Thoughts on following your dreams

As you all know, I am a huge advocate of following your dreams. I always hope to encourage and motivate people to go after what they want because I know how it feels to think you're not good enough. 

If you've been struggling with fear, doubt or confusion over your dreams, maybe these words of encouragement will help. I'm writing this just as much for myself as I am for all of you.

~ I think everyone deserves to have something to work for and look forward to in life---something that makes them feel passionate and excited. If you don't currently have anything to work for or look forward to, I encourage you to sit down and make a list of things that are important to you or new things you want to try. Do a little soul searching. Life is so much brighter when you have something exciting to wake up to every morning. You deserve a sense of meaning and purpose.  

~ A lot of people talk about getting rid of fear and doubt when it comes to following your dreams. I somewhat disagree. Fear and doubt are completely normal and inevitable emotions. So be fearful. Be doubtful. But follow your dreams anyway. 

~ If things aren't happening when and how you want them to happen, be patient. You have to let go of the when and how and just focus on continuing to move forward no matter what. Things will unfold the way they are meant to. Just wait and see. 

~ Comparing yourself to others whilst trying to follow your dreams is one of the absolute worst things you can do. You're not them. You're unique and have your own gifts. No one else can do what you do the way that you do it. Just because someone is already doing what you want to be doing doesn't mean that it can never be done again. If it's been done once, it can be done again---in your own authentic way. 

~ Keep an open mind, and don't put yourself in a box. There are infinite possibilities before you.  

~ Please don't let people discourage you or try to lead you down a path that feels wrong. These people may be well-meaning. These people may be very important to you. These people may even seem to know what they're talking about. You may find yourself thinking they're right and that you should try another path after all. Don't. It's so tempting to take the easy way out or follow the crowd. But if you do, there will always be something missing. You will always wonder "what if." So stay on your path no matter what anybody says. In the end, you won't regret it.  

~ Having happiness is way better than having money. I'd rather have a job I love and make less money than have a job I hate and make more money. Be smart about your money and save as much of it as you can, but don't attach happiness to it.  

~ Don't give up. 

<3 Madison