As we round out January and our theme of Self-Worth, I thought I'd share a true story and quote with you that inspired me at a time in my life when so much was uncertain and all I knew what how badly I wanted my dream to come true.
And, as always I would love to hear YOUR insights on the questions posed at the end.
"Reach High,
for stars lie hidden in your soul.
Dream Deep,
for every dream precedes the goal."
-Pamela Vaull Starr
Flashback:
When I was 17, I had stars in my eyes. I was set on becoming a theatre major and one afternoon I bravely announced to my parents,
"Just so you both know, I'm going out of state. I am going to see the world and I want to act." (Not exactly music to most parents' ears)
My mom shifted uncomfortably but managed a "That's umm...wonderful Didi. And how do you plan to pay for that?" (she was/is super supportive but I knew she really wanted me close to home) and my dad just did his dad thing and listened with a blank expression taking it all in.
I responded with, "I have no idea how I'm going to pay for it, but I know I'll get a sign. I'm not meant to stay in Texas. I'm just not."
The Trek
And so my Dad accompanied me across the US to a bunch of college campuses on an adventure where this magical "sign" would just come to me.
We went to the East Coast. We went to the Midwest. And ended up on the West Coast in sunny Los Angeles.
When we reached USC and passed the track, my dad was sold.
"Didi, you should just go here. They have the #1 track team in the US."
(He meant well. And he also happens to be a marathon runner but what that had to do with me studying drama there I still have no idea :)
He is also very psychic and probably knew what I was thinking because he chimed in with, "Plus, George Lucas is on the Film faculty!"
The Quote and my AH-HA
I rolled my eyes and following him up ahead he lead me into the Drama Department.
And literally 10 seconds in, I GASPED as I saw the following quote painted in BOLD colorful strokes across the wall.
(My dad had the neutral look thing going on again. Bless him for his consistency :)
"Reach High,
for stars lie hidden in your soul.
Dream Deep,
for every dream precedes the goal."
-Pamela Vaull Starr
It was like time stood still as I read that quote. "Every dream precedes the goal..."
It hit me right then that I was already LIVING my dream.
I had the stars already INSIDE me.
And honestly, it didn't really matter WHERE I went to school.
What mattered was that I had the PASSION and the KNOWING that I had something BIG to share with the world and if I was meant to go out of state, I would.
And if I wasn't, it didn't make me any less passionate or capable or worthy of my dream.
The Happy Ending
When I got back, I got ANOTHER sign in the form of an envelope sitting on my bed. When I opened it up, I gasped AGAIN!! (Actually I think I screamed. My poor parents!)
I was accepted as a THEATRE major at Northwestern University, one of the top 10 schools in the nation on a FULL scholarship. Dreams do come true.
But first we all need to remember: it starts from the INNER VISION and KNOWING vs. the external or the LOGIC.
(sorry Dad. The USC track team and George Lucas can't beat that) :)
YOUR TURN: ADD A COMMENT
1) What is YOUR Big DREAM?
2) When in your life has Spirit given YOU a sign to let you know you were on the right track?
I'd love to have us share stories and help you call in your dream!
PS: Want some help getting YOUR Dream off the ground?
My first FREE training video (exclusive and not public!), "How to Say NO (Without Feeling Guilty!) + 2 AWESOME exercises with PDF is out! Want to get the link for it?
Go here
Have a GREAT week!
Love,
Diana
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