Date: 01/21/13
Felecia Williams
Title: Living your dreams

 

The 3rd Monday in January every year, marks the day that we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This same man was a supporter and leader for change in America and he gained the attention of the nation with his actions and his dreams. Having a dream is having aspirations for the future and Dr. King is a reminder that you never know where your dreams may lead you unless you try.

Writing an essay about having a dream landed me an award for 1st place and as a result caused a transformation in me that is still working through me today. Now, I encourage children to do the same by following through with their dreams; rather than setting them aside unaccomplished. Working with at risk teens you come across all types of personalities and for some reason (abuse, delinquency, behavior problems, etc.) they have found themselves in the same place. However, even though for a moment they feel stuck in the unknown, they still dream and have hopes for a better tomorrow.

These are still the same youth that cry because they miss their mothers, comfort one another when they need uplifting and share secrets with the new friends they’ve made. These same children are also overwhelmed with all of the idle time they have during their transitions back home. Therefore by encouraging them to dream big helps to reduce any negative thinking and focuses their minds on the fact that as long as they continue to dream they have what they need to achieve success.

I asked 5 girls to write a paragraph on their dreams for the future. They were instructed to include their names, ages, what they want to pursue and how they plan on fulfilling their dreams. These are there their stories:

My name is Destiny and I am 13 years old. My dream is to become a radiologist. I have always had an interest in x-rays and the body. Also radiologists make good money. I know that I must graduate high school and go to college (preferably Harvard) to accomplish my dream in the future.

My dream is to finish high school, go to college and start my career in cosmetology. I chose cosmetology because it’s something I enjoy doing and I see it as making people look exceptionally beautiful. After this I hope to meet that perfect guy, get married, and have a family. – Emily (age 14)

My name is Lauren and I am 17 years old. My dream is to become a Marine Biologist and move to Australia to study the Great Barrier Reef. I have always been interested in marine life because I understand it better than a lot of things. I am graduating high school next year, so I plan to go to UCF my first four years and then transfer to UCSD to study at Scripps Institute of Oceanography.

My dreams are to finish high school and go to college to pursue a career as a neonatal nurse. I chose this because two of my favorite things I love to do are care for babies and help people. –Taylor (age 15)

My name is Connie and on January 30th I will be 17 years old. I have really big dreams long term and short term and within the next year I plan on graduating high school. I know that I must stay focused on the books and the work ahead of me. This summer I am going to the Air Force reserves boot camp. I want to join the military because it offers a lot of opportunities and benefits. I dream to go to college but I am not sure if I want to major in law or medicine. However, I know that in order for me to make it that far I must be focused, my attitude has to change and I have to believe in myself. Taking it one day at a time, I know that I will to live up to my dreams.

Everyone has a dream no matter when, where, what or whom they come from. These girls dream just like I dream and just like the late Dr. King once had a dream. They know that dreaming equips you with what’s needed to bring forth the manifestation of the success you hope for. We must believe in ourselves and know that we can achieve anything we put our minds to. So, if you haven’t already, what are you waiting for? Start living your dream now!

Date:  December 26, 2012
Name:  Nanette Buchanan
Title: When I Grow Up


The majority of the adult population over the age of forty can remember the days when every adult, family member or not, would ask “What do you want to be when you grow up?”  The younger the child the quicker the answer, usually based on what they had done or seen recently.  A teacher, fireman, police and doctor were the popular answers.  Some would be shy stating they didn’t know but the dream would build as they prepared their answer for the next one who may question them.  Often who we thought we would be was a part of our parent’s fantasy as they prompted the answers reminding us we would have to work hard and continue our education.  I don’t think any of us thought of ourselves as entrepreneurs or a CEO and if we did we had no thought of having employees working under us.  Our dreams were realistic, based on our upbringing and what was exposed to us in our younger years.

