Diamond Craig, Founder of Purposefully Pretty, Inc.
“When I grow up, I wanna…” no I am not singing the song by the PussyCat Dolls. When I grow up is a popular statement children learn to make at a young age, reinforced by adults who ask them “So, what do you want to be when you grow up?” I myself have heard that question numerous times, I’ve also asked it my fair share of times but what I have found to be missing in these “When you grow up” instances is encouragement and motivation for the “process”.
Crystal Haynes of CrystalSays.com with Diamond Craig
We’ve gone through the script: “When I grow up I want to be a doctor… lawyer… fireman… policeman… teacher… actor… etc.” However, not many go the extra mile to help the child plan or pursue their dreams aside from practical education. Don’t get me wrong, practical education is necessary but so is the need for unusual means of route exploration and hard truths. Many choices and life goals that we choose for ourselves do not come with road maps and we are often ill-equipped to handle the sting of disappoint or worse, failure.
This past weekend I had the privilege of attending a fundraising event that tackled the “Dream, Plan, Pursue” topic. It was fantastic. Diamond Craig, founder of Purposefully Pretty, Inc. and her team did an outstanding job. I could go on for pages on what was said but I doubt you would want to spend your day reading through it and why should you? I really want you to get out there and GO FOR IT!
Here’s my re-cap:
Regine Roy, MSW; Founder of Queen Geniuses Empowerment Conference
1st Speaker: Regine Roy, MSW, Founder of Queen Geniuses Empowerment Conference
Topic: Pursue
We live in a success driven country and at times children just adhere to the “script”- doctor, lawyer, etc. This script recitation leads to the “sounding good effect”. The sounding good effect is all about appearance, it makes you look good in front of your peers but your response is not necessarily a reflection of your true desires and goals. Beware!
Diamond Craig with Purposefully Pretty Team
Meeting expectations are good but the worry that comes when we do not stack up is bad. There are two types of expectations. The first is societal, in which you are expected graduate, own a car and a home and to also be married at a certain age or time frame. The second type of expectation is personal but the personal is often clouded by societal expectations. We need to know our dreams.
Dreaming leads to the manifestation of your hopes! As a woman, it is powerful to dream. A woman with access to power can change the world!
Here is where the work comes in: Planning. Develop a plan that would make your passions work for you. Throw yourself in to organizations that share your passions, all avenues may not look exactly identical to your goal but a broader reach grows your dream. If you get too comfortable ask yourself “What would I be doing if I weren’t afraid?”
Hard truth below, caution…
In the pursuit of your expectations it may not immediately mean diving in. You may have to research, network, read, dream more, or plan more. What ever you do do not stop pursuing! Avoid sounding and looking good, get back to personal expectations.
{This reminds me of something Tionna Smalls says all the time: “Grind Ugly”. That is a woman who truly pursues her dreams no matter how many times she has to start again.}
Lastly, “Be comfortable being uncomfortable.”
Ayesha Desir, RN
2nd Speaker: Ayesha Desir, RN
Topic: Plan
This young woman blew me away with her story. She discarded a precious academic privilege, was given a second chance, lost her mother to cancer and then was abandoned by her father. Left parent-less at the age of 18 AND in college with no money. Ayesha began planning for her future. She advises:
The unnecessary has to be put on the back burner. That includes the boys, the partying, the shopping, all the extra that does nothing to contribute to the goal you have set for yourself. Even if that means you have to cut some people out of your life because they drag you down and distract you from being better, they too must go. Surround yourself with individuals who know how to pursue goals. Keep your goal in front of your eyes at all times! There will be time for the things you once loved doing in your spare time.
Create a plan, give it everything you’ve got, execute it.
Carol Maraj, CEO of the Carol Maraj Foundation. Mother of Queens rapper, Nicki Minaj
3rd Speaker: Carol Maraj, CEO of the Carol Maraj Foundation. Mother of Queens rapper, Nicki Minaj
Topic: Dream
After sharing her story, a survivor of domestic abuse, she let us in on her secret that helped her fight back. She dreamed! She dreamed that one day she would no longer have to endure the abuse of her abuser and that her family would be free. She said, “Your dream is your vision for success. When you dream you see you- the finished product. It is your game plan.” Such truth!
Carol went on to say:
Dreaming is wonderful; age has no limitations on dreams. The full manifestation begins in your mind- mental manifestation. When discouragement comes do you give up? Natural sight takes you only where you can see. The visionary in you pushes you through the darkness. Obstacles will not stop you. Darkness such as abuse, rape, and homelessness happens but your dreams will carry you through it all.
Crystal Haynes of CrystalSays.com with Carol Maraj
Darkness comes suddenly but God made us strong so that we do not bend. Storms will come but you must push ahead! The seed is planted within you but you must focus- cultivate it. Then you will succeed. If you allow the storms of life to take away your dream, you’ve wasted your time dreaming. In despairing moments it is important to keep dreaming and keep hope alive.
“You will fly!”
Don’t compromise your dreams; nothing is worth it. You were built by God to weather the storms. Stay focused and watch your dreams come true.
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