Lately, I’ve been dreaming a lot…
I’m not talking about the middle-of-the-night kind of dreaming, but I have been doing that, too.
No, I’ve been dreaming about my goals, my career, my life.
Yesterday Josh Cox posted an article that really hit home {it kind of felt like he wrote it just for me}.
The reality is, most folks aren’t living out their dreams. When you mention yours to them, the only reference point they have is their own – chasing dreams wasn’t prudent for them, therefore it’s not prudent for you. I’ve said it before but it’s worth repeating: those who have given up on their dreams will try to get you to abandon yours. It doesn’t make them bad folks it just means they didn’t pursue their passion, so neither should you. The reality is, making your dreams become reality is a scary proposition, it’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s rewarding beyond belief.
Even though I’m young, I’ve given up on dreams. Dreams to write for magazine. Dreams to live abroad. And over the last 2-3 years, dreams to work in the running/sporting goods industry.
Following your dreams is not easy. No one ever said it would be. But 5 months ago, after running my 1st marathon and qualifying for Boston (one of my dreams), it became abundantly clear to me that I had given up on a dream. I had given up because I was scared, couldn’t afford to make ends meet, and didn’t know how to make my dream a reality.
Running a marathon reminded me of why I love the {running} community – and since May 1, I have put a plan into action that may (or may not) get me to where I want to be. My plan includes more community involvement and a commitment to serve others.
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| My Dream: Qualify for Boston |
The key to success – the crux of the message: The Serve. Find a way to use your gift to serve others – don’t make it about you, make it about them. How can your passions and giftedness serve someone else? Anyone can use a gift for personal gain; the key to success is making your gift valuable to someone else. Asking, how can I help? and delivering on that question, will open dozens of doors. You’ll fall in love with helping others, there’s nothing more rewarding.
The more you serve others, the more impact you make. The most influential folks in history – those with statues and streets bearing their names – are those who used their gifts and passions to serve mankind. If you want to have long, lasting, real success, find a way to use your aptitudes to serve others. Help others reach their potential; in helping them reach theirs, you’ll reach your own.
My Serve (in the Northern Virginia community)
- Girls on the Run, Volunteer Coach
- Fun Run Leader, Pacers Running Store
- Restoration Anglican Church, Sunday School Teacher
- Community Volunteer (road races, event expos, etc.)
My Stepping Stones (things I have accomplished to help me get one step closer to my dream)
- USATF Level 1 certified coach
- RRCA certified coach
- Personal Trainer
- Director of Volunteers, Dominion Trail Mix
- Brooks Running Bluestreak Team, Nuun Ambassador & FitFluential Ambassador
So here it is, THIS IS MY DREAM:
- Work in the running/sporting goods industry as a tech rep, sales rep, just something
- High school track & field coach
- Own my own business as a running coach & personal trainer
What is your DREAM?
Josh, thank you for writing exactly what I need to hear & read. You can read the rest of the article {here}
Enter my Wasa Crispbread giveaway {}
Very well said! At 27 I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up. I know what I am passionate about, but I have been to afraid to take that leap of faith and trust myself.
Melody, you speak to my heart of hearts here! I have so many dreams. Some of them similar to your own…writing and more involvement in the running community. I want to start a group for middle school girls (different from girls on the run) that would involve writing (using my passions for literacy instruction and inspiring kids to write), introspection, and running/overall health and fitness. Such a tricky time in life for many girls…a transition. I'd like to use my gifts as a writer, teacher, and passionate and intentional woman to inspire and encourage them to live their best lives and believe in their dreams….and to believe that they are beautiful. So many dreams. I could write a blog here…running dreams, writing dreams, motherhood dreams, traveling….so many! Love this. You're awesome. Tell me about this Brooks Bluestreak team…what is it?
Why ever give up on any dream? I am almost 50 years old and I still dream of being a movie star. And living abroad. And running as fast as a speedy chick like you 😉 Even while embracing new, more tangible dreams, you needn't ever let go of the others 🙂
I love your plan. Being passionate keeps us moving forward in life. Live your dreams, Melody.
Love this post. It is so very true. It is about taking your talents and helping others. That is what I tell people all the time about my running. They are always surprised when I say I do not care if I ever win a racing. Winning for me is the money I raise for each race I run and the children with cancer it goes to. I run to help those children out there fighting cancer. I put on the most sparkly and crazy gear I can find and run. I am also blessed with a career, a Registered Nurse, where I get to give to others all the time and it is why I am back in school going in further in that career. So I want to send out a huge YOU ARE AWESOME to you!!! Keep it up!! Giving to others is a wonderful gift.
I love you! You will get your dreams – remember DREAM BIG – the sky is the limit. xoxo
AMEN! Melody this was so inspiring. I am so happy that you are going to follow your dreams. I have been in the mist of chasing mine and perhaps may have good news to write about next week 🙂 Im proud of you!
Great post!!!!
How true! You never fail to amaze me lady! I read your blog and I stand in total awe of you! ACHIEVE those dreams girl!!! GO GET 'EM! I have given up many dreams the past few years, but I have created more and am well on my way to getting those myself. But every once in a while, it serves you well to take stalk of your life- sit back and wonder- where your letting your dreams slide, and where your achieving them! WAY TO GO YOU!
awesome post! Dream Big!
go get 'em! i have been waffling as to whether i should still hold onto my running dreams… they seem so impossible and my fitness/abilities have been slack this year. but at the same time i don't want to just give up!
work wise – need to figure out that goal still. and i sooo want to live abroad but the husband is not quite into that. :-/
what a fantastic post! thank you so much for sharing, and it certainy looks like you are on your way! I honestly have a similar dream as yourself to get into some sort of running/sports related sales or marketing position, which has just been emphasized by my involvement with the Luna Chix running team.
I wish you luck, even though I know you will make it happen 🙂
I love this. I see so many people around me who dont' even have dreams anymore. they settle for medicority in their lives. I have already filled part of one dream by becoming a very successful makeup artist in my area/field. Another dream I have is to run fast and actually hit some very specific goals but I also dream to coach and do PT also some day and to help others reach THEIR dreams and help them see that they can do ANYTHING they put their minds to.
Great Post! I love it.
Great post and dreams! Mine are quite similar to yours and thanks for the added push to get over my "fears" and start tackling my "dreams"!
This post could be written by me! I had recently a very similar posy where I was dreaming big! I currently have a very well paid job but it makes me stressed out daily and I would trade the money for a fun and fulfilling job. But I'm scared of failing…
I love this post! You first have to "say it" to make it into reality — I think you are on the road to getting there!!
Great post, great topic! I always try and surround myself with positive people who are living examples of "following their dream." It makes a huge difference when you eliminate negative people. If someone is negative it just sucks me dry. You are a very inspiring blogger and motivate your readers.
Recognizing where you are and where you want to go is the first step and you are already there!!
Good luck!
Xo
Sarah
Get Up & Go
Wow! What an incredible post! I saw that Josh tweeted a link to your post too – how cool! Your words made me think a lot, and I appreciated your post for the motivation it gave me. Thanks and keep pursuing your dreams and living to the fullest!
nice article! Thank you for sharing this! you’re great! Keep it up!