When I was a child, I wanted to be, or thought I wanted to be, a Pediatrician.  I’ve always loved babies and thought being a doctor, I would enjoy my job.  However, after seeing my first autopsy, while in high school, my vision of my white lab coat changed quickly.  I was informed that as a doctor I may have to deal with blood and needles.  No argument from me, I’d settle for my second choice.  Life shot me another dose of reality shortly after I found myself working to pay my rent and bills.  School took a backseat to marriage and raising my children.  It didn’t stop the desire and as fate would have it, today I am a writer of novels hoping to get them in film.  

I decided with all that had changed in my life, I would ask a few children about their future.  Would they think as I had?  When they grow up will they follow their childhood dreams?  What would or could change their minds?  Did they know what each career would require from them?  So, I simply asked the help of a few parents and here are the results.  

Nick who is now seventeen wants to be an EMT.  He understands he will need to pass a test and have a license, afterward he will have to have training.  However, his stumbling block may be his issues with anger and giving up easily.  Not to mention following rules isn’t his thing.

Jordyn’s parents may be her only obstacle.  She wants to be an artist and her tools include paint.  She knows it takes hard work but without enough paint she’ll never achieve her goals.  Her parents just want her to keep the paint on the paper.  Jordyn is seven.

Sky wants to be a teacher.  She realizes to teach others you’ve got to go to college.  There would be nothing to stop her unless she died and went to heaven.  At eight, it didn’t take long for her mind to change.  Just as the questions ended she thought a gymnast would be a better choice.

Gavin has his mind set on being a Scientist.  He understood that it would take hard work, studying and a lot of research.  Gavin is seven and he’s determined that if there are no asteroids invading earth, he could become a Scientist.

TyrRonn is eleven and being a professional athlete is his goal.  Practice is what it will take to better his Baseball or Basketball game.  He can’t foresee anything stopping him from reaching his goal.

Raquel is eight and loves the world of fashion design.  Her creativity will get her there.  As a free spirit she’s always creating things so there is no stopping her.

Rosalynn is five and loves animals.  She wants to be a veterinarian.  At five, I don’t think there is a thought of her being stopped.  After all if you love animals, you can take care of them.

DYandre’ knows his choices would all take hard work, dedication, practice and furthering his education.  “I can accomplish anything I put my mind to” was his concluding statement.  He wants to be a Chemical Engineer or a Chemist, but then there’s always dancing.

Loryn is fifteen and has a clear understanding that everything is not always easy.  His desire to become a professional Basketball or Football player will take perseverance; but so will becoming a Lawyer or a Teacher.  The influence of the environment gave him cause for concern….. “the effects of gangs and gang activity” but he’s determined to achieve his goals.

Zsakaiyah has her mind set on becoming Professional Dancer.  This nine year old recognizes she must be committed.  Her support from her mother and family is important.  She’s sure she will make it simply because her supporters are always there.

After gathering the information, thanking the parents, and reviewing the answers, I realized children still dream.  Although the world has changed for our youth, they still believe in reaching for the stars.  From the seventeen year old to the five year old, they didn’t hesitate to say “when I grow up”……  The first step to anyone’s future is to know where you are headed.  Even if there are a few detours along the way…… like these children, you have to have a destination.

Date:  December 2, 2012
Author Name: JC Gardner
Title: Idle Minds

Well it happened to me again!  The dreaded trip to the mailbox gave me the piece of news I didn’t want to read.  For the umpteenth time, I was selected for Jury Duty. Dang it, aren’t there other people in Maryland besides me?  Am I really to believe that my name randomly pops up each and every time?  I don’t believe it. Certainly someone has my name in neon yellow highlighter so there is no way they CANNOT call my name.

I go through the same ritual each time, dialing that number the night before, praying to be excused. I don’t even know why I bother. I should just go in on the appointed day and sit down. My number is ALWAYS in the group to report to the courthouse.  I think it is some cruel joke they play on us – making us call that number, then have us listen to everything you can and can’t do; what you can and can’t bring. And after they finish their rant, you’re told to “Press one” to see if your number is called.

I pressed one and sure ‘nuff, I had to report to the courthouse.  Dag-nabbit!

I know it is my civic duty to be selected for jury duty.  I should give those who want a trial by their peers the opportunity to have a vast and varied selection for their attorneys to choose from.  Woohoo. Yippee. Can you feel my glee?

