It felt like forever when I envisioned what ten years ahead might look like, back in 2008. In late October of that year, I attended my first writer’s conference. I went in a 44 year-old body, but the 12 year-old girl inside of me was the one tingling with excitement and nerves.
For decades, I kept my secret dream locked up inside my heart. Not daring believe that I could actually do this thing that burned in the depths of my soul. If only I could go back and tell that little girl who would lay beneath white fluffy clouds and blue skies, breathing in the fresh, warm, summer air, imagining what it might look like to see her name on the cover of a book, that she COULD do it.
I would have saved myself years of mental paralysis, frozen by frets and fear. I just entered my nineth year of serious professional writing pursuit, hooked by a publisher who told me I had a relevant idea and he wanted to see a book proposal. (I had no idea how to write a book proposal at that time, so I set a goal to read 100 books on the craft and business of writing. It took me eighteen months before I accomplished my mission, and had not one, but two book proposals prepared.) As of this writing, I just finished a proposal for my sixth book — and will send it to my literary agent shortly.
Next week, I’ll tell you why I mentioned ten years in the opening of this post, and why it matters so much. I will hit this benchmark in 2018, if God is willing. But for today, I want to keep this short and simple. This post is not about me, it is about you.
What did your 12 year-old self dream of doing? Have you dared to take a step toward the possibilities? If she/he is sleeping, roust them out of the slumber in your soul, and ask them to remind you of those passions you covered so long ago.
I did not truly believe in myself in 2008. If I could have seen what year nine in my professional writing journey looked like, I would have shaken my head in disbelief. But today, I know this is what I was meant to do all along. God made me for this.
So don’t take your talents, abilities, and gifts for granted. When people compliment you, don’t say, “It’s no big deal, anyone can do it.” Don’t believe the lie that your opportunity passed — there’s a reason you hear me say so often, “It’s never too late for a fresh start with fresh faith.”
I am walking proof, our 12 year-old inner selfs sometimes know more than the adults who squash their visions with doubt.
Today I want to challenge you. Take courage. Take action. Take your dream back.
If you allow it, today could be the first step in your journey to a life full of more than you can possibly imagine. You were hand-crafted for something very special — dare to believe!
I believe in you,
Anita Fresh Faith
What is one thing, only one, you could do today to tip-toe into the possiblity of making your dream(s) come true? Is it a little research? A phone call? Creating an outline or budget? Do something today!
Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us….
Anita Brooks, CPT, CLTF, CCS, motivates others to dynamic break-throughs. Blending mind, heart, body, and spirit, as an Inspirational Business/Life Coach, International Speaker, and Common Trauma Expert. She shares hope and encouragement on the stage and from the page — reminding 21st century audiences, “It’s never too late for a fresh start with fresh faith.”
Anita is also a multi-published, award-winning author. Her most recent titles include Readers’ Favorite International and Florida Authors and Publisher’s Association Award Winner: Getting Through What You Can’t Get Over, Barbour Publishing, and Death Defied-Life Defined: A Miracle Man’s Memoir, Clovercroft Publishing. All of her titles are available at major and independent bookstores as well as from online retailers.
Anita is quoted as saying, “Reading is my obsession while writing is my compulsion.” Her life’s passion is inspiring others to transform life’s battles into lasting victories.
For pure pleasure, Anita’s favorite pastime is watching sunsets with her husband of thirty-three years, while they laugh and dip their toes in a Missouri river or lake. She adores her grandchildren, but she also wants to hear about those you love.
You can connect with Anita on Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Periscope, and Twitter. Email anita@anitabrooks.com to request information on having Anita inspirationally speak or train at your next event.
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