You Can Do It

I struggle with insecurities. ALL THE TIME.
 I feel stupid, slow, awkward, and sometimes, I feel like a complete loser.
There are so many dreams, stored up inside this busy head of mine, but few have I ever pursued.
 When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a dancer.
Then it was a nurse. An artist. A singer.
Once, even a lawyer. *laughs at that one*
 As I grew, while being homeschooled, I discovered I loved history; easily memorizing dates and names.
I adored reading. You rarely saw me without a book in my hand.
And I used those two things to find a new passion.
 Writing.
For school, I would read a book on whatever subject chosen, and my mom would have me write an essay or report about what I read.
 And I discovered I loved using words to describe how the book made me feel, how the author felt, and how this book could help others in the world.
 And I've clung to all three of those passions throughout my growing up days, and I still hold them close.
 I've dreamed of using those passions for something of good use; something that would benefit others, longing to reach out to people and uplifting them.
 Sometimes, I even dream of being able to speak... IN PUBLIC. TO A CROWD.
But my doubts, my insecurities, hold me back.
 I'm not good enough.
I'm not educated enough.
 I'm too stupid.
And I stumble over my words when speaking to friends, let alone strangers.

I dream of being a wife and mother.
 But what man would fall in love with me?
I am awkward and shy, vain and self-centered, along with my health problems and insecurities which would probably annoy him to no end.
 There's just too many things wrong with me.

But I want to tell all of you, right now.
 There is nothing so wrong with you, that you can't follow your dreams, your hopes and desires.
Whether it's being a good wife, a called author, or just a good friend.

No one is a failure, when they try.

Albert Einstein didn't speak until he almost four years old, and didn't read until he was seven. He was told, "He won't amount to much."
 He was also dyslexic, and yet, he's considered the smartest man on earth.

Dr. Seuss' book, "To Think I Saw It on Mullberry Street" was rejected 27 times.

Clint Eastwood was, in his own words, "Painfully shy as a child."

Ludwig Van Beethoven's music teacher said he was "hopeless", and during his career, he lost his hearing, becoming completely deaf. And yet, he composed countless songs, becoming on of the most famous composers ever known.

Temple Grandin suffers from autism, was bullied as a child, struggled to cope with people and understand others, until she learned to thrive with her disability.
 She helped the world understand better what it is like to have autism, and showed others with the same diagnosis, that they were "different. Not less."

Despite his honesty and integrity, Abraham Lincoln was considered ugly and awkward, and he was the master of failure.
 He went bankrupt in 1831, was defeated Legislator in 1832. Lost his fiance to death in 1835, was defeated in 1836, and was defeated for U.S Congress in 1843, 1846, 1848, defeated for Senate in 1855. Defeated for Vice-President in 1856.
 In 1858, he was again defeated for U.S Senate.
In 1860, he was, at last, elected for the United States President, and despite many trials, losses, and heartaches, went on to be the most beloved leader of all time.

Thomas Edison

Helen Keller

Walt Disney

Joni Erickson Tada

Nick Vujicic

The list goes on.
 There have been so many famous people who overcame their problems, who never gave up on their dreams, no matter how many times they were pushed down.
 And so, I want to show all of those out there, who are feeling like they are unqualified to pursue their dreams, or those who feel like you've been knocked down too many times, pushing against a closed door:

"If you've never failed, you've never tried anything new."

And more importantly:

"I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13 

Sometimes we need to be tested, again and again, before our dreams can become a reality, but that doesn't mean that we should give up. 

 Yes, I believe there are times when God closes a door, and says, 'No', and that is the time to turn away from that door. 

 But that isn't giving up. It's simply following His calling, even if that sometimes means turning around and walking back down the hallway, with a peaceful heart and an adventurous spirit. 

 Just watch. Another door will open.

Because we are to never, ever give up. 

 Never give up on your dreams. Your wishes. Passions. 

And you are not a failure. 

 As a daughter, as a friend, a mother, a father, a son, a wife, a writer, a singer, an employee...

No man, is a failure, if he keeps on trying. 

 Why I wrote this? 

I don't even know. I suddenly had the need. 

 So I hope it will encourage someone today, and I pray they are reminded, 

"A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work."

Never Give Up 

Have you ever felt like a failure? 
                                                             LaKaysha