After I got over my disappointment of not being able to go to work, I gathered up my gadgets -- that would be my smartphone, DVD player, Nook and laptop --not to mention my journal, headphones and various chargers.  When I looked at all of my accessories, I decided I didn’t want to bring a shopping cart or suitcase into the courthouse with all of my toys. I tried to picture me rolling up with a shopping cart and the court officer’s reaction. Wouldn’t the metal detector just love that?  So I nixed the Nook and DVD player.

Upon checking in, security asked me to put my keys and spare change in the little catch-all basket. I looked in the basket and there was a nice-sized pocket knife resting comfortably in the bottom.  I told the clerk, “I am not putting my stuff in there.”

She tersely replied, “Why not?”

I said, “That’s not mine and no way am I mixing my stuff up with that.” She looked in the basket. We smiled at each other and she chuckled, “I see.”

Just then, “Tyrone” rolled up on us.
He announced, “Hey, that’s mine.”

Was this knucklehead actually going to claim the knife?  The officer said, “Not anymore. We confiscate all weapons.”

He tried to plead his case -- that he was going to take it to his car and that he forgot it was in his pocket.  She wasn’t hearing it. It was now the property of the court.

Didn’t this fool listen to the phone message?  Poor thing. He probably just “pressed one” to see if his number was called and missed all of that good stuff.

After a 90 minute check in process, I retreated to the “Quiet Room” Now if you know me, I’m anything but quiet.  The alternative was to watch an old movie that I’ve probably seen a thousand times and/or listen to people talk incessantly about, well anything – from bad boyfriends to nasty mother-in-laws. Been there, done that. So in the Quiet Room, I find a nice seat (amongst the 50 people), plug in my laptop and get to writing.  I thought I could check my email, but guess what? I forgot. The courthouse charges for Internet access.  Really?   C’mon! So you pay us and then need a portion of it back for Wi-Fi? OMG!  I DID NOT pay for internet access and busied myself typing away. I always have something to do.

Did I mention there was a restroom inside the Quiet Room? What a misnomer. The toilet flushed like it needed a muffler – sounded like a mini volcanic interruption.  Did I also mention that I could tell who washed their hands and who didn’t?  Yeah, I know. T.M.I.

So while we’re in the Quiet Room, mini conversations bubble up. Then “rubbernecking” begins. We all took turns looking at the “rule breakers” Clearly you need to carry your behinds to the other room! But they don’t leave and no one says anything – just a bunch of sighs and grumbling, especially for those who have their “law” books out intent on doing some serious studying.

Oh, there is also a movie playing in the room, with the closed caption on. Wouldn’t you know it’s a Martin Lawrence comedy?  Okay, whose idea was that?The occasional laughter again gets the (negative) attention of the most studious jurors.

Lunch time!  Hallelujah. We all ran like it’s a flood and we needed to reach Noah’s ark.  It was a mass exodus to the cold and rainy streets.  I walked further than necessary but I needed some distance between me and the Quiet Room, and I chose to eat outside of the confined walls. I selected a place that claimed to have free Wi-Fi. Thirty minutes later, I was still staring at my Yahoo homepage. Clicking anything on the page or surfing the net was impossible. *sigh* So much for that! I had to be satisfied with my phone’s Internet.

When I returned to the courthouse, I lost my way getting to the Quiet Room. Yeah, I’m directionally challenged – always have been. I’m sure my photo is somewhere next to the origins of GPS.

Eventually, I found my way back and a man was in my seat!  The nerve! His laptop charger was in MY socket. No use going buck wild over his mistake.   I stared him down but his face was transfixed on his screen. I looked around the crowded room and found a seat next to the soda machine, which welcomed me with a very loud grinding noise. Joy!

After getting myself together – you know – coat unbuttoned, hat put away, finished up a game of Chicktionary – I observed my peers.

