Finding Strength and Hope After Weathering Hurricane Irma

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text]

Strength & Hope

Two weeks ago, I posted a picture of a rainbow over our house. It was four days before Hurricane Irma hit our beautiful state of Florida. All of us were feared & frantic, as we sat and waited for this ravaging beast, slowly approaching. We had no idea what the outcome would be (the ugly side of nature). Through the anticipation, I saw this vision, and this symbol (the beautiful side of nature) ~ a rainbow, right over the backyard of our house. This was “my” sign that all would be okay.

It was okay. It is. If God brings you to it, he will bring you through it. After the storm, the sun will come out again. You must get through the rain, to get to the rainbow. It was there to show me ~ and to all who also saw it as well and now ~ a glimpse of “hope.”

It doesn’t mean that there wasn’t an extreme amount of stress, anxiety, sleepless nights, no power, heat exhaustion, clean-up, keeping kids busy and safe, etc… but we are still okay. We’re safe. We made it through ~ to the rainbow. Our homes are okay. It could’ve been much worse. I am so grateful. I say this while expressing my deepest thoughts and prayers to the people who lost theirs in the Caribbean and the Keys (they got hit the worst)! Also, to the people of Puerto Rico and Mexico who are currently dealing with their own natural disasters.  But, they will rebuild. They are strong. Life finds an amazing grace to somehow move on. Florida has always been resilient and strong, which brings me to the next word I want to empathize, “strength.”

There is good that always comes from bad, and it’s necessary for our growth. Because through Irma’s furry, she showed us where we have our own, where we are weak, what needs cleansing and fixing, and what no longer is working. She made us get out with the old and in with the new. She made us face our fears, in order to see where our faith and courage lie.

This storm and aftermath of it brought on many challenges to me, my family, and I know, many others. I won’t elaborate too much because I’d be here forever. But let’s just say we faced, we came together, and we conquered. However, she didn’t just do that for me. I’m sure, Irma did that for many, many others as well and is continuing on doing that.

She may have showed us where our weaknesses are and where we can improve, but mainly it showed us how strong we are as a unit, how we can truly come together, and how we can endure (putting everything else aside). That’s the gift that Irma gave us. She showed us that we’re stronger than we realize. Through our strengths come our greatest gifts to ourselves and the world.

Through support and unity, we are unbreakable. The spirit is a pretty incredible entity, isn’t it? It truly is unbreakable. And when we have no other choice but to be strong, we are. Stronger than we know.

