Since I was 15, I knew what I wanted to do. I was going to be a dancer, and that was it. I worked constantly through high school to make my dream possible. I was always in class. I never got a break, but honestly, I never wanted one. Dance was my passion. I told myself that I was moving to Los Angeles, and dancing would be my job. Until one day I graduated high school. I applied for a nearby college because it was cheaper. Dance seemed so far away, and honestly, I just wanted to forget that I ever had that dream. I felt extremely comfortable floating through life. That is really crazy to me. I was so passionate and driven in high school. How did this happen? The fact that it did not bother me that I wasn’t doing what I loved was quite alarming. I would go through the day telling myself this is what I want. I want to settle down and be a school teacher. I love kids, so this will be okay. I was good at teaching dance so I will be good at teaching school.
I told my parents I found a new passion for teaching. I almost had myself convinced until one day I decided I was done lying to myself. This isn’t who I am or what I want. I think I would love teaching preschool, but is this really what I am passionate about? Did I really talk myself out of pursuing dance because it was hard? How did I get so far from who I was? I remember this feeling so vividly. It was like God had revived the fire in me. I was going to do whatever it took to get off this path of mediocrity.
I don’t want to go through the motions of life. I want that 15-year-old dream to be reawakened because I know it is possible. I don’t want to be good. I want to be great. I want to enjoy going to work. I want to meet passionate, hardworking people. I don’t want to be normal. I want to be scared of this new journey I’m on. I want to work at what I love every day. I want to be a dancer, and I feel sorry for anyone who tries to stand in my way.
You have the choice to make your life happen. If you sit around constantly saying, “I will start tomorrow,” you will never accomplish anything. So I challenge you to drop everything negative that is holding you back. Make a name for yourself. If you don’t like the path you are on, change it. If you hate your job, quit. If you aren’t happy in a relationship, leave it. Life is too precious to be miserable when you have the choice to be happy. Make an imprint on this earth. Do not ignore the passion God has given you to pursue something simpler. Do things that scare you. Strive to be uncomfortable because that is when you will grow. Make a goal, and see it every day. Hold it in your hands, and nurture it. Start working on what you want your life to look like right now. You are extremely capable of being the person you imagine in your head.
I waited a whole year before coming to terms with myself. Do not wait to become who you are meant to be.