One third of the group was asleep. I don’t mean dozing. I mean out cold. One man was even snoring! These were people of different races and ages. They didn’t have any gadgets with them. I know everyone can’t afford it or maybe they are just not interested. But it got me to thinking about how many people I regularly talked to that are unhappy with their life. They are stuck in dead-end jobs. They aspire and dream about doing other things, but they have not taken one step to making it happen. As I observed these bored individuals, I wondered if their time could be better spent doing something, anything!

I’ve had people ask:  How do you find the time to write? Well it is not easy! As a full-time working mother and wife with a busy lifestyle, I have to squeeze it in where I can. I’ve already delayed my passion and my dreams waiting for the right moment. Every chance I get to make a dent in what I really want to do, I’m going to try and do it.  Sitting there for seven hours and deciding the best use of my time was to sleep was just not acceptable. And maybe, just maybe, a handful of these folks needed this rest because they are so stressed out at home that they finally have an opportunity for a much needed nap.

Okay, stop the madness! I’m lying. LOL  My point is this:  Tomorrow is not promised. Do you dream about doing bigger and better things? Do you want to make some changes in your life? Then use your time wisely.  Plan and act accordingly so that the desires of your heart may be manifested in your life and come to fruition. Tighten up your personal relationship with God so that your steps can be ordered in the right direction. But for heaven’s sake, get something started!

The clerk just alerted us we might be leaving shortly. The Quiet Room was now all a buzz like a cocktail party. Even the most scholarly were packing up, chit chatting. And so ended another day of service for me.  Even the man who took my seat has shut down his laptop.

Can’t be too mad at him. At least he was productive!

Date: 10/15/12
Writer’s Name: Allison Martin
Title: Reality Only Exists if You Lack Imagination

As I was driving down the road yesterday, a bumper sticker attached to the van in front of me captured my attention.  It said: “Reality only exists if you lack imagination.”  For a brief moment, I pondered this statement and ultimately decided that it made perfect sense, assuming reality was how one perceived what was currently taking place around them.  For many, the day-to-day mundane and sometimes boring or gut-wrenching tasks are currently and will always be their reality because they fail to use their imagination to think outside of the box.  Instead, contentment kicks in over a period of time and they settle for the rest of their lives, refusing to take any initiative towards fulfilling their dreams.

Those individuals with the “straight and narrow” perspective are equipped with eyesight alone and lack vision.  Eyesight is defined simply as the act of seeing.  We all see what’s going on every second right before our eyes.  If you’re riding down the road, you see many activities taking place such as the traffic lights changing and cars moving along in their respective lanes.  Eyesight is obviously useful because it assures us that we are traveling in the right direction to reach our desired destination for that moment in time, whether it is home, school, work, or the store.

On the other hand, we all need to be equipped with a vision to escape going through the repetitive motions each day in order to reach the next level.  Vision is defined as the act or power of anticipation that which will or may come to be.  If you speak to an entrepreneur, they will tell you that it all started with a vision.  Without a vision, many of the most innovative companies wouldn’t even exist.  Perhaps you aren’t an entrepreneur but are stuck in a job and want to take it to the next level?  It’s time to develop an idea of your dream job (including salary requirements, desired location, work conditions, flexibility, etc.) and draft up a plan of action that details how you will get there!  Did you notice that I said “will” in the prior sentence?  This is not an error on my part at all.  Instead, it’s a call to action and a statement of affirmation.

The phrase “if you believe it, you can achieve it” is overused at times but very true.  To develop a vision and execute to make it a reality, it is a must that you actually believe in the idea in the first place.  This is a common mistake many make and one of the very reasons why folks are limited to eyesight.   Terminology such as “I think” or “maybe” are consistently used in conversation, clearly displaying the fear of failure.  Of course, no vision is guaranteed to come to fruition but if you go in with the “it may not work” attitude, please don’t be surprised if it doesn’t.

In Matthew 21, Jesus was walking down the road and spotted a fig tree with only leaves on it. He demanded that the tree never bear fruit again and it withered immediately.  The disciples were astonished and Jesus reassured them that if they have faith (and not doubt), they can do the same.  All they needed to do is believe it was possible and it would be received if requested in prayer.  The same principle applies to visions.  If you’ve suffered from only having eyesight and lacking vision, shed the doubtful thinking, have faith, and prayerfully request that your ideas shall come to pass (if your intentions are good and pure).  Never be afraid to dream because those very thoughts may just become your reality one day.