I believe that these natural disasters that are currently going on is not God punishing us, because God is an all-loving, non-judgemental God who doesn’t punish us.  No. No. We find a way of doing that all on our own.  This is a collective energy field that we have created. Our thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and decisions all produce energy.  This energy goes out there into the universe.  Just think about how fierce that energy has been in the world lately!  It has to go somewhere and form into an even greater energy force.  These storms are a really large mirror image of what we have going on inside ourselves – rage, furry, disaster, strength, fighting, destroying, and cleansing, etc… it is us. Once we figure out our own storm inside, and cleanse ourselves, that’s when it stops.  It always comes back down to making us see what is inside ourselves, fix it, rid of what’s no longer right, cleanse, rebuild and move on.  Not to punish, but to make better. Because ultimately, that is the cycle of life.  Part of life is our Mother Nature who provides us with home and shelter.  Our home and shelter must be shaken to its core (how we survive) that leads us to strength and hope.  Strength and hope is how we get through it, and not how we get knocked down, but how we rebuild.  It’s these two traits that provide courage among the ones who become the fittest who survive, and through it all, we will!  We will get to that beautiful, immaculate rainbow again and again.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_social_media_follow _builder_version=”3.11″ text_orientation=”center” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”top” animation_intensity_slide=”10%” saved_tabs=”all”][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”facebook” url=”https://www.facebook.com/rainbowcrystal128/” _builder_version=”3.11″ background_color=”rgba(189,173,160,0.6)” custom_margin=”4px|4px|4px|4px” custom_margin_tablet=”4px|4px|4px|4px” custom_margin_phone=”4px|4px|4px|4px” custom_padding=”8px|8px|8px|8px” custom_padding_tablet=”8px|8px|8px|8px” custom_padding_phone=”8px|8px|8px|8px” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on” use_background_color_gradient=”off” background_color_gradient_direction=”180deg” parallax=”off” background_size=”cover” background_position=”center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend=”normal” allow_player_pause=”off” background_video_pause_outside_viewport=”on” box_shadow_style=”none” filter_hue_rotate=”0deg” filter_saturate=”100%” filter_brightness=”100%” filter_contrast=”100%” filter_invert=”0%” filter_sepia=”0%” filter_opacity=”100%” filter_blur=”0px” mix_blend_mode=”normal”] facebook [/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”twitter” url=”https://twitter.com/samcap924″ _builder_version=”3.11″ background_color=”rgba(189,173,160,0.6)” custom_margin=”4px|4px|4px|4px” custom_margin_tablet=”4px|4px|4px|4px” custom_margin_phone=”4px|4px|4px|4px” custom_padding=”8px|8px|8px|8px” custom_padding_tablet=”8px|8px|8px|8px” custom_padding_phone=”8px|8px|8px|8px” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on” use_background_color_gradient=”off” background_color_gradient_direction=”180deg” parallax=”off” background_size=”cover” background_position=”center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend=”normal” allow_player_pause=”off” background_video_pause_outside_viewport=”on” box_shadow_style=”none” filter_hue_rotate=”0deg” filter_saturate=”100%” filter_brightness=”100%” filter_contrast=”100%” filter_invert=”0%” filter_sepia=”0%” filter_opacity=”100%” filter_blur=”0px” mix_blend_mode=”normal”] twitter [/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”instagram” url=”https://www.instagram.com/samcap924/” _builder_version=”3.11″ background_color=”rgba(189,173,160,0.6)” custom_margin=”4px|4px|4px|4px” custom_margin_tablet=”4px|4px|4px|4px” custom_margin_phone=”4px|4px|4px|4px” custom_padding=”8px|8px|8px|8px” custom_padding_tablet=”8px|8px|8px|8px” custom_padding_phone=”8px|8px|8px|8px” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on” use_background_color_gradient=”off” background_color_gradient_direction=”180deg” parallax=”off” background_size=”cover” background_position=”center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend=”normal” allow_player_pause=”off” background_video_pause_outside_viewport=”on” box_shadow_style=”none” filter_hue_rotate=”0deg” filter_saturate=”100%” filter_brightness=”100%” filter_contrast=”100%” filter_invert=”0%” filter_sepia=”0%” filter_opacity=”100%” filter_blur=”0px” mix_blend_mode=”normal”] Instagram [/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][/et_pb_social_media_follow][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

/0 Comments/by

Validate yourself, and the whole world will follow

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.13.1″]

