Last updated on June 21st, 2012 at 11:09 am
God gives us dreams a size too big so that we can grow in them.
When I leave this earth one day, I want to be remembered as someone who inspired and lifted the spirits of people on a global scale with my motivation talks, blog posts and future books.
This week, I had the privilege to give my second motivational talk to the girls at an Academy in Cape Town, South Africa. There were 170 ladies in the audience with about 5 teachers. My husband was my media person, in control of the sound and my slide presentation.
I cannot lie and say that it wasn’t intimidating when I first saw the audience. I had to take a deep breath before I could utter my first words.
But my excitement quickly overcame my fear because for the first time I was going to speak from my heart and truly risk putting myself out there for the group I was about to speak to.
My talk was titled, 5 Steps to Pursue Positive Change
The girls that I was addressing were between the ages of 17 and 25. The girls have been through hell and back, yet they came prepared to hear my talk about changing their lives for the better.
But when they first entered the hall I could see their cold stares reaching out to me. It sent chills down my spine and I expected them to say something horrible during my speech, but as it turned out they were very well-mannered and listened intently to my words.
I began my talk by explaining that I have been in situations where I too was deeply hurt and felt there was no hope left in this world.
Being a teenager is difficult. You are often confused, sad and dazed about the future. In my case, I harbored thoughts of suicide. But I was lucky enough to realize that there was hope in the world for me. This is why I wanted to speak to these girls — to give them real hope that things can get better once they shift their mental attitude to look for the good that is available in this world.
Here’s the summary of my presentation points …
5 Steps to Pursue Positive Change:
- Step 1: Face Facts
One must first accept the harsh reality about suffering and past hurt, however brutal.
- Step 2: Practice Forgiveness
Life happenings can leave you trapped in a prison of pain, blame, and resentment. Time to forgive yourself so that you can be free from the pain.
- Step 3: Permission to Heal
Instead of punishing yourself and hanging on to the “story” of your hurt, give yourself permission to heal.
- Step 4: Don’t Punish your Future
If you plan on punishing future people in your life for your past sins, or will you’ll be strong enough to give them the trust they deserve.
- Step 5: Move forward
Now is the time to take off, reach for a new positive outlook because there will never be a better time to start than right now.
I ended my presentation with:
Because yesterday is behind you and your dreams for tomorrow are waiting with open arms.
Pursue to live the life of your dreams – The End
“When the remembering was done, the forgetting could begin.” ~ Sara Zarr
(Here is a link to the full presentation on Slide share: Pursue Positive Change by Moving Forward)
During the talk I was surprised by the memories that flooded my mind — moments where I was at my lowest. I decided to freely share these memories with the girls. I heard a lot of “ooh’s” and “aha’s.” There were many heads nodding in agreement. I was eventually able to get them to smile and laugh. I think they appreciated the fact that I was being real with them.
I felt empowered by the sharing of my most personal experiences. I realised that all the times my heart was broken, the times I felt rejected, and the point in my life when I had suicidal thoughts — all happened for a reason — this reason. The bad times made me stronger. My dream was coming together for me as I encouraged them to trust that they can make it through whatever they are going through and come out of it a stronger, better person, just like me.
By the end of the evening the cold stares were gone — replaced with smiles and bright faces.
It was an amazing feeling. Pursuing my dream of touching lives of woman had begun. I can tell you that it feels great when you are living your life purpose and doing what you are meant to do in this world.
Before leaving the venue, I had this momentary feeling of belonging — like I had come home. I knew right then that the stage was going to be my new home — the place where Sue Faith Levy will touch the lives of many.
Now, I can’t wait for my next talk.
This is my dream coming true: me becoming a motivational speaker.
Today tell yourself, what I tell myself everyday:
I refuse to give up.
I will learn from every experience.
I believe that dreams come true.
I will pursue it.
I want this — I want this real bad.
Go out and make your dream come true this week. Your dream will not only change your life, but it will change the lives of those around you.
Be brave.
Quit saying that you are going to do your dream someday and get up and go do something about it right now. The world is waiting to hear from you.
Just pursue it.
Because you can.
-Sue
Sue Levy is the founder of the South African Just Pursue It Blog and Inspirational Women Initiative. She’s a motivational writer and media designer, who is obsessed with everything inspirational with a hint of geek. She thrives on teaching women how to be brave and take big chances on themselves. You can find Sue on her Twitter page @Sue_Levy.
Note: Articles by Sue may contain affiliate links and 8WD will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on an affiliate link.