Date: 10/6/2012
Name: Donnell Hicks
Title: To Dream is to Believe

When we were children, we had aspirations to be something – be it a football player, an actress or actor, a doctor, a writer, or a lawyer. Back in elementary school, our teachers and parents instructed us to write down our goals on a piece of paper; and the only way to accomplish those dreams was to work hard in school since education is the key to unlocking the future.

Hard work pays off at the end. Each individual person must make his or her own way in life by living out their own goals. In my opinion, there is no such thing as someone living another person dream or clinging onto another person dream for the sake of it. Like the old saying goes, “no one will give you anything in the world; you must go out and get your own piece of the American dream.”

For example, let’s take a look at two music moguls named Sean Combs and Jay-Z who are from the streets of New York. They had worked their way up in the hip-hop industry each day and each night to claim what is their stake, their legacy. Both men showed beating the million to one odd is true just by achieving your dreams when everybody else has written you off completely. So did the late Michael Jackson and the late pop diva Whitney Houston. A person has to be dedicated and determined and the person must have the vision to turn it into reality. As stated before, it is up to every individual to accomplish his/her goal.

On the other hand, most people don’t have any aspirations they put forth in their lives, for the apparent reason he/she believes everything will be given to them on a silver platter. Particularly, he/she becomes envious towards another person who is following his/her goals. Success as well as the willingness to take your goals to the next level lies within a person; inner strength to achieve high standards and to not settle for less or live with another person’s imagination are also key.

When I was in the third grade, I wrote a story in which I won “Writer of the Month.” I knew from that day forth I was destined to become a writer in my lifetime. As the years progressed, my passion to be a writer grew. I elevated my skills by reading books written by other authors who came before me and writing short stories. By the time I was old enough, I recognized my dreams and my accomplishments. Yet, nobody gave me a chance, besides my mother; everyone like family members took me as a joke. I wasn’t given a pathway to success or any support. In the process, I lost so many friends and some family members due to the fact that I kept my eyes on the shining prize ahead of me.

I received less praise, and more jealousy and hate from every direction I turned but I did not crumble. My point is this - don’t allow the sense of discouragement from the haters and naysayers’ stop you from reaching or discovering your dreams. For whatever it is you have discovered, keep pushing and reaching because at the end of the day it is you alone against the world.

Date: 9/17/2012
Writer’s Name: S.F. Hardy
Title: Vision is Possible without Sight


One day some time ago Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream. He didn’t dream for himself alone, he dreamed that conditions for all people would improve in the future - from the current state of oppression and the non-adhesiveness that was being displayed in the “United States” to a country and place that embodied a sense of  unity and peace. His dream of equality, desegregation and unification was not even close to the reality of the mind’s eye. His dream would one day come to fruition but not without the doubt of those who didn’t share his vision and most importantly those who did share his vision and found way through sacrifice and determination to see the vision through.

Vision and sight are polar opposites. To be able to see through one’s eyes is not the same as the vision of what is to come. Visions are dreams and goals that we as humans work at to achieve. Sight is what you see at the moment; vision supersedes the moment.

The concept of vision is easily misunderstood by many and it is often difficult to find others to share in your vision. It can be very discouraging to have visions that no one but one’s self buys into.  It is wondered if those who actually are deprived from dreaming while sleeping, are the same individuals who can be viewed as naysayers. It takes a great deal of courage to share one’s dreams and aspirations with others for fear of being shot down and perceived as silly. But if no one dreamed and thought outside of the box placed the world itself would not be as advanced as it is today.

Vision is a very important aspect of life. Just about every organization, be it, college, non-profit and for profit has a vision statement that supports their mission statement. The vision states what, where, and how each organization expects fulfill their respective purpose.

To have no vision is dangerous because it is almost synonymous with the lack of hope. When an individual or a group is lacking hope they have given up. To have vision speaks to the character of each individual. Furthermore, when there is nothing tangible to hold on to and all else has been taken away, hope and vision can be held onto and cultivated because they cannot be taken away.

