Dare To Be Statement: I am content to be me and not afraid to show the world.

“All we see of someone at any moment is a snapshot of their life: there in riches or poverty, in joy or despair. Snapshots don’t show the million decisions that led to that moment.” ~ R. Baach

This week I have been so inspired by a 47 year old woman in Britain.  Please take a few minutes to watch this You Tube video which has taken the web by storm, you will laugh and cry and be ready to go and do whatever it is you are dreaming about.  You will not allow others to determine your fate, you will feel fear and uncertainty but do it anyway, you will believe in your abilities regardless of the opinions of others.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY

Now, here is a 47 year old woman who is currently unemployed, has never been married, lives in a small village, and who has had a dream since the tender age of 12.  When asked what her dream was she replied, “I am trying to be a professional singer.” Simon candidly asks her why it hasn’t worked out yet and Susan’s reply is, “Because I have never been given the chance before, I hope this will change that.”

Many judged this woman as she stood confidently on the stage.  There were sneers and giggles, cat calls and rolled eyes as she stated her dream, but she didn’t falter or allow their disbelief to alter her view of herself and her abilities.

The first words of the song floated so sweetly on the air; the look of shock and pure joy was prevalent on the judge’s faces as well as those in the audience.  Her tender melody and beautiful vocals brought tears to my eyes and many fortunate enough to be in attendance there.  How remarkable it was to see someone who has first been judged critically because of her appearance, age, status and then continues on and shines brighter than ever thought possible.  I am grateful for this opportunity to witness many being taken aback and realizing how they had unfairly judged someone they had never met, purely based on outward appearance.  I am filled with gratitude for this woman I have never met for daring to dream, and believing in herself; enough to feel the fear and do it anyway.  What strength it must have taken to come out onto that stage and be willing to put herself out there, be vulnerable amidst the doubt and critics, and take a chance.  She has inspired me to realize the abilities of others, at whatever age or stage of life they are in; to see the potential in others first, and to support one another in our dreams.

We all have so much to offer, if only we will seize the opportunities that we are given and not be afraid to share ourselves with the world.  I am grateful that Susan didn’t just stay home, allowing herself to believe the first impressions of many; that she is too old, doesn’t have the right look, or isn’t in the right place in her life.  I feel that Susan was now at a point of content with her life, that whether or not she moved on to the finals, wasn’t as important as sharing herself and her talent with the world.  It goes to show that one decision; one opportunity can really change your life.  Don’t sit idly by, get up and sing, dance, write, play; just believe in you and your dreams and see what happens.  Remember you are amazing, beautiful, talented and remarkable now go and dare to be.

This week I dare you to:

• Be content. Every time you feel those thoughts of inadequacy or judgment from yourself or others, repeat the Dare to Be Statement, “I am content to be me and not afraid to show the world.”
• Think of and write down a list about you.  What are the things you are content with, what are your strengths and abilities, talents and dreams.
• If there is something you don’t like about yourself, try to understand why.  We all have underlying factors that change our view or perception of who we are and of our worth.  There may have been a child who teased you about your glasses, the size of your nose, or the way you ran.  You may have not made the cut for the school track team, or you may have entered a contest only to hear the criticism of the judges and take that to heart.  You may have had a dream but been told you were too young, old, not smart, pretty, tall, thin, strong enough.  After you have looked back at these things, I want you to really see why you have these judgments and how they are not true, or just someone’s unfair opinion.  Then I want you to write something you do love about that area or part of you, even if it is just that you are grateful to be able to walk, to smell, to feel or see.  Find one thing that you do love about that part of you and be content with who you are at this moment; let go of the past, dream for tomorrow and live today.