Start celebrating your accomplishments NOW… don’t wait, because there is much to celebrate!
It’s about embracing the journey, the process… it’s not about the destination.
One thing I’ve been working on this year is saying more positive thoughts about myself, acknowledging myself more, and my accomplishments, and where I *am* showing up in my life! Because truth be told, we can be our own worse critics ~ harder on ourselves than even others are.
What our world looks like around us, our relationships, and how people test you, are a reflection on how you view and treat yourself. I’ve learned that it always comes back down to you; it’s really not about anyone else.
So one BIG thing I’ve been working on is validation, especially as a writer. Not being published or picked up ‘yet’… notice I say that word, “yet.” That’s critical, because I know it will happen. What’s frustrating is that a lot of times you’re not validated by people around you, sometimes friends or family, and society. They say things like, “It’s not a real paying job!” One I get that drives me bonkers is, “You don’t work; What you do is just a hobby.” Oh you bet your a** I do! No, it’s actually my career path. It’s just all still behind the scenes. The audience/my future fans just haven’t seen my final results, ‘yet.’ There’s that word again. So, it’s time for me to start validating myself more. I don’t need to wait to celebrate or for anyone else to see it, because my accomplishments are NOW, and I’ve realized they’re worth recognizing!
I’ve worked extremely hard ~ years, hours, minutes of my life of writing, critiquing, revising, querying, submitting, rejections, conferences, workshops, doors opening, doors closing, and starting the process all over again. I just do it for myself, I work for me, no one else. There’s no one else telling me I have to do this or I’m fired! It’s all my own self-dedication, perseverance, and determination. To me, that’s even more challenging, because I am my own coach. Why do I do it? Besides the fact that I must be crazy? LOL! Because I’m passionate at what I do, and I love love to write, express myself, and story-tell. My family is one part of my heart, my passion for writing, is my other. Plus, I know the payoff will be bigger and better when it all comes to fruition.
So, why am I even saying this (writing this)? Because one life lesson I learned recently is… you don’t need anyone else to ever validate you. Validate yourself and the whole world will follow. So, that’s what I’m doing. Maybe someone else is going through something similar and by me writing this I can tell them, “I see your hard work. I validate you. It will pay off! Don’t. Give. Up!” It’s nice to hear that from time to time from other people. But, it’s even better when we say to ourselves, “What we have is good. I am good enough. I’ve worked hard for this! What I do matters, because I matter, and I’m worth it! Plus, everyone else I know is always talking about their work, why can’t I talk about mine? I’m owning it now! I write. I share stories. That’s what I do. I’m saying this here (to you) as I say all these things to myself as well. I am human. I am flawed ~ just like everyone else. We are all in the same boat. It’s important to remind ourselves of that from time to time. No! Scratch that. Everyday! It’s important, if not, more important, to say that to ourselves rather than wait on someone else to say it to us. Truth be told, if you wait for someone else to validate you, you may be holding your breath for a very long time.
So, some people don’t even know, I wrote two children’s books (a humorous chapter book; fantasy MG) and a screenplay. All of which took me many years, each individually, separately, of course, but while still crossing paths.
“Black Hand” (my screenplay) is based on the true story about my great-grandparents in the early 1900’s. It’s an incredible true story! Better than fiction. It’s a time period, love-story with the Black Hand society (mafia) as the back-drop. Our log-line: Black Hand is a gangster romance drama based on a true story about a young Italian couple living in New Jersey in 1917 trying to keep their marriage together after murder and deception rip their families apart as seen through the eyes of their modern day descendants.
It took my writing partner and I every Sunday for about 4 years (on and off to finish this), and we still continue to work on it. We have had it in the hands of many big-time producers and studios. We almost had our “big break” a couple times. However, it fell through the cracks on more than one occasion. Wasn’t meant to be yet (there’s that word again); it wasn’t in the right hands. Doors opened, and as fast, they slammed (break out the ROCKY score)! But they keep on opening, and I believe in my heart of hearts our time is coming. We’re so close. So close that just recently I saw on IMDB that my all time favorite actor, Leonardo DiCaprio (same last name), signed up for a movie in 2018 called, what other than, “The Black Hand” — different story line, but same title and many similarities. Coincidence? Oh! I don’t believe in those. That’s a better word for, signs that you are exactly where you’re meant to be. It only goes to show me one thing… We had the title and script done first (2011), and we have something special, we are on to something BIG! The bigger it is, the bigger your challenges will be. Anything that’s meant to be successful will challenge you. It’s those challenging moments that give you the stamina you need to keep pushing forward. “Pressure is what makes diamonds, and sh*t fertilizes blossoming flowers”… remember that. I heard that recently in a Chris Rock stand-up. Loved it! Had to quote it.
It’s always right before that moment you’re ready to give up, that the miracle happens! It takes hard work, diligence, perseverance, never giving up, but most of all, believing in yourself.
Everything happens for a reason… Divine timing!✨
My writing partner, father, and I are onto something, and you better believe we are getting this movie made. Same title or not. Because today and from here on out, I’m validating it (myself). It is worth recognizing. It’s one of my great accomplishments and I’m proud of it, and proud to shout it out!!!
I will come out ahead. I am already a success. Movie made or not, books published or not, I will never have regrets because I can always say I gave it my all!!! Lastly, I hope that by living my own dream and journey and never giving up, I can inspire someone else to live out theirs and do the same.
Validate yourself, and the whole world will follow.
#ibelieve #nevergiveup #amwriting #validate