Through tough times good visions will come to you if you let them. There are several quotes that support the idea of vision and can be viewed below. Remember don’t be afraid to dream. You can have as many visions as you want, act on them and you may become a pioneer based on your vision.  You will most likely help someone else with your dreams, so share and help others see their visions come true!


A closed mind is heavy, making takeoff difficult, if not impossible – vision, understanding and tolerance however, will take you as far as the open mind allows.
~S.F. Hardy

“Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you’re riding through the ruts, don't complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Don't bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality. Wake Up and Live!” ~Bob Marley 

“It is a terrible thing to see and have no vision.”  ~Helen Keller 

“Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.” ~Carl Jung 

Name: Tamyara Brown
Title: Dreaming with my eyes wide open!
Date: 9/2/2012



I sat down one day two years ago making the most important decision in my life to follow the path of doing what I love and that was writing my first novel. When I told someone I was writing a book they informed me I was dreaming because I couldn’t possibly do this with all of the obstacles in my way. In truth, I was dreaming with my eyes wide open and ready to see the endless possibilities. I made a decision two years ago to take a risk, fulfill my personal destiny and if I failed at least I tried.

Every day we all have a vision of the path we want to take in life but along the way blinders such as fear, negative thoughts, obstacles, and defeat will cover our eyes from seeing. We quit before we actually begin and fall asleep on the road killing our dreams toward what is truly meant for us. Some of us work day end and day out at the job we are unhappy about and complain that we feel so unfulfilled. We use excuses on top of excuses as to why we can’t step out on faith and make it happen. I know I have been a victim of holding myself back from accomplishing my dreams because I allow my eyesight to cloud my vision.

Dreaming with your eyes wide-open only means that you now are willing to see what others can’t imagine. With your eyes wide open you can take the initiative to bring your dreams full circle. You are willing to throw away the excuses, make the necessary sacrifices, and do what’s needed t to see it come to pass. Fear is no longer your factor and the excuses you once made are non-existent. You have tunnel vision and though while traveling your eyesight won’t let you see at all, your vision will allow you to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Thinking back two years ago when I told someone I was writing a novel, for a moment, I actually didn’t visualize me completing it. I began my journey by writing one page a day and before I knew it I was at 295 pages. Our eyesight doesn’t always allow us to see our future and where it may take us at that point and time.  Our vision allows us to see what others may not think can happen. As I look back now since I was eleven years old, I visualize writing a novel; it was my destiny. After a while I lost sight of my path, taking on so many different directions only to be led back to my true and first love- writing.

I saw that person the other day who told me I would never be able write a book and I was dreaming. She smiled at me and said, “So you stopped dreaming about being a writer? I mean I didn’t say it to bust your bubble or anything; you just have a lot going on with all those children. Your son sick and….” I politely cut her off and said, “My novel, Blue’s Treasure - you can purchase it on Amazon or Barnes & Noble. You have a blessed day.”

I was dreaming with my eyes wide open allowing myself to see me make my dream a reality. I handed her my business card and smiled.  It’s okay to dream even if you can’t truly see it with your eyesight; but if you can visualize it you have begun the process of making it come true. Never stop dreaming or believing.

Date: August 20, 2012
Author:  JC Gardner
Title:  Get Busy Dream-weaving

One of my goals in life is to inspire others to follow their dreams.  A lot of motivational speakers give lots of tips on how to tap into your inner self to do better and improve your life and make the most of today. Many times, I hear the same message over and over again - things that my grandmamma, my mama, my best friend, my counselor and countless others have told me a thousand times.  These speakers get paid a lot of money to tell us most of what we already know inherently; we just fail to act.



I want to give you four things to ponder over -- something you maybe didn’t hear before.  If you did hear it, A-men; we are on the same page and I hope you have already begun to follow your dreams.



