Inspiration
Anybody who knows me knows I want to be an actress and have wanted to be since I can remember (ok, I think I have started many posts with this, but bear with me). Slightly fewer know that I want to own my own business(es) because I cannot see myself working for somebody else forever. Sometimes I feel discouraged and believe my brain tells me to “be serious” or “be real.” Sometimes I feel that I will be stuck doing what I have to and not what I want to. But then I am bombarded with inspiration. Things/People that show me that I must continue with my dreams. ‘Cause I can achieve them. That they are possible. And I think that this year will be the year. 2010. I hope that by September, I will be doing what I want, full time. But meanwhile, here is a list of my current inspirations:
Kelsey Vanderhorst – KV Bijou
Kelsey started her business about a year ago. She quit her job, put her head down and worked on her dream. Where is she today? Making jewelry for the Sundance Film Festival! Ummm… what?! Such a tremendous inspiration.
This guy is living his dream. Doing what he wants and loving it. The road may not have always been smooth, but he is living his passion. And loving it. The operative phrase.
Bianca Juarez – In the Name of Love
This woman of God combines everything: her love of the Lord and her love for people. She does this and feels honored. But one cannot even begin to imagine how many people she has touched.
Randomly she is Bianca’s sister. Twins too. Look at her pictures and you’ll realize that I don’t need to say anymore. She is living her dream. In an industry that people constantly knock. How many times have aspiring photogs been told that “you can’t do that for a living.”??
Dammy Ogunseitan – Reach Magazine
Who says, one day, “I’m going to start my own magazine” and then does it??? Come on! And, this is not his first.
Sandra-Joy Unaegbu – Joyful Photography
Ok, she’s my sister, but she is freaking talented. She has the balls (ooops do I say that? …umm… sorry kids) to pursue what she wants to. Again in the face of opposition. That’s quite more than I have been able to do so far. She hasn’t been a photog for long, but her work looks like she has been doing it for life. Seriously talented. Contact her now because she will get too big for you soon!
I love the fact that she gave up her job as an accountant. She gave up her “real” job to do something she loves. I love the “About” section primarily where she says:
I don’t say this to boast, I say this because I believe! I believe that if I can do this, so can you. You can live the life you want you just need to believe in yourself, work hard, and move in a positive direction. Why not DREAM BIG? I do!
(And before anybody tsk tsks me about the newageyness about “believing in myself” she also says she deeply believes in our Lord).
Frankly. I will do what I must. I cannot do what I “have to” for the rest of my life. I will to quit my “real” job. I will do what I want to and what makes me happy. If I find myself doubting, I just remind myself of this list of people. It they can do it.
So can I.
Trust in the LORD
with all your heart
and lean not
on your own understanding;
in all your ways
acknowledge him,
and he will make
your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Tags: bianca juarez, bob and dawn davis, dj qpid, inspiration, jasmine star, joy unaegbu, joyful photography, Reach Mag
January 20th, 2010 at 5:12 am
Oh whaaaat?! I'm so honored to be on this list
Love you, girl! Keep up the hard work. Acknowledge the Lord in all your ways and He will lift you up.
January 20th, 2010 at 6:02 am
Lady, I just admire people who do amazing things.! You are one of them. Just telling the troof.
God is good! And though I do not know you in person, I can tell that you are an amazing representation of Him.
January 20th, 2010 at 6:04 pm
I'm sooo honored to be on this list… thank you…
January 20th, 2010 at 7:04 pm
Believing in yourself and knowing that God has bigger plans for you than you can ever dream is thee BEST gift you could possible ever give yourself.
January 20th, 2010 at 10:04 pm
I have come back to your post a dozen times to read it. I'm still so honored to be mentioned. As I wrote to you earlier, it's believing in yourself and pursuing your dreams that will get you where you want to be. It's God's plan. He will guide you. Keep your heart open and it will all fall into place. I truly believe that.
January 20th, 2010 at 10:09 pm
Dammy, no problem. All that you do is awesome!
January 20th, 2010 at 10:10 pm
Yep! I'm reminded about that everyday from many things in my life: my parents, friends, the Word and people like you!
January 20th, 2010 at 11:52 pm
You are a beautiful young woman who has a dream. Don't let anyone or anything make you doubt that. Everything happens for a reason, and everything is a lesson. I give my everything to God as I know He is the reason I am where I'm at today. I have no doubt in my mind that you will get to where you want to be when the time is right. Remember, patience is a virtue!
Bob and I get to do some pretty amazing things. Not everything is easy, but certainly everyday is a blessing. When we did a recent job for Tyler Perry, he really inspired me. 10 years ago he was living in his car and look at him today. He said he knew God had big plans for him. I believe that God wants an abundance of goodness for all of us children. It's his plan, not ours. And when we truly come to realize that, everything changes. I know this may sound funny, but even when I stub my toe, it reminds me to think to be grateful. It's always seems that I stub my toe right after I've said or done something not so nice. I take it as a lesson!
Congratulations on your commercial job you just booked. More and more good things are coming your way!!!
January 20th, 2010 at 10:22 pm
Dawn! It's an honour that you're reading something from "little ol' me."
And returning to reread it…haha… 
I was introduced to your work (and your husband's work) through your Lorimer Works videos. And everything about you two is amazing. (1) The fact that you're successful in the industry is fantastic. Even though it's not the exact part of the industry that I am pursuing, it's close enough… and it's the part of the industry that my sister is entering. And it's the fact that you quit your accounting job to do it. I am looking forward to the day that I can quit my "real" job, which I like, and do what I love. (2) The fact that you built your family through adoption – something that I have always wanted to do and plan on doing; (3) Your faith and trust in the Lord. That is the best part! Success in the industry + love for the Lord! So awesome. I have inspirations, not idols. You and your family make up part of my inspiration package (if you will). Haha…
God has been way too good to me. I am reminded of Him every day. And I truly believe that He uses stories like yours to remind me of His promises and the fact that the dreams that are in my heart can really come true.