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_social_media_follow _builder_version=”3.11″ text_orientation=”center” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”top” animation_intensity_slide=”10%” saved_tabs=”all”][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”facebook” url=”https://www.facebook.com/rainbowcrystal128/” _builder_version=”3.11″ background_color=”rgba(189,173,160,0.6)” custom_margin=”4px|4px|4px|4px” custom_margin_tablet=”4px|4px|4px|4px” custom_margin_phone=”4px|4px|4px|4px” custom_padding=”8px|8px|8px|8px” custom_padding_tablet=”8px|8px|8px|8px” custom_padding_phone=”8px|8px|8px|8px” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on” use_background_color_gradient=”off” background_color_gradient_direction=”180deg” parallax=”off” background_size=”cover” background_position=”center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend=”normal” allow_player_pause=”off” background_video_pause_outside_viewport=”on” box_shadow_style=”none” filter_hue_rotate=”0deg” filter_saturate=”100%” filter_brightness=”100%” filter_contrast=”100%” filter_invert=”0%” filter_sepia=”0%” filter_opacity=”100%” filter_blur=”0px” mix_blend_mode=”normal”] facebook [/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”twitter” url=”https://twitter.com/samcap924″ _builder_version=”3.11″ background_color=”rgba(189,173,160,0.6)” custom_margin=”4px|4px|4px|4px” custom_margin_tablet=”4px|4px|4px|4px” custom_margin_phone=”4px|4px|4px|4px” custom_padding=”8px|8px|8px|8px” custom_padding_tablet=”8px|8px|8px|8px” custom_padding_phone=”8px|8px|8px|8px” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on” use_background_color_gradient=”off” background_color_gradient_direction=”180deg” parallax=”off” background_size=”cover” background_position=”center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend=”normal” allow_player_pause=”off” background_video_pause_outside_viewport=”on” box_shadow_style=”none” filter_hue_rotate=”0deg” filter_saturate=”100%” filter_brightness=”100%” filter_contrast=”100%” filter_invert=”0%” filter_sepia=”0%” filter_opacity=”100%” filter_blur=”0px” mix_blend_mode=”normal”] twitter [/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”instagram” url=”https://www.instagram.com/samcap924/” _builder_version=”3.11″ background_color=”rgba(189,173,160,0.6)” custom_margin=”4px|4px|4px|4px” custom_margin_tablet=”4px|4px|4px|4px” custom_margin_phone=”4px|4px|4px|4px” custom_padding=”8px|8px|8px|8px” custom_padding_tablet=”8px|8px|8px|8px” custom_padding_phone=”8px|8px|8px|8px” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on” use_background_color_gradient=”off” background_color_gradient_direction=”180deg” parallax=”off” background_size=”cover” background_position=”center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend=”normal” allow_player_pause=”off” background_video_pause_outside_viewport=”on” box_shadow_style=”none” filter_hue_rotate=”0deg” filter_saturate=”100%” filter_brightness=”100%” filter_contrast=”100%” filter_invert=”0%” filter_sepia=”0%” filter_opacity=”100%” filter_blur=”0px” mix_blend_mode=”normal”] Instagram [/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][/et_pb_social_media_follow][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

/0 Comments/by

Be Kind, Have Courage

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text]

I recently took my five-year-old daughter to see the new rendition of the movie, Cinderella, staring Lily James and Cate Blanchett. Dressed in her light blue-sparkly Cinderella skirt, hair in a tight bun, black choker on, with a magic wand in hand, her big brown eyes were pierced to the screen with curiosity. Every now and then, they would make their way to the left of me to ask a bunch of the “why’s” — “Why did her mom have to die? Why is her stepmother so mean? Why won’t they let Cinderella go to the ball?” Etc… etc… You get the big picture — no pun intended. And if you have little ones, you really understand.

