That’s me on the far left holding my Lionel Richie piano book on graduation day 🙂
When I was a little girl, I told people, “I want to be the girl Lionel Richie.” What made me make such a bold statement so young? At my 6th grade graduation, I played his song “Hello” on the piano. Mr. Watkins, my piano teacher at the time, introduced me to his music on the piano.
According to the Forbes article, “Do What You Wanted To Do When You Were A Child,” a recent study found that 6 in 10 people failed to attain their childhood dream jobs. More surprisingly, 82% of people who did not fulfill their childhood dreams are not pursuing their primary passion in any form as adults. But why not?
I believe there’s an inner knowing from the beginning. Then, life happens—children, family obligations, jobs, bills, etc., and our dreams get buried. Oftentimes we’re told we can’t make money doing what we love, and we get discouraged. We believe the lie.
But there will be glimmers along the way to say, “Hey, remember you love this.” For me, it was the guest appearance with my high school jazz band on keys, which was super fun. Then, I reflect on how fulfilling it was to sit at the piano and sing for hours when I was a teen.
About a decade later, I entered my job’s talent contest. I played piano and sang Roberta Flack’s “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” complete with the big afro wig, gown, and all. Unfortunately, I lost, and word on the street was that I was robbed, BUT I had a plan for the next year. I wanted to win, so I knew I had to do something wild and crazy—Jerry Lee Lewis’ “Great Balls of Fire!” And it worked! I won the local competition and made it to the finals, where I snagged second place and was $8,000 richer! Uncle Sam was happy, too, because he got almost half, haha.
But seriously, what in the world made this introvert (Yes, really, I am!) dress up in a cape, throw the cape off in dramatic fashion, and sing and play with my leg up on the piano (like Jerry did) in a wild manner? Yes, the money (lol)—but something else. Passion and purpose. Not to mention, it was sooo much fun!
The truth is, although dreams, skills, talents, and ideas may lay dormant for years, they’re still there…constantly tapping your shoulder. It just won’t go away or leave you alone. That, My Dear, is destiny. I came to tell you to stop fighting.
Your dreams can change your financial situation, the trajectory of your life, and your family’s life. They are good for our mental health and most importantly, our dreams can impact and change the world. Dreams do come true.
It’s ok, I won’t tell anyone…What did you want to be as a kid? Don’t leave me hanging when I put myself out there 😉 Hit reply and let me know. This is my favorite work to do!
This is also some of the work we’ll dive into at my event, Living Your Best Single Mom Life next week. I would love to see you there. Thanks to all who have registered and shared it (xoxo)!
I have an amazing event planned for you, and I can’t wait to serve you.
Have a glimmer-filled rest of the week!
Love,
Kenya
