Something unprecedented happened last weekend.
I spoke. In front of an audience. With confidence. Without notes. Believing.
An introvert
Every personality profile I’ve ever taken confirms what I instinctively know—I’m an off-the-charts introvert. The profiles confirm that I’m more comfortable in the supporting role, cheering for others, and making someone else’s dream become reality. However, for years, it’s been my go-to excuse to be content there.
Don’t get me wrong, providing support and encouraging others to achieve their dreams is important. I love doing that.
But that was my excuse to remain hidden. After all, an introvert stays in the back, right? The problem was that I wore this label that someone else put on me.
2014 ignited a spark
Something happened at an entrepreneurial conference. It was weird how I got there. A few months earlier, I saw a video about finding your dream job. Since my husband and I were both at career crossroads, I watched the entire video and immediately signed up for the training with this guy, Kary Oberbrunner. At the end of the training, my husband and I decided to attend his upcoming conference because the information was that valuable. We attended our first Igniting Souls Conference in 2014.
As I listened to people at the conference share their hopes and dreams, I quietly cheered and encouraged them. It was all good.
Until someone asked me what my dream was.
“Wait a minute,” I thought. “I don’t speak. I don’t ask questions. I listen and absorb. I encourage others to pursue their dreams.”
Frankly, I couldn’t answer with more than a stuttering response, because I had forgotten how to dream.
Discovering the dream again
An amazing thing happened with that initial question.
I began to dream again.
I began to probe my mind and heart for the things that energize me, excite me, and encourage me.
I began to believe my dreams were not only possible but also probable.
I began to remove the introvert label, kind of like slowly peeling a bandage off. Yeah, it was painful.
But I never saw this coming
Last weekend, the introvert found her voice. I spoke on stage before this same business group. Not only did I write and publish the book, Choosing a Way Out: When the Bottom Isn’t the Bottom, I leaned into my fear of being on stage and spoke.
Here’s what participating in Igniting Souls taught me:
- You are unique
- You have a purpose
- You have a message for the world
- The world needs to hear your message
You have a unique voice too
What I’ve experienced the last four years isn’t unique to me. The same applies to you.
- The world needs you
- You matter
- You are unique
- You have a purpose no one else can fulfill
- You have a message and we need to hear it
Discover your dreams
Have you forgotten how to dream? Or, do you remember your dreams, but have set them aside? Today it is time to dream again. Don’t let fear or someone else’s label deter you from your dreams. The world needs what only you can deliver.
Your dream is important. You may not be completely clear on it yet. That’s okay. Just dream without any parameters. Then take the first step in making your dream a reality by telling me in the comments below. Let’s dream together.
If you need help, please reach out. I promise to listen without judgment and help you take the next step.
One Comment