do with getting to my destination? The ups and downs and highs and lows that I experience in working towards my goals seem to just be a part of the process. The challenges should in no way be discouraging – even though when they arise, they can generate doubt, heartache, disappointment, frustration, and host of other emotions. In fact, when I reach my destination, I typically look back and say WOW, it took a lot, but look at what was accomplished in spite of what occurred in the process. In working hard and dealing with the challenges of working on a goal, the effort should be evident, the goodness of it all brings God glory, and we all can feel good about the entire experience.

Look at those marriages that seem to be very solid – it isn’t without challenges. Look at those careers that seem to have been very successful – it isn’t without challenges. Look at the many people who have fought off cancer and other diseases – it isn’t without challenges and fight. Everything that looks well on the outside is generally that way because of the blood, sweat, and tears of someone who toiled and experienced stressful challenges. Are you experiencing any challenges in your life? It is simply a part of the process. Just like a bumpy car ride on rugged terrain or unnerving turbulence experienced during a long plane ride. It may not feel good, but learn how to embrace the experience. And, enjoy the ride!

I Took My Singing Act On the Road and What a Difference That Made!

Scrappy… that’s what I felt like yesterday. My definition of scrappy is a feeling like I’m all pieced together, not whole. When I feel this way, I generally have a bunch of emotions going on in me and they’re not all the same. Maybe a bit of it, if not all, is anxiety if I am really honest with myself. Some days I feel that way – scrappy!

Not long ago I took a drive from Los Angeles to Fresno, California. The trip is a bit over a 3.5 hour drive. The first hour or two is fairly scenic because you are traveling through small cities that are considered suburbs of Los Angeles. But after about 1.5 to 2 hours, there is a long stretch of land that is simply farm fields. It seems like there is miles and miles of it. There is nothing to look at other than rows and rows of fruit trees or vegetables being grown for future harvest, sale, and consumption. So, the first part of the ride went pretty quickly. Before I knew it, I looked up and saw all the landmarks I remember as a child when we were on our way to Magic Mountain (now Six Flags). I knew just how long it would be before I got to the amusement park based on key landmarks that I would see along the way. There was a sense of excitement and anticipation because I knew where I was and how far I had to go. However, once I got to and through the mountains (which on that day were covered with fog making it a challenge enjoy the scenery) there were no more landmarks, nothing much to look at, and just road! I felt like the kids in the movie “Are We There Yet”?

I guess during this uneventful and less scenic part of the trip there was a bit of anxiety on my part. It was a little uncomfortable not having much to look or experience. I felt a bit impatient because the road went on and on – forever it seemed - and I didn’t know just when it would end. So, I pulled out a CD with music on it that I needed to learn for an upcoming concert in which I was singing. I played the CD over and over again… making sure I heard every note and every lyric so that I would be fully prepared to sing. I listened to the lyrics that ministered to me as well… so I really understood what I would be singing about. It was wonderful! I used the time productively to master my music and the time went by much quicker. Anxiety departed.

There are days – as was the case yesterday – when I feel scrappy and anxious. Mostly, I experience the scrappiness or anxiety when I’m pursuing some goal (which gives me a feeling of excitement and anticipation), but nothing is happening to give me any indication that I’m close to reaching my goal (which gives me a feeling of impatience and doubt sometimes). Yesterday, I had conference call with a grad school colleague who is well respected and influential in his field. I shared and explored an idea with him on behalf of a client of mine about a partnership structure that, in my opinion, is a great way to help generate jobs and income for a targeted group of people. I’ve been really passionate and interested in helping this particular client address one of their major challenges, but a long time can occur between identifying a solution and seeing the solution implemented and working. I was hoping that my colleague would see the value and the need as much as I did. I’m not sure he did. But, I do understand why he wouldn’t. Nonetheless, I gave it all I had. Now, for me, it’s back to waiting. And, that’s the part that leaves me feeling anxious and scrappy.

What does this have to do with my journey to my destiny? Well the real life road trip I took showed me that that anxious time can actually be very productive time, it’s all in the choice. One doesn’t stop driving – heck, you can’t stop driving – you’re in the middle of the trip! There is no reason to turn back! The trip began because there was a destination in mind! So, the best thing to do is to make the choice to manage the uncomfortable wait time by making it productive. So, in the midst of feeling scrappy and anxious about my pursuit of one goal, I picked up the phone to make another call and another call in pursuit of another goal. This is what makes the wait time go by much more quickly and with fewer feelings of anxiety about the wait. Talk about enjoying the entire ride… helps me to make it all much more pleasant. I can’t avoid all negative feelings, but to the extent that I can minimize them, that’s great for me and those around me.

