Are you a dreamer? I always thought I was until recent conversations revealed that while yes, I’m a dreamer, I’m still not dreaming big enough.
So, let me tell you a bit about my “other” life (Corporate America). When I finally got my first degree (of three), I was ready to have that corporate job, the husband, the white picket fence and the 2.5 kids…all the things that we’re taught that means you’ve made it. My first job was that of a contractor making $17.50 an hour. Coming from $5.75 as a security guard at the airport (and a second job of $5.50 at Marshall’s), that pay sounded damn nice! I moved on from there to a job that started me at $23.5K annually and on from there to a company that started me at $30K. I stayed at that last company for 15 years, which is unheard of by today’s standards.
nI had a small goal of reaching 80K in an annual salary and the company I was at for 15 years was not trying to give me that (15 years and I still wasn’t near that amount!). So, I took a leap of faith and walked away from 15 years of tenure and into a 6-month contract, that at the time, wasn't guaranteed to be extended. While it was a semi-lateral move, I was getting away from the stress of doing three jobs and not getting the pay I deserved and, as it turns out, a step in the right direction as I began to understand what I wanted my career to look like. Even though I felt like I was starting from scratch (and scared as hell as I had NO IDEA what was going to be after those six months), I had realized my worth and was about to put it into action to move ahead in my profession. The fact that I was able to more than double my salary within a year of leaving that company lets me know that I had absolutely made the right decision! I went on from that extended contract (look at God!) into a company where my output matched the input to my bank account. Now that I look back on the situation, the company did exactly what it needed to do…provided a steppingstone into a lucrative career. I was also able to meet my ex-business partner, friends who are a part of my tight-knit circle, and my mentor; someone who believed in me before I believed in myself.
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you have imagined.” - Harry David Thoreau
Even though I no longer work corporately with my mentor, we often have conversations where he gets real honest with me. I am also great friends with his wife outside of the relationship that he and I have. Last year, she asked me to be a part of something that has opened up opportunities that had never crossed my mind (like this blog). I was asked to be a co-host on her podcast. I had NEVER saw myself as a person in front on camera (I was always a behind the scenes doer), and I never thought that folks wanted to hear anything that I had to say. Doing that podcast gave me a freedom that I never had, nor even thought about. My opinion mattered and low and behold, who knew that I had so much to say and that others would actually get me?!
In a conversation that I had with my mentor recently, he reminded me of where I began and pointed out how different I am now. As I responded to his questions, he pointed out that ALL of my answers were flawed. I kept referring to who I was, but not who I am today. I was quiet and shy (can you believe that?!!), and today I’m outspoken in my beliefs. I didn’t always know what I wanted, and today I know exactly what I want and I’m not afraid to go get it. I used to care what others thought of me and today I literally DGAF! Sometimes you need to be reminded of your growth and God will send His angels to show you just how far you’ve come.
“Your friends should motivate and inspire you. Your circle should be well-rounded and supportive. Keep it tight. Quality over quantity always.” - Unknown
Between my awesome parents, #NewOldBae, my mentor, my ex-business partner, and my small, but mighty circle of friends who always cheer me on, I feel truly blessed. I have had some crazy ideas (this blog being one of them) and they have always been there to help me “make it make sense” (even if they were like WTF?!)! Whether it has been being a shoulder as I was nursing a broken heart, dancing it out to Lizzo, getting me out of the house when my SAD (seasonal depression) kicks in, or listening to me rant about my job, my tribe has really been there for me...all over ample amounts of wine (and other cocktails).
“We can get better because we’re not dead yet.” – Frank Turner
If your circle of friends is not pushing you to dream bigger, why are they your friends? These days, I’m daring myself, my circle, and you to dream bigger and not be afraid of the outcome. God would not give you the vision without the skill and know-how to pull it off. If your circle is like mine, they are daredevils on the same rollercoaster with you. Who knows, it may just end up being a motivator for them to step into their greatness and one of your highest accomplishments.
Thanks for listening...until next time!
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