Sometimes we forget who we are. Every day, it seems like someone outwardly or inadvertently tries to tell us who we are based on what they see, hear or think they know. I got reminded of who I was when I stepped out on faith and got my first book reading for my children’s books at Barnes & Noble this past weekend. I declared that it would be a good day. Even if the weather had different plans.

The first 20 minutes showed no one in sight. I went from excited to anxious and was talked into staying longer by my sister, who surprised me with her enthusiasm. It was a breath of fresh air for our relationship and the pursuit of my dreams because she always supported my education while having a stable job.

It wasn’t long ago when I decided to take a career detour after graduating from college and pursuing my media career in exchange for black pants, a black shirt, and a notepad to take cocktail orders. I went from internships roaming the aisles and transcribing in newsrooms, sitting across from Anderson Cooper in the shadows, to betting on myself.

The great thing about taking a step is that it will be different from the last. Your knees might wobble, and you might question if you are doing the right thing. I didn’t realize the metamorphosis that would occur when I decided to let go of my ego and start all over again.

So how did I do my transition smoothly?
I kept it to myself.

This is where I give props to my hardworking Trinidadian mother. I have grown up witnessing hard work, integrity, and grace under pressure all of my life, and I have her to thank for having these abilities within myself today.

This plan worked for a while until I got so comfortable that I almost forgot why I pursued a flexible job in the first place. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with the hustle and bustle life. Most authors, actors, and artists love these types of jobs because of their flexibility. You get to meet new people, don’t take the job home with you, and the money is not bad either. But where does that leave your dreams?

Whether you are pursuing a degree or looking for a career change, good planning and weighing the pros and cons will serve you well. While I sat in the chair waiting for kids to attend my book reading, I thought of all of the work, late nights, career to gig switches, sacrifices, and it reminded me how special this moment was.

I finally saw a return on my investment – in myself.

It wasn’t about the dollars or accolades for that day. It is about the hunger that comes from the lack, and it fuels your passion even more. It is also not easy to mute your desires and adapt to new environments for a lengthy amount of time. Eventually, your heart will take over again.

It doesn’t have to be a job that takes you away from your passions. It could be several reasons as well. Your environment, a toxic relationship, family responsibilities, financial, emotional, mental exhaustion. These are valid concerns and could possibly be the roadblocks that you have yet to break free from in your life.

So, where does that leave you right now?

If you had to close your eyes right now and were granted three wishes to be anything that you would like to become or pursue, who would you be and why? If you can answer this question without worry, you are one step closer to taking bold action steps in your life.

You have the ability; you just need to make the time. Anything that you pursue will demand a commitment of your time, and it starts from there. I don’t have the secret map of how it will work, but I believe that you will eventually get there when you try hard. As it turns out, trying hard can also mean trying different methods. It is easy to think that you are not working hard enough because of how many times you tried or how many years of effort you have put in.

It could be the method.

Speaking of the method. Each time I read a story, I read like it was 500 kids listening. Each time I read another book, I read louder and even more energetically. When someone walked by, I grabbed their attention with a sincere hello. More kids showed up that day, and some might call it a success by numbers, and others like myself will call it a success by the lessons learned and the positive impact that I had on the little ones who stopped by and came closer after I said hello.

I went to an interview today, and the recruiter asked me what is unique about you?

Without hesitation, I said that I was not motivated to impress people, then explained further. When you are encouraged to impress people, you get further away from yourself, and I like who I am. I bring love and light, and positive energy.

I bring love and light and positive energy, and so do my books. So before your feel frustrated or forget who you are or your purpose again, ask yourself what is unique about you. Never forget it.

And remind yourself from time to time and always be fearless to tell the world.

Lesley

Here is a video below if you would like to check out my experience.

Lesley D. Nurse

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