Are you feeling like nothing is happening as you pursue your goal? What are you anxious, impatient, or feeling scrappy about? We all get these negative feelings from time to time. But, next time, instead of feeling anxious about the wait time for one goal, pick up another one and master it – plant a garden, learn a new skill, paint a room! That way, while you’re moving towards but experiencing uncomfortable wait time as you pursue one goal, you'll fair better by accomplishing two! Do all you can to enjoy the entire ride!!

Baby... Try Another Size, 'Cuz That Just Don't Fit!!

In recent years, I have worked professionally as a marketer, as a technical trainer, and as a creative producer. I have worked as a full-time or part-time independent professional in each of these areas - essentially companies have hired me on a temporary basis to fill some specific need. The unique thing about this is that I've worked in two very seemingly unrelated functional areas (really it's not so unique when you think about how people are generating income these days, but reading further will explain why I say this). I have learned that some corporate environments aren't set up to embrace a multi-talented and resourceful (and some might say hustler) personality.

Recently, I had a phone conversation with a recruiter who was looking for a technical trainer. We spent about 10 minutes just discussing how it was that I could do technical training given I had marketing experiences. It was funny to me that she couldn't understand how I was able to do both types of work, marketing and training, successfully. The ability to do both didn’t seem comprehensible to her. Specifically, she didn’t understand why a company would hire someone with marketing experience to do a training job? (now because jobs are so competitive these days, I understand that employers are being very picky, but this was hilarious). I guess she didn't give much thought to the fact that some of the same skills it takes to stand in front of people to make a marketing presentation – good communication skills and audience management/engagement – are the same types of skills needed to be an effective trainer. Both involve the transfer of information and knowledge from one person to another. She also, apparently, didn't pay much attention to the fact that my undergraduate degree was in computer science nor that I had spent several summers programming computer systems thus giving me a solid grasp of technical concepts and terminology (this last point I had to point out as it is no longer on my resume).

The interaction was amazing to me! But, then, I began to think about the recent challenge I had with updating my resume. And, I began to think of the challenge I'd had with updating my LinkedIn profile. I couldn't seem to easily display a linear progression of what I had been doing. It was a challenge for me to discuss two very different types of work experiences in a progressive way that didn't make me seem dysfunctional. I began to realize why she had difficulty understanding. I was a different candidate. Although I had very purposeful and great experiences with each successive assignment, communicating it I felt like I was a square peg squeezing into a round hole.

If you think about it the format for a resume is essentially a template that's been used by jobseekers for years to highlight skills and experiences. The basic format has pretty much been the same for as long as I have been working and then some. LinkedIn, while a new professional networking site, also forces you to use a template or pre-determined format to create a profile. For employers and for webmasters, using a template or pre-determined format makes the process of managing information about hundreds of people much easier and more efficient than if there were no structure. In fact, this recruiter probably had a template she was using to evaluate the people she was considering for the position.

As far as my resume, I suppose I could have just created two different resumes. Actually, some career coaches suggest doing this and I have done it the past. As far as LinkedIn, I suppose I could have simply created two different Linked In profiles for myself. Admittedly, the thought did cross my mind. But, all of that requires too much time and effort to maintain. Doing so would have been confusing and would have kept me from focusing on more important things because of the busy-ness of trying to be “two different people”. So, I decided to incorporate all into a single resume and in a single profile and to highlight the benefit and value of being multi-functional. In my mind, the combination of the two seemingly different functions makes me a very unique candidate that is perfect for some specific opportunity. In fact, that has turned out to be true. I now have a client for which I provide online training of marketing concepts to small businesses.

So what does this have to do with getting to my destination? Well… for one thing I learned to continue to focus on the better thing. Rather than trying to make myself "fit" into a template designed to make things efficient and easy for the world by scaling back, presenting a one dimensional view of who I am so I can "fit" in the template, I need to simply be who I am and blaze a new trail if I must. Besides, isn't doing things differently how new discoveries are made? If we ALL just fall in tow fitting into templates, from where will all the freshness and the newness then come?

Second, when I embrace who I am – and quit trying to squeeze into the template – I am less tough on myself and can blossom, expand and grow (remember the saying accentuate the positives..)!

