Dare to Dream:

Dreams. I'm curious to know what yours are. After reading this blog, feel free to comment & share your dreams with me! 

The indefinite question that people always ask me is, "Are you sure you want to pursue that career?" Whatever "That," means. See, here's the thing, I want to be an actor--but it is so much more than that. I didn't just "want," to be an actor, I felt called to be one. Trust me, if it were that easy as people make it to be, and If I got paid each time they mention, "just let it go and choose a different plan," then I'd be a millionaire already. Don't you just love when people feel as if they have a right to control your life and discourage your aspirations?

​There are multiple moments in my life, where I can recall trying to put my dream on a shelf and forget about it. I became angry at the fact that nothing was moving forward and the more I allowed individuals' projected discouragement to welcome itself into my ears--stemming from their own  disappointments they've faced with their dreams not coming true, I began to realize that I was indeed, becoming just like them. After a while of listening, I started believing their words to be true. "Maybe this isn't going to work out the way I had dreamed it would, maybe this isn't what I'm supposed to be doing, I've faced enough rejection--maybe it's time to let it all go..." I watched my dream sit on a shelf for some time, collecting dust, as if it were just another shelf item that was forgotten about. The negativity got to me and to be honest here, it was exhausting to put a smile on my face, in order to act the way I was expected to by others. 

Then, it dawned on me. Why was I letting someone who was not living my life, call the shots? My life and journey is mine, not theirs. My mindset is my own, and I have the power to decide whether or not to live by faith, positivity, hope, rather than discouragement and fear. If I would have listened to what others thought I should do, I wouldn't be where I am today. Never in a million years did I think that I would be auditioning this much, booking work, meeting new people from around the world, working as lead in a love psychological thriller feature; wrapping that film after a few weeks and jumping straight into starring/ making my directorial debut on my first ever, original short film, the very next day! All of this, on top of working a day job-- full time, owning my own photography business that landed me a 1k gig, & traveling when time allows; you cannot tell me that having a positive mindset, remaining focused, passionate, and keeping your dream alive, doesn't work. I've worked too hard, overcame too much, and persevered through every rejection to make it happen. Not for anyone else, for me. We live in a world where we feel that we must entertain the idea of meeting others' perception of us; present a different version of ourselves to simply, "fit the part". You don't have to do any of that in order to live the life you dream of living. You CAN make your dream your reality. Get out of your own way and know that is is POSSIBLE.

I'm nowhere near where I want to be, but this years accomplishments have become stepping stones to my future success. Don't settle for less than your worth, you owe it to yourself to, MAKE. IT. HAPPEN! ​'

1. “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”                               – C.S. Lewis
2. “Like success, failure is many things to many people. With positive mental attitude, failure is a learning experience, a rung on the ladder, and a plateau at which to get your thoughts in order to prepare to try again.”                                                                      – W. Clement Stone
3. “No matter where you’re from, your dreams are valid.”
   – Lupita Nyong’o
4. “Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.”
   – Mark Twain
5. “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”
   – Harriet Tubman

Stay Tuned for my next blog! It will be ALL about my experience, beginning to end on my newest projects, "My Lost Love", and my original film, "The Day After Halloween".

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