Don't be afraid to follow your dreams

Yesterday I attended the Ladies That Lead conference given by The Boss Network. It was such an awesome and inspiring event. I saw old friends that I hadn't seen in awhile. I met new ladies, who I know I will be keeping in touch with. There was an air of sisterhood. It was a beautiful sight to see so many amazing women in the room. Some had traveled to be there. I spoke with women from St. Louis, Miami, Michigan and North Carolina. There were smiles and conversations before the event. Women were just walking up and starting conversations. It was like you were hanging out with your good girl friends. I even taught one sister how to take a selfie. :)

The panel discussions, Ladies that Lead in Their Careers, Ladies that Lead in Entrepreneurship and Ladies that Lead by Faith were full of tips whether you are an entrepreneur or still working a 9-5. The information was priceless. I left that conference full. I was so motivated, ready to go over my notes and to implement the things I had learned. There were two things that really stood out. Two words kept resonating in my head. Adversity and Dream.

The Boss Network founder, Cameka Smith followed her dream and she did it during an adverse situation. She lost her job. She didn't wallow in the thoughts of how unfair this was, or why me, or any of the other thoughts she could have been thinking. She did something. She took an inventory of the gifts and skills she had and she created this organization. She saw a need and she filled that need.

Many of us don't follow our dreams and when adversity strikes we wallow in it. We become paralyzed. We have pity parties and basically lose our minds. We place blame.

But as I sat there yesterday, I saw Cameka celebrate 10 years in business. Her Bossversary. It was an emotional time. I felt so proud of her. It just confirmed for me what happens when you follow your dreams, but also put in the work. She shared how over the years she has worked hard to get to where she is. She has put some skin in the game. Some blood, sweat and tears.

You can't just say I want. You can't just create your beautiful vision board, and recite your affirmations. You have to do the work. It won't be easy, but it will be worth it.

A dream without a strategy is an illusion, Cameka Smith