And, finally, isn't this whole thing about being ready for those opportunities that I, alone, was born to do... my destiny? Well, when I am busy trying to fit into the template, I have little energy or time left to do me. If I'm all spent, why would a destiny opportunity show up and avail itself? And, if it did show up, I wouldn't have the energy to walk in it. So, if destiny is what I'm living for, God's true purpose for my life, I want to be ready and able to walk in it. That’s why I’m on this journey, right? So, I have settled into and begun to embrace ALL dimensions of me and share that with those who appreciate the uniqueness.

Are you embracing and nurturing and growing every single unique thing about you? Are you cultivating you in anticipation of being ready for the opportunity that is made for only you? Don't expend all that energy trying to fit. You may never. Just DO YOU and enjoy the ride!!

When Focusing, I'm Learning to Make The Main Thing The Main Thing!

Recently, a friend of mine and I sat down to watch a movie. The movie is called Fireproof .The movie is about a couple who is experiencing trouble in their marriage. I assume that by the end of the movie there is revelation about how to Fireproof a marriage. I cannot say for certain what happens in the movie. First, I cannot tell you because you may want to check it out and I wouldn’t want to spoil it for you by giving away the story. Second, I cannot tell you because, honestly, my friend and I never made it to the end of the movie. So, I don’t know how it ends. About 1/3rd of the way through the movie my friend stormed out upset and hurt. Not actually a result I had expected!

Looking at it on the surface, I believe he got upset for a few reasons. First, because of something I said and did (or rather did not do). Second, because he didn’t really like the movie - he thought it was a “B” level movie (I thought it was good). Third, because he realized that we would never be anything more than friends. He did verbalize being upset and/or frustrated with himself for spending so many years pursuing a relationship with me that was never going to happen.

Now, before you think and scold me for “stringing this man along” or even ask why sit down to watch a movie about marriage with a guy with whom you are just friends, let me say this. He is an attractive guy who is a God fearing man who loves his kids and who is a great father. We have shared interests and we’ve been supportive of each other during difficult times in each of our lives. He’s not perfect, there are some things he needs to work on, but so do I. In fact, I probably have more to work on than he does. Why do I share this? I do like him. And, while I've always communicated my feelings about the extent of my feelings, I realized all his wonderful qualities and became open to the idea that one day I might feel the same way he does.

This day, he proceeded to say that he is angry for the time he has spent pursuing a relationship with me. And, if I think about it, he has focused on this anger for the past couple of years of our friendship. His feelings of “anger” is all he seems to focus on. We’ll go for a period of time when there is distance between us for his sake. But, when we talk again, the anger he has rears its ugly head and makes it difficult for us to have a pleasant and easy going, enjoyable friendship. In my opinion, rather than letting go of the past (what hasn’t turned out the way he would have hoped thus far) he focuses on the anger or frustration. This doesn’t allow us to enjoy the friendship that we have had for years and allow whatever to come out of the friendship to blossom naturally. Maybe that isn’t possible at all. I see that now, especially because his feelings are involved. In my opinion though, (and he’s certainly got his opinion too) he hasn't focused on the main thing.

He’s been distracted and has expended a great amount of energy focusing on anger caused by things he cannot control and events that occurred in the past. I believe that if he focused more on the main thing - the main thing being our friendship and mutually working on what makes it healthy and enjoyable and simply enjoying the time spent together - he might see a different result. Or, at least, he might feel differently and less angry about the same result. If I weren’t open to a relationship, would I actually sit down to watch a movie about marriage with him? Now that would be a bit insensitive. By the way, I’m not suggesting that there aren’t things that I could have done or can do differently. I acknowledge that. But, here is the point in this situation that has helped direct me on my journey.

Hoping that I don't sound judgmental, I recognize where he is because for years I found that I had done the same. In many areas of my life, I wasn’t making the main thing the main thing. For years I found myself focusing on things that I couldn’t control instead of what I could control. I focused on things that I couldn’t change about the past instead of learning lessons from the past and walking into a more informed future. The distraction did exactly what it was designed to do, it took my focus off of what was really important and made me emotional and angry (anger is expressed in many ways - a common way is depression). And, as long as I was angry and depressed, I wasn’t paying attention to the work I needed to do on me to be better – better at work and better in my relationships. Most importantly, as long as I was angry, I couldn’t focus on nor appreciate the precious moments that are God’s gifts that I could have been using to create memories to take into my future.

