Since a young girl, I loved the arts, not like painting and drawing. I’m horrible at that. But, theater, music, dance, sewing, that kind of art form I loved. Music stood out to me, the harmonies, the colors of the notes, dreaming through the lyrics gave me a sense of freedom. So, my parents began to nurture my talent. I had dreams and goals of performing on stages across the world as a singer on Broadway. But can we also talk about the loud voices of doubt and fear that tries to creep in when there’s something so magical that you want to accomplish. Yeah, that happened along the way. See, I live by the glass-half-full metaphor, looking at the silver lining — that only good or a lesson learned can come from our experiences in life. I believe that when you repeat your dreams aloud and into the atmosphere, God puts someone in place or ignites something inside of us that makes that dream come to pass.

My first encounters with my dream started at the age of 12 when I began singing classical music competitively. I would excitedly go shopping with my mom to pick out my performance gowns, get my hair done, rehearse with my vocal coach of course, and prepare week after week for the stage. The path to my career had begun.

In my last year of high school, I was excited to audition for thee American Idol, yes I said thee! At the time it was the most popular televised singing competition in the world. But guess what? Remember when I talked about fear and doubt, it reared its ugly head again and I missed out on what I thought was an amazing opportunity.

In college I performed with a traveling show ensemble and after that year I decided to try something new.  Music was always going to be a part of my life, but while I had the time to find out who I wanted to become, I explored other gifts and talents. How does the saying go, “everything you desire is on the other side of fear?” That’s the route I chose. Everything I desired to achieve I was going to do wholeheartedly. That didn’t mean there wouldn’t be challenges. It just meant that there was another level of confidence inside me that I hadn’t tapped into.

Fashion is another art form that I always loved. What can I say, “I get it from my mama.” I took after her musical and fashion sense. She kept it classy, she was my real-life Claire Huxtable is how I described her growing up. So, I started dressing my friends for events and it turned into a business. Who knew? Once, I realized I could start a business doing what I loved, I started another business making custom Swarovski beaded earrings and bracelets, and then I started an event planning company. I could do it all, y’all! Let’s not forget the four years of college I attended; did I mention I love my career? We didn’t even talk about that!

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11

Ever since I can remember, this scripture has carried me. I can’t recall when, but my mom gave me something when I was in high school with this exact scripture, and it stuck with me. My belief assured me that if I do my part, I can have it all. I can be it all, just in God’s timing. So, I no longer worry myself about who I’m becoming. I live in becoming; evolving in who I am supposed to be in the season I’m in.

Here’s something to consider: are we dreaming big enough? Do you believe that you can do it all?