Archive for March, 2016

Living the Life you Want Starts by Defining Freedom

Freedom- the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. The state of not being imprisoned or enslaved.

Many of us are familiar with the textbook definition of freedom but what does it mean to you? We all have our own idea of what that may entail whether it’s financial stability or the ability to have more control over our time without the constraints of daily tasks but in order to do so, we must figure out what it is that we really want. Once that happens, the world is yours!

Let’s expand more on the idea of being free, because one cannot be truly happy without it. Freedom is much deeper than time and responsibilities; it’s a state of state of being. While some of us may be free from the corporate world, others struggle with not allowing their mind, body, soul, and spirit to be controlled by what society tells us what, when, and how we should be. Finding peace and freedom from within will allow you to implement these things throughout the rest of your life. You may not be able to have everything you want in life but it doesn”t hurt to try. It’s much better to attempt greatness than to fail miserably because you didn’t have the courage to see where your intelligence and work ethic could take you. Fulfilling your destiny isn’t easy by any means but good things come to those who do what is necessary to win. So do you want to work for the rest of your life making someone else’s dreams come true or plan, and execute your own ideas?

The first step in figuring out what being free means for you is getting in tune with who you are as a person, not just your likes and dislikes but a more in depth understanding of your character so that you can decide if the things you want are also things you need. For instance, maybe you’re thinking of purchasing an expensive vehicle because your current one is unreliable, while there isn’t anything wrong with treating yourself; the wiser thing to do would be to buy a car that is economically efficient so that you can use the extra money to finance your dreams. The difference in knowing what you want versus what you need will help guide you into the life you’ve always imagined.

A great way to turn your desires into reality is to write them in a notebook or to create a vision board as a reminder of what your personal goals are. Seeing something daily works as a positive reinforcer for you to act upon and keep as a priority. Keep in mind that the life you want for yourself may not be what others have deemed for you and that some of your choices may disappoint or offend them. Don’t get hung up on that because it’s a part of the process to living authentically. Those who truly love and support you will respect and continue to want whatever is best for you. Freeing yourself from anything that no longer serves a positive purpose in your life whether it be people, habits, or hobbies is a great way to start shifting your life in a new direction as well.

Creating the life you want will bring many questions of uncertainty but the best way to live freely is to keep an open mind and remain optimistic. Use your reasons for wanting to change your lifestyle as motivation to cultivate them into reality. When transitioning from your old lifestyle into your desired one keep in mind that the rewards may come in different forms, maybe before it was bonuses at work and discounts at your favorite retailers but now you’re able to help your children with homework, attend their extra curricular activities, and network with those who have similar interests as you. It’s up to you to decide which lifestyle offers more value, that’s when you’ll find outwhat reward really is.

Think about having a life that you are fully in control of, that’s exactly what freedom is. Now think about why you’re not living the life you’ve always dreamed of, is there any correlation? Sometimes we limit ourselves without realizing it because we are restricted by location, bosses, jobs, and even our friends and family members. It’s time you stop making excuses and start making the necessary changes to transition into the best version of you that you can be, and that begins with being free.

[by Nyia Moore]

4 Quick Thoughts on Building your Dreams

In the last few months I have really begin to understand what it means to walk in my own purpose. It started with a small idea, and is growing into this much larger vision for the future. I want to encourage all of my Dreamers to follow your dreams and to walk in your own purpose with a goal to have a life worth living. Building a dream is not easy work. If you ask anyone who has had a vision and have achieved it you know that it did not happen overnight and that it took a lot of hard work and dedication to reach where they are today. With all that being said here are 4 thoughts on how to build your dreams into a reality and creating your own life worth living.

1) Believe in your dream
As cliché or as simple as it sounds the first thing you need to build a dream is to believe your dream is valid. Since we were kids, or at least teenagers we have heard people tell us to be realistic and that unless your dream is to have a 9-5 with benefits your dreams are just wishful thinking. I am sure there are millions of people out there who have had brilliant ideas for businesses or their lives in generally who decided that the “realistic” route should be the road they travel, but I am telling you right now that if you have a vision for your life…believe in it! You may have a vision that will lead you in a direction to change the world, or at least the immediate world around you. Don’t be selfish, believe in your dream and change the world!

2) Study your craft
Once you believe in what you see for yourself, what you envision for your future, you have to prepare for it. Begin studying what it will take to propel you into your vision. You may have a vision to start a local youth program, begin finding groups and resources that support youth. If your vision is to start your own company, talk to local business owners or research what it takes to open a business. Putting in the work to understand whatever it is you want to do is a key to not only living your dream, but also being a success once your dream becomes a reality. Absorb all the knowledge you can that will enrich your ability to live your dream.

3) Find your team
Learning is great and necessary, but dream building is also about the team you create to make it happen. Your team should consist of like-minded individuals who are ready to succeed in the same ways you are. Building a network of people that can help you reach your goal is essential because you don’t know everything and no one expects you to be able to do everything alone. If you want to start a business but lack accounting skills add someone to your team who has the needed skills to assist you. In return there will come a day when you may be able to assist them in some way. Don’t be afraid to network and meet new people. You never know who may greatly impact your life and help your dreams flourish.

4) Just Do it!
Last but most important, for a dream to become reality you have to stop just talking and thinking about it and just get started. You do not have to know every single thing there is to know, you just have to have a willingness to learn and grow as you go through each step. Actions will forever and always speak louder than words, and once you put your dreams into motion the universe will direct you in the way that will create your own personal life worth living.

Remember that your dreams are valid and your willingness to achieve them is all it takes to make things happen. You are capable of achieving your dreams or God would not have given you the vision to see them.