Who wants to look back on a road trip only remembering being in a car for hours? I don't know about you, but I’d rather recall seeing and experiencing all the lovely things God has created and allowed me to enjoy during the trip. Talk about living life abundantly! My prayer is that my friend and I and anyone looking for fulfillment will continually focus on the main things in life! The not-so-important distractions can be life stealers and moment snatchers! Is there anything distracting you and keeping you from making the main thing the main thing? Enjoy the ride!

God's Directions! Are They More Accurate Than Mapquest?

This morning I found out that a friend’s mom passed away over night. To say it was shocking news for me to hear is an understatement. It was just not something that I expected. She’d had a stroke several weeks ago and had been moved to a rehabilitation facility. I went to visit her about a week ago (last Sunday to be exact) and she looked good. She was in good spirits, she was talkative (with a slight slur because of the damage the stroke had done) and she was enthusiastic about giving 100%+ doing whatever she had to do to be rehabilitated. I spent a few hours with her. We laughed and talked. I cared for her and tended to her needs while I was there. I promised to get back to see her during the week before I left town. Unfortunately, I never made it back. I got sick during the week and was confined to my house for several days. I never made it out of town on my scheduled trip and I never made it back to see her. I learned of her passing this morning.

The situation took me back to the passing of my grandmother just a few months earlier. I was visiting my hometown during the Thanksgiving holidays. While I was visiting my niece in the hospital several hours away from where my grandparents live, my grandmother had taken a turn for the worse. My grandmother had been suffering from dementia for the past several years and had recently experienced some physical challenges as a result of old age. While on Thanksgiving Day she was vibrant and alert and recognized everyone, just a week later she was not doing as well. I drove back to my hometown and before preparing to leave to fly back to Atlanta very early the next day, I went to visit my grandparents. My grandmother was sleeping, so I sat and talked with my grandfather for about an hour. Just as I was preparing to leave their home, my grandmother awakened. She was a little groggy, she wasn’t in her complete right mind, and I don’t think she recognized me… but, inside, I believe she absolutely recognized me. I visited with her briefly, gave her a big hug and told her I loved her, I said “goodbye” and that I would see her in a few weeks when I came back for the Christmas holiday. That was the last time I saw my grandmother alive.

What does this have to do getting to my destiny? These situations are a reminder to me that God knows the road ahead (you probably agree with that easily)… and, that he very carefully and intentionally makes sure that you are where you need to be at the right time if you follow His directions. If I am connected with him, all I need to do is heed to the urging and the calling I have on the inside. Had I gone about my daily responsibilities and ignored the real desire I had to spend time with each of these beautiful women placed in my life, I would have never had an opportunity to experience the real quality and memorable moments I had with them at the end of each of their lives. Truly not a coincidence… truly amazing how following His directions works! What do you have an urging to do?

Why Now?

Interesting! For the past few months (and if I am honest with myself probably a couple of years) I have been contemplating some form of journaling about this journey I’m on. My journey started some time ago, but I recently reached a point where some potentially life changing decisions need to be made. I don't have this journey thing all figured out, but I do believe the journey itself is a huge part of my purpose. So, I embrace the craziness and uneasiness I feel at times. I believe, though, that all of what I experience in finding my way to my destiny will be of help to someone else. So, I thought, I’d better capture my experiences – the scenery, the right and wrong turns I make, and the stops I make along the way – in hopes that someone reading them will recognize them and benefit from them as they make their way along their own journey. So, this is my very first post!! It's exciting!!

A few weeks ago I was in a school interview and was asked the question "Why [school] Now?" The question was very appropriate for someone who has not been in a classroom as a student in almost 15 years. It is also an appropriate question to ask myself about why I have chosen to start blogging now. Well, my answer is: I want to live TODAY!! Living means jumping in with both feet and PARTICIPATING in life. I've been a spectator for so long watching others pursue their dreams and passions. Now, it's time for me to participate! Too long I have been contemplating and thinking about my purpose. I've read books, prayed, fasted, and more. Now it's time to for me to move and live!! I have learned to not think about making a wrong decisions or moving in the wrong direction because as long as I stay connected with God, he'll continue to close doors that are not in line with my purpose and he'll continue to open the ones that lead me right into my destiny. So “WHY NOW”… because NOW – today and this moment – is all that I have! Is NOW the time for you to pursue your dream or your passion?