Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop
- Rosetta Mandisa
- Feb 10, 2019
- 3 min read
Dream BIG! Always!
For someone to say, “never give up on your dreams”, for many, is easier said than done. As a young adult, I can remember thinking that one day I’d like to own my own business. At the time I considered opening a home for young, single mothers. A place where they could not only have shelter but a place to find the resources they needed to take care of their children and become self-sufficient.
As a teen mom, all I could do was dream because I had a child of my own to care for. Even back then I understood the importance of having an education. I knew that it would be the key I needed to change my circumstances and no matter what dreams I had, current or in the future, it would help me reach those dreams. Although my dreams, at the time, came second to raising my son, I refused to give them up. Somehow, I always knew that there was something better out in the world for me.
Our life experiences can often detour us for longer periods of time than we’d like. Life’s more pressing priorities can sometimes take over and dreams can change but no matter where life takes you, don’t stop dreaming. Find that one thing you are passionate about, that one thing you’d do even if no one paid you to do it, find it and let it drive you toward your success.
Over a year ago, I started out on an entrepreneurial journey. Many said that I wouldn’t be able to do it. That I was too old and should stick to teaching since it was a good, stable job. When I shared my idea with friends and family I initially got some support. However, when things weren’t progressing fast enough for them to see my dream come alive, their support began to fade. To them, it was just a pipe dream I should give up but for me this is everything I am. I am a dreamer and a fighter. Challenges are what I overcome.
I struggle a little sometimes too. All I want is for the little vision in my head to be out for the world to see. I knew nothing about a business plans, investors, site locations, engineers, budgets or bank loans. But I’m learning. With each step, I’m learning and with each new challenge, I’m growing. I’m certain that had I had a good amount of money sitting in the bank, I probably could have had this thing up and running by now but on a teacher’s salary, I’m coming to understand that things like this take time.
And although I would love to quit my job to take on this project full time because I know without a doubt that I can do this, I also know that without proper planning I’ll be homeless inside of two months! Now, we definitely can’t have that.
So, stay focused and don’t give up. Do something each day, no matter how big or how small, toward your dream.
Replace any and all negative self-talk with something positive. I find myself thinking that at my age, I am too old to even consider starting a business. By the time I get it going good I won’t have long to enjoy it or it won’t work at all and I will spend my latter years working at Walmart. I wrote down the names and ages of people who started their journey toward success at or after the age of 40. I made a few copies and put one in my lesson plan book, inside the book I’m currently reading, on my dream board and my bathroom mirror. I read through this list whenever negativity creeps into my thoughts. Seeing it every day helps to remind me that I am strong. I truly believe the universe is conspiring to make my dreams come true.
To quit is not an option…🙂
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