However, even with all the “why”s” and the little wiggle worm that wouldn’t stop squirming in her chair, who barely even fit in her seat, I have to say, I highly enjoyed it myself! She made her way onto my lap, and we cuddled throughout most of the movie together.

Yes, the acting was great! And the costume design, phenomenal, but Cinderella has always been my favorite princess story. Not just because she lives happily ever after with handsome Prince Charming in a beautiful castle, ruling over all the land together… okay, maybe that is why, LOL! No, but really, it’s more because of the message the story delivers.

Cinderella is beautiful on the outside, but most importantly, throughout all of her hardships (and she had a ton), she remained kind, humble, and courageous.

(SPOILER ALERT)

The beginning of the movie gives a little backdrop to Cinderella’s personal family life growing up, and the relationship she had with her mom and her dad, and how much that shaped her into the kind, wonderful young woman that she grew into. Her mom falls ill, and right before she passes, she tells “Ella” in the movie, “You have more kindness on your fingertip than most people have in their whole bodies.” She makes Ella promise to always “be kind, and always have courage.” Ella who later becomes Cinderella in the movie, never breaks her promise to her mother, even throughout all the horrific mistreatment from her evil stepmother and stepsisters. And from the beginning, Cinderella, always was kind and gentle with nature and animals, even believing in a little magic.

So, the moral of the story, in my opinion is this… if you remain to be a beautiful person on the inside, even with all the evil that still exists — whether it be jealousy, injustice, unfairness, abuse, etc… — if you remain true to yourself, treat people and your planet kindly, believe in something bigger than yourself exists out there and is watching (whether you want to call it magic, the universe, God, or even the law of attraction), it comes back to you double-fold. Eventually, your karma will catch up with you — good or bad. It did with the evil stepmother, and it absolutely did with Cinderella who got everything she could have wished for and more!

Never stop believing… because “the dreams that you wish will come true!” But, most importantly, always be kind and have courage. And you may ask, “Why?” Like my innocent five-year-old. Because, you’ll get it back; you get what you give.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_social_media_follow _builder_version=”3.11″ text_orientation=”center” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”top” animation_intensity_slide=”10%” saved_tabs=”all”][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”facebook” url=”https://www.facebook.com/rainbowcrystal128/” _builder_version=”3.11″ background_color=”rgba(189,173,160,0.6)” custom_margin=”4px|4px|4px|4px” custom_margin_tablet=”4px|4px|4px|4px” custom_margin_phone=”4px|4px|4px|4px” custom_padding=”8px|8px|8px|8px” custom_padding_tablet=”8px|8px|8px|8px” custom_padding_phone=”8px|8px|8px|8px” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on” use_background_color_gradient=”off” background_color_gradient_direction=”180deg” parallax=”off” background_size=”cover” background_position=”center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend=”normal” allow_player_pause=”off” background_video_pause_outside_viewport=”on” box_shadow_style=”none” filter_hue_rotate=”0deg” filter_saturate=”100%” filter_brightness=”100%” filter_contrast=”100%” filter_invert=”0%” filter_sepia=”0%” filter_opacity=”100%” filter_blur=”0px” mix_blend_mode=”normal”] facebook [/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”twitter” url=”https://twitter.com/samcap924″ _builder_version=”3.11″ background_color=”rgba(189,173,160,0.6)” custom_margin=”4px|4px|4px|4px” custom_margin_tablet=”4px|4px|4px|4px” custom_margin_phone=”4px|4px|4px|4px” custom_padding=”8px|8px|8px|8px” custom_padding_tablet=”8px|8px|8px|8px” custom_padding_phone=”8px|8px|8px|8px” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on” use_background_color_gradient=”off” background_color_gradient_direction=”180deg” parallax=”off” background_size=”cover” background_position=”center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend=”normal” allow_player_pause=”off” background_video_pause_outside_viewport=”on” box_shadow_style=”none” filter_hue_rotate=”0deg” filter_saturate=”100%” filter_brightness=”100%” filter_contrast=”100%” filter_invert=”0%” filter_sepia=”0%” filter_opacity=”100%” filter_blur=”0px” mix_blend_mode=”normal”] twitter [/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”instagram” url=”https://www.instagram.com/samcap924/” _builder_version=”3.11″ background_color=”rgba(189,173,160,0.6)” custom_margin=”4px|4px|4px|4px” custom_margin_tablet=”4px|4px|4px|4px” custom_margin_phone=”4px|4px|4px|4px” custom_padding=”8px|8px|8px|8px” custom_padding_tablet=”8px|8px|8px|8px” custom_padding_phone=”8px|8px|8px|8px” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on” use_background_color_gradient=”off” background_color_gradient_direction=”180deg” parallax=”off” background_size=”cover” background_position=”center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend=”normal” allow_player_pause=”off” background_video_pause_outside_viewport=”on” box_shadow_style=”none” filter_hue_rotate=”0deg” filter_saturate=”100%” filter_brightness=”100%” filter_contrast=”100%” filter_invert=”0%” filter_sepia=”0%” filter_opacity=”100%” filter_blur=”0px” mix_blend_mode=”normal”] Instagram [/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][/et_pb_social_media_follow][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

