Tarek, when I saw the movie "Joy," it did something within me. I was pursuing my own dreams "against all odds," and that movie helped spur me forward. I once told a friend...a very wise and elderly woman, I'm going to submit an article to this magazine." She said, "Don't be disappointed if you get a rejection letter." I knew she was just trying to help me face possible disappointment but I submitted it anyway and it did get published (and I got paid!). That incident taught me not to listen to naysayers. Today I am learning new skills in order to fulfill a dream. I'm working against energy issues...so I may only work towards my dream for one hour in a day. But every day is forward progress. There's over 8000 hours in a year. Think about that!
Great insight, when reading this I also thought about how at times I have been the dream killer. I was the one saying it’s too risky and indeed I was too scared.
Wow, that is powerful. I have to stop and say I've done that too. A great reminder to help others think about what's possible instead of the things that could go wrong. Of course things will go wrong -- that's the best way to learn! Thank you for sharing.
Back in 1996, I had the idea to take my cadaver dog and 2 police bloodhounds (I was a police officer at the time) and train them to track lost pets. But I was told I was "having a pipe dream" if I thought I could make a living as a pet detective. Praise God I did NOT listen to them! Not only did I make a living as a K9 Pet Tracker, but I trained others across the world (and over 200 search dogs) through my online pet detective academy! My newest / final life purpose "pipe dream" is to build a massive pet memorial site / tourist attraction. It will cost millions of dollars (which I don't have) but I have faith in God because with Him, ALL things are possible! I write in my Substack about my pet tracking work and soon I will write about the pet memorial site. Life is TOO SHORT to sit on the sidelines and "only wish" you could achieve something. Just go DO IT!
At times, it was costly to continue to follow my "pipe dream." I gave up the opportunity to use my investigative background to take a well paying job with the state of California where I'd make enough to buy a home and have benefits. Instead, I chose to BELIEVE in my passion no matter what and struggled financially for many years. I moved in with my mother (she had dementia and I became her caretaker in exchangefor free rent) as I tried in vain to build a nonprofit in an area (Fresno, CA) where I received very little financial support. I delivered newspapers to make ends meet. For 6 years I learned things like endurance, resolve, fath, trust, and what it means to cling to your dream no matter what your bank account says. In 2008 I then moved to Seattle where God blessed my nonprofit and I've never looked back! I met my husband there, married, moved to Vancouver Island (BC, Canada...no we will NOT become a state!!) and those hard times are just a faded memory! When you ask God to show you your life purpose, get ready for desert 🏜 experiences, for sacrifices, and financial hardships but OH WHAT A GLORIOUS LIFE you will live!
Tarek, when I saw the movie "Joy," it did something within me. I was pursuing my own dreams "against all odds," and that movie helped spur me forward. I once told a friend...a very wise and elderly woman, I'm going to submit an article to this magazine." She said, "Don't be disappointed if you get a rejection letter." I knew she was just trying to help me face possible disappointment but I submitted it anyway and it did get published (and I got paid!). That incident taught me not to listen to naysayers. Today I am learning new skills in order to fulfill a dream. I'm working against energy issues...so I may only work towards my dream for one hour in a day. But every day is forward progress. There's over 8000 hours in a year. Think about that!
You are amazing and inspirational Linda! Every step toward a worthy goal, no matter how small, is success. Keep on going!
Thank, Tarek!
Great insight, when reading this I also thought about how at times I have been the dream killer. I was the one saying it’s too risky and indeed I was too scared.
Wow, that is powerful. I have to stop and say I've done that too. A great reminder to help others think about what's possible instead of the things that could go wrong. Of course things will go wrong -- that's the best way to learn! Thank you for sharing.
Back in 1996, I had the idea to take my cadaver dog and 2 police bloodhounds (I was a police officer at the time) and train them to track lost pets. But I was told I was "having a pipe dream" if I thought I could make a living as a pet detective. Praise God I did NOT listen to them! Not only did I make a living as a K9 Pet Tracker, but I trained others across the world (and over 200 search dogs) through my online pet detective academy! My newest / final life purpose "pipe dream" is to build a massive pet memorial site / tourist attraction. It will cost millions of dollars (which I don't have) but I have faith in God because with Him, ALL things are possible! I write in my Substack about my pet tracking work and soon I will write about the pet memorial site. Life is TOO SHORT to sit on the sidelines and "only wish" you could achieve something. Just go DO IT!
Amazing story Kat! Inspiring for all of us. So glad you didn’t fall in line with small thinking. Keep on going!
At times, it was costly to continue to follow my "pipe dream." I gave up the opportunity to use my investigative background to take a well paying job with the state of California where I'd make enough to buy a home and have benefits. Instead, I chose to BELIEVE in my passion no matter what and struggled financially for many years. I moved in with my mother (she had dementia and I became her caretaker in exchangefor free rent) as I tried in vain to build a nonprofit in an area (Fresno, CA) where I received very little financial support. I delivered newspapers to make ends meet. For 6 years I learned things like endurance, resolve, fath, trust, and what it means to cling to your dream no matter what your bank account says. In 2008 I then moved to Seattle where God blessed my nonprofit and I've never looked back! I met my husband there, married, moved to Vancouver Island (BC, Canada...no we will NOT become a state!!) and those hard times are just a faded memory! When you ask God to show you your life purpose, get ready for desert 🏜 experiences, for sacrifices, and financial hardships but OH WHAT A GLORIOUS LIFE you will live!
Inspiring!