August reminds us all that Fall is right around the corner. As students head back to school, it’s a reminder that time goes by way too fast.
I spoke at an event four years ago, and after I spoke, I had a lady come up to me and tell me she has always wanted to own her own coffee shop, but she’s scared to take on a new career and somewhat hesitant to start a new business. I remember asking her what was holding her back, and of course, her answer was like so many – fear of the unknown. I remember having that conversation with her like it was yesterday. A few months later, she emailed me to tell me she was going to do it. She decided to take the opportunity and step out of her comfort zone and start a new business. I was so thrilled for her and so excited to see where her new business would take her.
Well, little did I know it would all come around! This month, I spoke at an event, and the event had a coffee bar set up. I walked in and noticed this lady who looked very familiar. I walked over to the coffee bar, and as she and I started having a conversation, she asked me if I remembered her. I told her she looks very familiar, and then she asked me if I remember talking to a lady about starting a new business. I knew immediately who she was. I gave her a hug and told her how proud of her I was. Her business is thriving, and she had a coffee bar set up at this event. She told me how scared she was to start a new business, but once she started, she knew she could do it, and she loves it.
It’s a reminder to us all that sometimes we just have to go for it. We have to take those opportunities that we are afraid of. Why are we afraid of the things we want? There’s the fear that if we fail, it will feel like there’s no way to pick ourselves up and create something else (a hopeless and weak feeling). There’s the fear that you’ll be called selfish for going after what you desire. I truly think there is a big difference between being selfish and going after a dream. Have you ever wondered if it’s selfish to pursue your dreams? The answer to this question is, it depends! It CAN be selfish to pursue your dream, if your dream is only about you.
But most dreams, even the ones that may seem selfish to you, actually DO benefit the world around you. Crystal, the owner of Half Pint Coffee Company, followed her dream, and it benefited her and all the people she is kindly serving coffee to. It was beneficial to her community, as it gave people a place to gather and enjoy a cup of coffee. When I saw Crystal that day, she had this glow about her. She had a big smile on her face, and she looked fulfilled.
There’s nothing more fulfilling than living the life you always wanted. Pick an end goal, make a plan, and make your dreams happen — that’s an amazing way to find true happiness. Plus, pursuing something that aligns with your values will undoubtedly lead to greater success. Do you have a dream? Are you following it? Ask yourself that question, and what answer do you come up with? Life is too short not to follow your dreams. Check out Crystal Knakmuhs dream she made come true.
