The Beauty of a Dream

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What do you want to do with your life? Are you actively pursuing your dream, have you put it on hold or given up on it completely?

My dream ignited when I was a teen; I wanted to write a book. At first, the idea was faint and unemotional and throughout the years the title and topic changed a number of times, It was 1992 when the thought became a passion. That was also when I was faced with my Beauty Battle. For therapy, I began journaling. My entries were far to personal to ever be published, but in that storm of life, my writing skills developed. I would take another decade, however, before my confidence would recover.

When I finally felt strong again, I wanted to write for others, not just myself. I had been praying about it and was feeling excited. “I’m ready, Lord. I’m going to do this for you and your girls! I will call it Know Who You Are.” That Sunday, as I listened to the sermon and enjoyed the worship, I felt God speak directly to my heart. “Wait. First, I want YOU to Know Who You Are.”

Ouch!

 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. - Hebrews 12:11

After another two or three years of healing and learning, I felt God was speaking to my dream again, this time to start writing. Only, now I wasn’t ready. “No, Lord! Who am I? I have no good thing to offer!”

I could have started my book the first time–when I was ready, but all I would have had to offer was arrogance. After a time of humility, I realized that the only thing I have to give is that which God has given me.

How you chase your dream is a big indicator of your Img.ID:

C: Independently, strong and steady
N: Casually, take it as it comes
D: Driven, determined… or discouraged
I: Creatively, quietly, tenaciously
R: Creatively, compassionately, for others
G: Aggressively, passionately, persuasive 

Click the letter to learn more about that Image Identity, including What2Wear.

We are just vessels of His great gifts.

As I began  writing, I had lots of love an support, but when it came time to figure out the publishing part, I was not only out of my comfort zone but it was also out of the comfort zone of anyone else in my life. Finding an agent and publisher was hard enough, but suddenly I was also hit with many other Confidence Conflicts (some inappropriate to share) and, unfortunately, I took them personally. The hardest one was my son’s addiction, and although his condition consumed my thoughts, I did what a lot of Dramatics do: I kept it private. Or at least I thought I did, but what I wasn’t saying, my body language was speaking loudly..

Pent up fear and frustration looks like anger and rejection to others.

I lost a lot of friends when I needed them most. It was obvious that I was upset, but people had to make assumptions because I was emotionally shut down and could not find my voice. (How do you say what’s wrong when you are so unsure and it’s someone you love who you would be speaking badly about?) I was too overwhelmed to let others bear my burden.

That’s pride in all it’s ugliness–the complete opposite of Confident Beauty.

There I was, once again: having to exercise the area of my calling, like a painful workout. During that time of humility, I had to learn the balance between guarding my heart and sharing honestly and vulnerably.

Life is full of the good, the bad and the ugly, but all of it is beautiful if we don’t waste our pain, and let it drive us to do something powerful and productive.

You may not be trying to write a book or build a platform, but I’m sure you have a dream. It may be ambitious, it may be simple, but surely you want to make a difference in your world. It could be your desire to start a business, raise godly children, further your education or…

If you feel alone, unseen, unheard and unsure you have the strength to even speak of your dreams. If you are so tenacious about going after what you want that you have lost balance in your life, or if this message resonates in your heart for someone else, would you take a moment to help me determine the  need  in our community? I am feeling a burden to start a new ministry and would like your input.  If you are not in the Cape Cod region, I welcome you to take the survey anyway, please indicate your location in the final question (in “other”). Just click this link to take the 2 minute, 10 question survey. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9SQGHBR

*****

As an author and speaker, Catrina’s passion is in helping women and girls overcome confidence conflicts, especially those involving rejection, betrayal and loss. After 30 years in the beauty industry as both a cosmetologist and an image consultant, Catrina now uses her profession, her own powerful stories and her training as a Biblical life-coach to reach the heart in a way that is relatable, encouraging and inspiring. Her message is balanced with both fashion and faith and is making a difference  in the lives of women and girls all over!  To be part of this movement, connect with her on FacebookTwitter PinterestLinked In, Goodreads  and consider having her speak at your next event. Visit https://catrinawelch.com for more information.


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