Growing up, we're often confronted with a question that begins the

framework of our entire existence: What do you want to be when you grow up? Though we may know very little of the demand required in a particular career path, we respond with extreme vigor and as much confidence as a college graduate ready to unmask a new leash on the world.

It is so encouraging to witness the enthusiasm of a child's dream; and though life presents its challenges, when we're young, ignorance blinds them all leaving nothing but sheer hope and determination. But soon, we grow to realize that its these very challenges that influence our own decision-making and attempt to bring doubt to the ideas we so desperately seek to come to life. Instead of looking for new avenues, we trade them for new ideas and end up accepting degrees we have no clue what to do with, jobs we despise, and a love for life that grows cold. Though despite where you may be in your goals; close, far, or no where at all, you can still get back on the saddle and begin to ride again toward that "thing" that makes you feel like where you are is exactly where you need to be.

Friends/Family

Friends and family are very important to us. They present a strong support system that we need to help us toward our dreams. But sometimes, they can also mislead us and hold us back without even realizing it. Remember just because someone may possess good intentions when giving you advice, it does not mean they know what's best for you. Laughing, negative comments, and getting you to focus on other goals they feel is suited for you, can talk you right out of your destiny. The way to combat this is to stop sharing your heart with the people who try to tear it down. Associating yourself with people who share your interests, not only boosts your confidence, but can also help you learn the best ways to develop your ideas.

Children

Too often, women give up on their aspirations upon becoming pregnant or having a certain number of kids. Their excuse: I don't have the money, I don't have the time, The father isn't stepping up and the list goes on and on. Note to all the mothers out there: there are many single mothers who have paved the way to their own success. It's not easy, but nothing worth having ever is. Whether you are pregnant with your first or have had eight, with planning, time, and ferverent determination, you can still be well on your way to achieving whatever your heart desires.

Significant Other

So when your shopping for a mate, or you open the door and they just happen to land on your doorstep, what do you look for? Intelligence? Good Looks? Humor? How about personality; sound yummy right? Well did you ever think about emotional support? Notice I did not mention financial, or physical support. Emotional support in this context does not relate to your ego or the emotions involving love and affection. This type of emotional support relates to the acceptance, belief, and cooperation of one's dream. There is an undescribable hurt you feel when the one you believe in with all your heart, does not feel the same way towards you. They suck up all the energy and passion for your support for the sake of advancing their own. This can't be more selfish. Support, just like love, goes both ways. If you are neglecting your dreams and putting all your energy in your mates' for the sake of love, it's time to reestablish your priorities. What happens if the relationship doesn't last? Or better yet, if it does last, will you ever be truly happy? Professing the words "I'm only happy when your happy" to each other are only temporal. You have your own thoughts, your own feelings, and your own life. You don't have to live in the shadow of anyone else's no matter how much you love them. If the love is genuine between the both of you, in time your mate will understand.

Past Experiences

So you've failed before, who hasn't? Don't let that stop you. What's that? You've been hurt. Join the club. Bottom line: you can always find excuses why you can't do something. As long as you allow these "can'ts" to hold you down, you'll never gain the will to try. So many things happen in life that we can't control. But you can control your attitude, your will, and your determination. Don't let who you was or what you've been through stop you from where you can go or what you can be.

Yourself

I once heard the phrase "you are your biggest critic." I never believed it until I evaluated my own self-esteem. After being put down so many times, I came to the conclusion that we actually start to believe the lies we hear. So we hide ourselves and our talent ensuring that success is in who others want us to be. We only sing in the shower or we journal all our ideas with no intent of revealing our true interests. In an effort to protect our pride, we waste our life. Is it worth it?

You, now, right here is all that matters. You are golden and our world desperately needs you and everything you have to offer. If you can be nothing else, become your own idol. Create that world outside that you've built inside, for the sake of those that will be influenced by you now and generations to come.