by NAOMI NEWTON | @naomi254
This is a personal story of breakthrough. As of late, I was asked to create a 10 year vision + goals for my life by new part-time employer (Lululemon Athletica). I am a visionary by nature, but most often with the big stuff it looks more like fleeting thoughts: “what ifs” and “someday I will…” Therefore, this was a challenge. A huge risk of the heart to take. It’s one thing to dream with God in seeking possibilities; it’s another thing to write them down and make by whens. Now they are real.
Believe it or not, this was a really difficult exercise for me. It’s not my lack of optimism— I have plenty. It was the realization that I had not made room for creating my future. Not enough at least. I have only taken one step at a time. Taking what has been handed to me, rather than FINDING favor. Searching it out. In addition, these goals (personal, career, & health) are to be displayed for the public to view. Wait!! I have to share the most vulnerable thing ever?! My dreams, my heart.
Growing up, I had learned that there are dream killers. “Be careful, because people won’t believe you can do it, and they’ll squash your dreams.” I have held onto a lot of my dreams, keeping them safe as I know how. There is truth to doing so, like the Scripture says “Don’t cast your pearls before the swine.” I think on this journey, we need to find the balance. Less self-protection, and more faith that God is going to make a way for us, even in opposition. The key is boldness, not fear. Boldness cannot go outward, unless theres boldness inward. Now that I have freed myself and shared some of my vision with others, they actually have a greater understanding of who I am. Oh, to be known.