- Weeks into the New Year, and already finding the correct footing is proving quite challenging. But then if we don’t try, we just never know right? People around you may or may not be running around while working on their New Year resolutions … at all; but what about you? What about me? Self. I.
To accomplish great things we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe. – Anatole France
Earlier this year, my mom gifted my siblings and I a track on iTunes that meant and still means a lot to her. A woman of faith, she dedicated it to us because it resonated with her and the what she hopes for us in this lifetime. I love Dolly Parton, but I hadn’t actually heard this track titled Try until it was gifted, and I am damn glad that my mom shared it!
I’ve always been a dreamer
And dreams are special things
But dreams are of no value
If they’re not equipped with wings
So secure yourself for climbing
Make ready for the flight
Don’t let your chance go by
You’ll make it if you try
Our parents will always be proud of us regardless of what we do – universal knowledge; but, they always want to make sure that we are at our happiest, doing the things we love in life as opposed to settling. And while we haven’t failed in their eyes, we haven’t done all we wanted to do. As our parents see the lights dimming in our eyes when we choose an alternate path than the one we talked about – our dream; our vision – that is the time to prove to ourselves, and to show that we haven’t given up. And I guess my mom saw something in each of us, which not only spun her wheels in motion, but was also her motivation behind sharing. When I asked her … why? She said, I wanted you all to hear it because there is wisdom in her lyrics. You are all young and you have a lot to give. I want you to give all you are, and live the lives that you always dreamed of. Your dreams will only be dreams, if you do nothing about them. I have given you all I can, and it saddens me to see you not living out your purpose. When I heard this song, I had to send it to you all vanangu [my children].
The horizon leans forward, offering you space to place new steps of change. – Maya Angelou
For me, when I think about the future, it’s short-term. Why? Because there is so much that can happen in life while planning. Never a good thing.
So try to be the first one up the mountain
And try to be the first to touch the sky
And try to be the one who makes a difference
Try to put your fears and doubt aside
And try to make the most of every moment
‘Cause if you never try you never win
So try each day to try a little harder
And if you fall, get up and try again
So far, this year has been nothing short of exhilarating. Challenging and inspiring. Amazing and wonderful. January came with a vengeance – pursuing the purpose on a magnified scale. I am leaving my mark. I was here. I am here. In the great words of Oprah, align your personality with your purpose … and nobody can touch you.
So, now the question is, are you living or existing so far this year?
Sitting here listening to the sound of the rain outside soothes my soul. Don’t you love those moments where you can just breathe and not have to worry or care about anyone or anything in that moment? Solitude is an act that escapes many as we get so wrapped up in our surroundings and on that hot trail of the next best thing. However, while distraction is something that we can’t avoid, we should try to find time. I find time to distract myself in solitude. Why? It calm’s the mind and soul and allows me to focus on me and my listen to my voice as I work towards my purpose. Prepare. Move swiftly. Move steadfastly. Never look back.
You have to know what sparks the light in you, so that you in your own way can illuminate the world. – Oprah Winfrey
Knowing what you don’t want to do, is the best possible place to be if you don’t know what to do; because knowing what you don’t want to do leads you to figure out what is it that you really want to do. – Oprah Winfrey
Fear not. Be who you envisioned, in all your glorious wonder. Having read so many inspiring articles and books including Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg and Dream More by Dol
I come as one but stand as ten thousand. – Oprah Winfrey
Photography by Matthew Dyck
Outfit: Jacket – Old : (Similar here) | Shoes – Old : (Similar here)
... S. xo