5 Reasons Why I Don't Give Up...

5 Reasons Why…

I get so excited and inspired when listening to people like Les Brown and Lisa Nichols. They remind me that I am not crazy, that my desire and dream to be an international author that educates the masses is possible. It is easy to be deterred and follow other opportunities when your dreams have yet to manifest.

I vividly remember a party I once had as a Mary Kay Consultant. I didn’t love the business as much as I loved connecting with clients, but I figured I could make some extra money that would eventually fund my dream. Turns out, being a consultant was just another full-time job, like the jobs I was actively trying to work my way out of.

I scheduled a party and reserved a party space for my guests. I bought tons of candy, wrapped tons of door prizes, rented tables and chairs, and catered the food for the event myself. I had 100 beautiful invitations made, which I distributed to my friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, and every other female on my contact list. My brother came by to help me with the party. I wanted him to record it so that I could show it on my web page.

The day of the party came and absolutely NO ONE showed up. I felt so humiliated. I asked my brother not to tell anyone what happened and to this day, he hasn’t. But I want to tell everyone because that is one of the many challenges you WILL face when pursuing your dreams. It is heartbreaking, it feels defeating and impossible.

But that event changed me. It changed me for the BETTER. It taught me that no one else had to support my dreams, no one else had to love my ideas and no one else had to tell me “Yes!” in order for me to keep pushing.

I didn’t let that event make me bitter, but instead, better. If you can remember that tough moments are there to strengthen you and not tear you down; you will be invincible, unmovable, and unshakable.

“It’s not over until I win!” ~Les Brown

When I experience moments of despair, I reflect on my “5”, my 5 reasons why giving up on my dreams is NOT an option.

1. We get one life! (that we know of) 2. I want my babies to know that greatness is for them too! 3. I want to help masses of people. 4. I want to see the world. 5. This journey grows me in a way that settling could not.

That’s my list that I turn to on a daily basis. It keeps me sane during disappointments, it keeps me working hard when I should be sleeping and makes me continuously fall madly in LOVE with my journey.

~Jam

www.JameelahRaoof.com