#1:  How many times have you heard: “It’s never too late to start living your dreams?”  I’m here to tell you that that is absolutely not true!  In my life this past year, I’ve had friends and family pass away without notice. Some have been young; some were old.  Obviously for them, it’s too late. For you to say you’re going to wait until you retire to get your business off the ground - that’s too late. If you’re waiting for your kids to get squared away, in today’s society, most kids are never squared away and it’s not their fault. It’s always going to be - Mama can you help me, can I come back home, daddy, I need a few dollars.  The more you keep pushing your life to the side, the more it is not going to get done.  You will end up at the Pearly Gates wondering how did you get there and didn’t accomplish half of the stuff you wanted to get done.  Don’t make your family the mountain you can’t move.  If anything, that is the one thing you should have control of. Exert your authority; get your mountain climbing gear on and starting hiking towards your destiny.



#2 Haters!  There are a multitude of haters in our lives and the sad part is that some of them don’t even know they’ve been labeled as such! Why is it so ingrained in them what you can’t’ do?  Why are they so wrapped up in your life?



Let’s think about that.   There could be several reasons, but more than likely, they don’t have a life of their own so it is better for them to be all up in your business.  Better yet, what they see as impossible for them to achieve should also be impossible for you too.



Get that particular relationship in check! Am I recommending that you cut off your friend?  Absolutely not, but learn to recognize when he/she starts to put a damper on all of your ideas, plans and vision.  My favorite reaction is to listen without hearing.  That’s when you nod in agreement just to keep the peace and then steadfastly continue on your journey.  Or, if you feel empowered, gently say, “I hear you and I appreciate your concern, but this is my dream – my vision that God has placed on my heart.  So let me learn from my mistakes and keep me in prayer.”  If they are a true friend, they’ll still be there whether you fail or succeed and perhaps back off a bit.  And in extreme cases, they might just have to go!



#3 Cloud of negativity.  This is different than a hater. This is a cloud you create for yourself. I had several clouds of doubt and insecurity.  They followed me around thundering and lightning, telling me what I couldn’t do.  An educator of long ago planted negative seeds in me that festered and grew into thorns that threatened to cut off my creativity.  I walked around in it and manifested it. It consumed my daily life and almost robbed me of my purpose.



I’m here to tell you there is a rainbow.  You will need an umbrella to cover from the sunshine so bright, you won’t even know where the clouds went.  When you know that God has placed a desire on your heart and that it is for you and only you, all of the strongholds that had you bound will be released.  But this requires a faith-walk; this requires you to believe in yourself and what you know you must do.  It takes prayer and courage to stop daydreaming and begin dream-weaving.  We can be our own worst enemy.  There are enough hurdles in the world without us creating additional obstacles. Love yourself. Trust and believe and [re]connect with your higher power.



#4 DO IT.  Embrace your true calling. Don’t delay moving forward on your dream. Feel free to contact me at [email protected] with the subject heading: DREAM WEAVING  for an uplifting word. Get a support group of friends who will have your back. These would be true friends who believe in you and sincerely want you to succeed – friends that will tell you the truth.  Write out a plan, get advice, stay in prayer and make it happen.  

Date: 8/13/12

Writer’s Name: Sheri Henry-Harrigan

Title: Reach for the Sky and Catch Your Dreams

What is a dream? I believe a dream is a perception of what we want in our lives. We may dream to be rich or famous. Will we achieve our dreams? Only we can determine if our dreams come true. Yes someone can come along and jumpstart the dream, but we must put in some work to keep the dream alive.

What you see and what you dream of are two different things. We can dream all day long of achieving some out of this world dreams. The reality is that most people won’t put a foot forward into achieving their dreams. They are so busy looking at what’s in front of them. The dream isn’t in their eyesight so therefore they can’t achieve it. People fail to realize that in order to achieve a dream we must do some work. No one is going to hand you anything. Even the people who have what we want had to work. They all started from the bottom and made it to the top. Dreams do come true but only for those willing to work hard.

Reality is hard to swallow sometimes. Whether we are comfortable with our life or living at the poverty level, we all have dreams. And our dreams can be achieved. Even though we all have dreams we all go different ways about achieving our goals. There are people who will talk about their dreams but never do anything to achieve it. There are people who will start to achieve their dreams and then stop. Last but not lease we have the people who will work hard to accomplish their dream and continue to keep up the hard work. Which person are you?

