When was the last time you put yourself on the center stage of your dreams?
Did you start 2011 with your list of dreams to be accomplished this year? I pulled my list out yesterday – in somewhat of a semi-panic – thinking that a whole month has gone by and feeling that maybe I was already ‘behind’.
But I’m not behind. I’m actually surprised at what I’ve already done. I committed to the approach of small incremental steps towards bigger goals…breaking things down and crossing them off – such a departure from ‘the old dreamer me.”
But somehow, slow and steady seems to be winning the race. I’m intrigued.
Updates
1. On my dream of outlining a book about photography by 7-31-2011:
Got a great referral to someone who has a ton of expertise in self publishing and promoting. I’ve talked with him about my ideas, he’s given me some quotes and now the next step is to just commit to the process – deciding on layouts, size, and photos. There is nothing in the way of moving ahead with that dream. Except me.
2. On my dream of shooting a national sporting event by 12-11-2011:
I emailed someone Action Sports International, and got this response:
Good news. We reviewed your application and supporting materials and have accepted your application to become a member of the ASI photography team as a level 1 photographer at the rate of $30 an hour.
I emailed someone at USARugby and got this response:
Our national championships might be a good opportunity for you. I’ve attached an application to attend the USA Sevens this February, but it might be pretty tight getting into that one as we’ve got (photographers) from all over the world trying to get in. Can’t hurt to try though.
Have I made that next call on either of these?
No. They are all right there, stalled – waiting for me to just do it.
So what’s my problem?
I used to measure my worth by being the person behind the scenes in a mostly thankless, unseen supporting role – helping the person “on stage” to get it done.
I did it at work – managing coaches in working with our clients. I mentored my employees to become self-motivating, and it created a thriving, collaborative work environment and incredible results. Making them front and center was essential in validating their efforts as individuals and team players.
I do it at home – single parent of a teenager. I spend a lot of time and energy investing in his academic and extracurricular success. I want to help him get what he wants, whatever that means. Period. Most days its a thankless, balls-out slugfest. Shining the spotlight on him helps develop his self confidence and trust in his own abilities.
I do it in relationships – as a sister, daughter, best friend, mentor, neighbor – I seek out ways to make it happen for others even before finding opportunities to make it happen for myself. Most of my personal happiness centered around others being successful, knowing that in some way my support helped them get what they wanted.
The reason I loved “being behind the scenes” is because it is an anonymous, fast paced, live in the unknown, mistake-making playground – and no one gets to see behind the curtain unless I say it’s OK.
I’m the right hand man. The trusted adviser. The Go-To Girl – I’m it.
But following my own dreams puts me front and center in my own life. Center stage. I cant hide. It’s me and my dreams – that’s it.
So now I think what’s stopping me is my lack of trust and experience in being on my own stage, with my own dreams and goals. Totally exposed and out in front – and the kicker – looking for others who can support me in getting what I want. I’m no longer behind the curtain.
I didn’t think in a million years that I would get here. To a place in my life where I’m fighting for the front. To be seen, create impact and to make a difference – and I am starting to believe I can do it.
Until next photo,
Rem
Remy’s dream is creating opportunities for photography showings and public displays of her work.
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