Most kids have an ideal dream job (even if that changes as they grow older): a Doctor, a teacher, a firefighter, a movie star. Me, I had a long list: a singer, dancer, actress, movie director, writer, teacher, businesswoman, and as a teenager I just kept adding to the list. I just didn’t want to settle for one -I wanted to do them all.

Let me take you back in time for a moment and give you a little background about myself.

I was raised by two powerful women for the first 6/7 years of my life. Then, my mom came to the USA, soon after, my aunt followed her, combined we were 5 girls left in the care with my grandma. Although I had so much love and gratitude for my grandmother, my hero, I felt this loneliness. Besides my mom moving to the US- some family issues added to those feelings.

That never stopped me though I had a big imagination. I was determined to make everyone around me feel good and happy. Especially my little sister and cousins. I wanted to make sure no one felt lonely like I did. I started doing some of the things on that list unconsciously though, it wasn’t like I had a plan; I was too young but I believe God was guiding me for that journey. 

I made it my mission in life whether I realized it at that time or not, to empower everyone around me especially women and children to feel good about themselves, to bring the best in them. I don’t always take the right approach but my heart is always there.

 Now, many years later, I discovered a powerful tool to help me on that journey and make my multi-passionate list a reality.

I became a photographer! And now, I get to live my childhood dreams. I get to empower people through my photography, yes, I get to do most of the things on my list whether is through photography or filmmaking.
What was your answer to that question? Are you living your dream? If you’re young you may still be exploring your options, keep an open mind, stay flexible, and open to new ideas. You’re never too young to start following your path. It’s ok to change your mind down the road. 

If you’re older and think it’s too late for you. I want you to rethink before you continue in this loop of “too old to start something new,” because you’re never too old to follow your passions. 

I’m going to give you a list of 50+ entrepreneurs that will inspire you to step UP and Get into the Game.

1. Ernestine Shepherd, 84, the world’s oldest female bodybuilder started at the age of 56 
2. Deborah Ramsey at age 56 she opened a Natural Wellness and Spa for women and seniors 
3. Karen Kelly opened Cleanhome, a domestic cleaning company when she was approaching her 50th birthday.
4. Radha Daga, founder of Triguni opened her company at age 60

Remember you’re never too old or too young to follow your passion or dreams, there is always a way. You just have to find it and never give up.

I want you to write down on a notepad or piece of paper at the top what is THAT thing you want to start. Make a list of “Things To Do” to make that happen. My business mentor says: drop and give me 20.

For example, Let’s say you want to become a public speaker but don’t know where to start or maybe you’re terrified of speaking on stage but still, you want to do that because that’s how you want to help people. 
Make a list of 20 things you can do to make that happen.

Maybe your list will include:

1. Develop public speaking skills.
2. Join a Toastmasters club or take an online class.
3. Identify your target audience. 
4. Attend networking group events and so on.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step

Lao Tzu

You can do this! I know you have it in you, take it day by day, one step at a time. And don’t forget to have self-compassion and give yourself some grace. Celebrate small wins and learn from setbacks.