/0 Comments/by

Never, never, never give up!

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”%22Never, never, never give up.%22 – Winston Churchill” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”]

That whimsical word we all love… success. How do you define success? Based on how wealthy you are? Or the fact that you’re courageous enough to take a chance in life to make it, no matter what, no matter the odds — professionally and personally — to set an example for the rest of the world to see, even when it’s that same “world’ at times that has you down? I know my answer.

Are you one of those people working towards your passion, dream, or goals around the clock, feeling like a hamster on a wheel — exerting all your energy fast, but not really getting anywhere? Well, you’re not alone. You feel like millions of other Americans trying to live “the American dream” — working your butt off to strive for whatever it is that you want, but not receiving the validation, or paycheck that you deserve.

But, have you considered that you’re already ahead of the game if you are one of those people? First of all, you have the courage to pursue your dream, even if it isn’t playing it safe or paying the bills (as of yet). You’re already a very small percentage of the population. Think about all those people sitting in rush hour traffic, every morning and afternoon, in a cubicle, taking orders from bosses they can’t stand, who feel stuck! They won’t get out of their situation because it is safe, and they’ve got to put food on the table to support themselves or their families.

Well, I hate to say it, but those people are the ones going nowhere fast! Most importantly, they’ll never reach their dream, and will always feel that void — that something significant is missing from their lives. And truth be told, there is something missing… Their passion. Their purpose. Their dream. Also, most of these individuals are afraid of failure and/or rejection. But one cannot know the real meaning of success, until they know failure. And to meet with success, it requires taking a risk. You don’t necessarily know where that next paycheck will come from after you quit your boring job that sucks or you hate, but you do it anyways, because you’ll never get a step closer to your dream, if you don’t. I know it’s easier said than done, but that’s the true meaning of taking a leap of faith, My Friends.

As a culture of instant gratification, and one that focuses on celebrity status, or material possessions, we see how much money people have or what they possess, but we rarely hear about the journey it took for them to get there. It doesn’t just happen overnight. There is no such thing as overnight success without the hard work, challenges, setbacks, dedication, etc… it took to get there. Obviously, there are the rare exceptions… for example, people born into money, fame, or royalty. Yes, they have the platform already set up for them, but even sometimes those individuals self-sabotage it for themselves. We’ve seen it time and time again! That’s because in order for anything to be successful — your career, family-life, love-life, and even friendships — it does require putting in the work, or I like to call it, “paying your dues.” But, it’s those people who don’t stop working towards their goals — the ones putting in the long, extra hours at the office when no one is looking — who attain it. It’s the people who’ve been knocked down and rejected time and time again who keep getting back up, dusting themselves off, and still give it another try. It’s the ones who won’t take “no” for an answer, or ever let anyone else tell them that what they want is unachievable, or that their idea is no good.

