I always attempt to work my article titles into my writing. Today is no exception.
I get people all the time telling me that they read my blog.
It's a strange thing to have that happen, even though I am aware that I put it out there into the universe, and it is likely that someone other than just me reads it. I suppose because I write, and publish each article in solitude, I kind of forget that I am sending it out there for "an audience" of sorts.
That's the funny thing about the universe and putting things out there. I guess it goes back to that old saying "be careful what you wish for".
When I started my blog, I didn't know where I wanted to take it. I wasn't even exactly sure what I was going to write about. Or how often I would be writing. I was just following my heart, and was compelled to do it. And I wanted to have a voice. Some say I'm very opinionated - but how's this? I'm also quite shy, so this is a perfect form of self-expression for me.
Being a little quiet at times leaves room for people to make assumptions.
People often draw their own conclusions. A friend told me yesterday that before she knew me, she thought I was a bitch. But now she knows me, she understands I am just shy at first, and I'm quite guarded about who I "let in". I like to observe for a while from the sidelines, and decide from there who I will let into my world. Particularly as I am very aware of my own vulnerable nature. I like to intuitively feel people out, and I make up my mind from there as to who I can trust.
So writing is a way for me to express myself. Particularly as over the years, I have found it easier at times to silence myself and not speak up. Not speaking up for myself has not been helpful to me over the years, so writing is my way of no longer silencing myself.
And more than a year later here I am.
I have a decent following, I have certainly developed a writing "style", and I've had 27 articles to date, published with the Huffington Post, of which has been named "the most powerful blog in the world" by The Observer.
Pretty crazy huh?
So, going back to being careful what you wish for. Why do you think there's that saying?
I'll tell you why. And it comes back to the principles of "The Secret". Of what you think about, you bring about. Or of what you put out into the universe, will manifest as such.
I've written before about everything beginning with a thought. It does. This article I'm writing right now would not be being published without me having of thought of it.
When you make a decision of any kind, you are sending a strong and powerful current into the universe.
One of the best selling books of all time, The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho has this important message "and when you want something, the entire universe conspires to help you find it". It's true.
There's also the other sayings. About not being able to hit your target with your eyes closed. And the other one about keeping your eye on the prize.
Why do you think that is?
I was told by a friend on New Years Eve that I'm a "dreamer". Not a realist.
I was slightly taken aback by his comment. I thought I was a realist. But the more I think of it, yes, I am a dreamer. Particularly after I quizzed him on "why" I'm a dreamer.
"Because you live in hope" he responded.
I do.
However, I also have had astonishing, against all odds things manifest through my hopefulness.
Do you know how many times throughout my life I have been discouraged from doing things? But guess what? I went ahead and did them anyway.
And this discouragement has always come from "realists". But are these "realists" simply masquerading as realists, and have simply lost that hope that they once possessed as a child? Isn't that where the magic comes from?
Being childlike means being vulnerable. Being vulnerable means being open. Being open means you allow everything to enter. Good and bad. But the flip side is not being vulnerable. Not being vulnerable means you are closed off. Being closed off means nothing can get in. Of course the realists will convince you you're mad. Their eyes are not open and therefore cannot see!
It is a blessing to have never lost that childish innocence. Because you still possess that level of hope. To still be the dreamer. I don't think it's unrealistic to have hopes and dreams. I think it's unrealistic to think that things aren't possible. Everything is possible if you want it bad enough.
I have always been one to fight hard for what I want, and that is a result of being stubborn and tenacious. Of not giving up on my dreams. Of what I want. I am determined to chase my hearts desire.
So maybe I am a dreamer. I dream of the fairytale. Maybe to some, my hopes and dreams are unrealistic. But maybe to me, the so-called "realists" are the unrealistic ones. Not even stopping for a moment to consider the power that resides within all of us to achieve what we want to achieve if only they'd take a chance and open their hearts and minds. Or maybe they haven't found something they want bad enough.
In life you need hope. What else is there? Have an insatiable appetite for fulfilling your dreams, and never stop hoping with that inner child that still resides within you. The world is full of infinite possibilities.
Like the late, and brilliant Steve Jobs said "Stay hungry. Stay foolish."