When Reality Comes Knocking …
I laid in bed thinking about how tired I was. I had all of these dreams and goals but no energy to put behind them.
It was 3:30 a.m.
I had a plane to catch, lunches to make for the kids, a dog to take out, and laundry sitting on the edge of my bed that I promised I would fold when I woke up.
Well, I was awake, and I really didn’t feel like folding laundry. So, I found a big blanket, covered up the clothes, and left them for when I got back.
I know… bad momma. But heck, I was tired.
I got everything done (except the laundry) and made my 6:00 a.m. flight. Once I got on the plane, I realized I had a report due to my boss that I had put off, so out came the computer during my much-needed nap time.
Oh well. At least I got it done.
As I sat there looking out the window at the clouds, I found myself wondering:
When will my time come?
When would I have time for the dreams? The books. The creative projects. The things that make my soul happy?
Then reality peeked around the corner of the clouds and answered: “THIS IS REALITY”
I was truly offended that reality would have the unmitigated gall to show up on my flight and interrupt my pity party.
I think that’s why a lot of people die without fulfilling their dreams. Not because they don’t have dream. Not because they aren’t talented. But simply because they are busy living their lives.
It’s not easy to dream, live, raise a family, pay bills, work a job, and still have enough energy left over to build something for yourself.
So what do you do?
I’m glad you asked because that was my question too.
Here’s what I did.
- I wrote down two things I wanted to accomplish before the weekend was over. Both were personal goals. Not chores. Not obligations.
Dreams.
I wrote a blog I had been talking about for months.
I wrote a chapter of my book while sitting on that plane.
And then I realized something: if I could make time for that report, I could make time for me.
2. I downloaded Joel Osteen.
Yes, I needed a personal motivational speaker, and he was it. Sometimes I need a reminder that I can do hard things. I need someone speaking possibility into my ears while life is speaking responsibility.
3. I celebrated my wins.
I wrote the blog? Celebration – I get a glass of wine.
I wrote a chapter? Celebration – My family got to hear me read it at dinner.
The chapter wasn’t perfect.
The blog wasn’t perfect. But I did it. And sometimes just showing up deserves a celebration.
No one can make your dreams come true but you.
- Start now.
- Start small.
- Write one page.
- Take one class.
- Make one phone call.
- Spend fifteen minutes on the thing you’ve been saying you’ll do “one day” before you spend another hour scrolling on your phone.
Because one day is built one small step at a time.
And when you look back, you’ll realize those tiny moments were actually the beginning of something big.
When that day comes, let’s also remember to celebrate the wins no matter how small.
Life isn’t perfect. Neither am I. But every day gives us another chance to get inspired again.
–Yolanda Spearman
THE Black Female Voice Actor
Photo by Randy Tarampi on Unsplash