I believe that just because I can’t see it doesn’t mean I can’t achieve it. I want to be comfortable in life. And I realize in order to be comfortable I must be uncomfortable to reach a goal. Being an author was a goal of mine. And it took a while for me to achieve my goal. I talked about it but never made any progress with it. I finally stopped procrastinating and got a book published. Now I have my own business and two other books published. I thought it would be easy to write a book and get published. But it is not. A lot of blood, sweat and tears went behind publishing my book. Not to mention the sleepless nights and time spent away from family. But in the end it was all worth it. I have so much more to achieve and I will because my eye is on the prize.

If you have a dream, go for it. We can’t see but so far. We don’t know what the future holds.  But if you incorporate your dream into your everyday life there is no telling what you can achieve. We don’t know until we try. Even if your dream seems impossible, still reach for it. You may end up somewhere else that you never thought you would be. Reach for the sky and catch your dreams!

Date: July 29, 2012
Writer’s Name:  Nanette Buchanan
Title: Dreams, Vision, & Reality

Vision defined is the ability to see, the mental picture, an image, something seen in a dream or a trance; this is the definition according to the Encarta Dictionary. While the definition of eyesight holds only one definition, the ability to see. Although the words seem to take on the same level of understanding they are quite different.

Vision, a visual perception defines more.  That which is beyond one’s ability to see, becomes our mental picture and is often fabricated; seen in the subconscious, while sleeping, daydreaming, or what we imagine can and should be. One’s eyesight covers only the distance that their eyes can see clearly. Their eyesight or vision is described as farsighted (the ability to see distant objects better than nearby ones) or nearsighted (the ability to see nearby objects better than distant ones).

However, I’d like to discuss these words and how their usage can change one’s life.  As a child I can remember being asked by several adults, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”  The same question was asked throughout my school years.  The older I got I began to have a vision of my future.  Academically, in sporting events, and socially I set goals, and limits to fulfill my vision, my dreams. Each goal had its own levels to be fulfilled.

Academically I set my eyesight on obtaining a diploma, awards, and recognition.  Once achieved, I had tangible items to remind me that my efforts were rewarded; it was a lesson taught and learned.  I was inspired and ready to direct my attention on new heights.  This method of dreaming, having a vision, setting my eyesight on new goals became an internal hunger.  I would challenge myself visualizing more than my eyes could see, while working to bring my dreams to reality.  

Over the years I have used this method to keep me inspired.  My dreams, my vision, my mental picture of success became my goal. In setting my eyesight on accomplishing that goal, I must bring myself to understand that I can only achieve it by planning a course of action and remaining focused as I take on each required element.

Everyone has dreams and aspirations, however it is not in the vision that you will find the strength to press on.  You must connect the reality of accomplishing your goal.  If it is graduating you may have a vision of the actual ceremony.  If it is a new job, a marriage or something as simple as pleasing family or friends, the vision must become a mental picture.  Once you see it you can see yourself receiving the benefits of having it.  This becomes difficult for those who live a life of lost dreams.  Unable to reach their goals due to circumstances beyond their control often becomes the vision and their eyesight, blinded by failure.  

A child that is living in a dysfunctional home or has learning disabilities, and other limitations needs more than the vision or the eyesight.  They may need an outside source, a mentor, a friend, to point out their qualities, give them a reason to dream and set their sights on more than what they see and live with daily.  To see them achieve, rising above the expectations of most, often becomes the vision of those who stand behind them.  

Dreams and visions are still a part of my life as I’ve never stopped setting my eyesight on goals in the different facets of my life.  My accomplishments have surpassed many of those visions I’ve had.  I no longer hesitate or question the possibilities as I set new goals and remain focused on achievement.  My dreams continue to challenge my efforts and when I find myself avoiding the task I re-focus.  My eyesight is accompanied by the lessons I have learned.  Rushing to fulfill my dreams often causes me to be farsighted overlooking that which is in my reach.  So I take my time, set my sights, and visualize fulfilling my dreams.