Feeling the warm embrace of the sun was stunning this lovely Sunday afternoon. Wrapping up a relaxing weekend, it was refreshing! It took me back to this past summer, when I was struggling to get by. It definitely reminded me that I’ve come a long way since then. Blessings come in when you’re working hard, when you’re striving towards your greatest achievements. One thing that I learned this past year is that if you ask for help, amazing people come out of the wood works. When you ask for help, it strengthens you. We all need help at one point or another in our life, without friends, family and support, nobody would reach the top. It’s like a flower on your window cell, if you didn’t water it everyday, and give it sunshine, it would wither before your eyes. Whether you’re in desperate conditions, or just need a shoulder to cry on, there’s always going to be someone there, if you ask.

I’ll admit, when I first realized that I needed help to step upon the next stepping stone, I didn’t expect so many people to jump to it and be so generous. Just when I thought that people were too busy for me, they helped and completely changed my view. What brings me to this subject is today a friend of mine is in need of help right now because she’s just starting out herself. When I asked her if she could ask people for help, she feared away from it. I encouraged her to make some phone calls for stuff such as, a couch, microwave, pots and pans, necessities, and she said that people don’t have time for her. I swung her views around and said that if people want to help, they will. That’s the truth though, if you’re in need of assistance, then it doesn’t hurt to ask. You’ll be thankful for it. Ultimately, the person usually feels good about it in the end. Do you feel good about yourself when you help someone, no matter how small it is? I sure do!

Recently, I’ve come to realize that I’ve done more in the past 7 months, than I have in my eighteen years. It’s a beautiful reality; I’m finally creating my future. Each assignment I get done in school is one step closer towards my dream; becoming a journalist. This blog is also a step closer, because not only does it allow me to create words that form a network, but it also helps me express myself, and develop my dream. It’s difficult to step away from the crowd and try something different. So many people my age don’t even know what field they’re going to get into, which is a scary thought. Since I’ve been planning my future since I was 15, it’s given me a lot of time to reflect, organize, and create where I am today, and where I’m heading.

What I find fascinating is when people try to steer away from their dreams. Yes, we all have those fantasies where we want to do what inspires us, but a lot of people settle for less than their best. If only people knew what they’re worth; if only people accepted it. We were ALL born to stand out, to break barriers, to fight the beast called life, and when I see people fearing away from their best, it bothers me. How I see it is that I’m afraid of what I CAN do, not what I CAN’T. I know that I can get a minimum wage job and barely get by, it’s the easy way out! But I just can’t fathom the thought of actually doing it. I’d rather allow the fear of the unknown and adrenaline of hope fuel the sparks of inspiration that’s burning inside of me to drive my desires. I believe that we’re all put on this earth for a purpose, and that we’re all given special gifts whether you’ve found it or not. That’s why I encourage people to get out and LIVE! When you live your life to the fullest, you experience things, you get inspired easily. Devoting yourself to your dreams can be hard, yes, because the reality of the present does get you busy, but it’s important to never let go of what makes you happy.

The person I most admire is Lucille Ball. Most of you probably haven’t heard of her because she’s not of this generation, she was a star in the 40′s. What I admire about her is that she was never afraid to speak her mind. She was highly entertaining, and I can’t watch an episode of I Love Lucy, or The Lucy Show without laughing, no matter how bad of a mood I’m in. Also, she was once told that she had no chance on amounting to her dreams because she looked “different” and didn’t have the blue eyes, blonde hair, and perfect body; she proved them wrong. It’s your turn to prove the people who have trampled on your dreams and keep pushing you down wrong. You’re worth it. You can do ANYTHING you set your mind to. Truth is, it’s supposed to be difficult, you’re meant to fall down so that you can strengthen. Nobody said that life was supposed to be a smooth sail. When you work very hard for something, you appreciate it in the end. I encourage you to do something this week that scares you, that makes you think, that pushes you towards your dreams, no matter how small it is. I believe in you.

In conclusion, you need help for practically EVERYTHING in life. Whether it’s asking someone to help you improve on the dream you’re pursuing, or if you’re just starting out and need pots and pans. Asking for help creates opportunities.

I love to encourage people to work towards their dreams, so I promised my 11 year old cousin Tasia that she can write little inspirational passages for my blog. Enjoy!

Here it is:

Inspiration by Tasia D.

Sometimes you get the feeling that you just need to step out of the house, and get the fresh air you’ve been craving. Sometimes you feel something different inside, but you just don’t know what it is. Sometimes that feeling is inspiration for your dream. You can always chase that dream if you work at it. If it’s worth the time to dream, it’s definitely worth the time to chase.