So, if you’re one of these individuals — the hamster on the wheel that keeps running circles, the one putting in the extra hours, and the one with your eye on the target — keep reaching; keep striving! Because from what I’ve learned… yeah, talent and brains play a large role, but it’s the perseverance that pays off every time. And that, it is just a matter of time — divine time. You keep throwing the darts, eventually you’ll hit the bulls-eye. You will reap the benefits. You’ll start to see your dreams become a reality, and the paychecks will start rolling in. The long, hard unimaginable amount of hours will eventually pay-off. And somebody out there will start to take notice. And all of it, is not for nothing, you are getting somewhere. It’s called experience. The universe is only preparing you for the success that’s yet to come. It’s seeing if you’re ready for it, or can even handle it when it does enter in.

And this is coming from someone who knows this business of rejection all too well, as a writer. You wouldn’t believe the amount of years I’ve had of criticism, critiques, and rejection. But, I keep plugging away, and I won’t stop until I achieve my dream! Because I know, eventually, I will, and that I’m already a success story. I’ve stuck to my dream, and already accomplished the goals I’ve set out to achieve. So, if it doesn’t work out, at least I gave it my all, and I’ll never have any regrets.

My personal opinion on success is that it takes just three golden rules. First step is believing it for yourself. Second step, having the dream and pursuing it head-on. And third, but most important step is, in the words of Winston Churchill, “Never, never, never give up!”

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_social_media_follow _builder_version=”3.11″ text_orientation=”center” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”top” animation_intensity_slide=”10%” saved_tabs=”all”][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”facebook” url=”https://www.facebook.com/rainbowcrystal128/” _builder_version=”3.11″ background_color=”rgba(189,173,160,0.6)” custom_margin=”4px|4px|4px|4px” custom_margin_tablet=”4px|4px|4px|4px” custom_margin_phone=”4px|4px|4px|4px” custom_padding=”8px|8px|8px|8px” custom_padding_tablet=”8px|8px|8px|8px” custom_padding_phone=”8px|8px|8px|8px” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on” use_background_color_gradient=”off” background_color_gradient_direction=”180deg” parallax=”off” background_size=”cover” background_position=”center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend=”normal” allow_player_pause=”off” background_video_pause_outside_viewport=”on” box_shadow_style=”none” filter_hue_rotate=”0deg” filter_saturate=”100%” filter_brightness=”100%” filter_contrast=”100%” filter_invert=”0%” filter_sepia=”0%” filter_opacity=”100%” filter_blur=”0px” mix_blend_mode=”normal”] facebook [/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”twitter” url=”https://twitter.com/samcap924″ _builder_version=”3.11″ background_color=”rgba(189,173,160,0.6)” custom_margin=”4px|4px|4px|4px” custom_margin_tablet=”4px|4px|4px|4px” custom_margin_phone=”4px|4px|4px|4px” custom_padding=”8px|8px|8px|8px” custom_padding_tablet=”8px|8px|8px|8px” custom_padding_phone=”8px|8px|8px|8px” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on” use_background_color_gradient=”off” background_color_gradient_direction=”180deg” parallax=”off” background_size=”cover” background_position=”center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend=”normal” allow_player_pause=”off” background_video_pause_outside_viewport=”on” box_shadow_style=”none” filter_hue_rotate=”0deg” filter_saturate=”100%” filter_brightness=”100%” filter_contrast=”100%” filter_invert=”0%” filter_sepia=”0%” filter_opacity=”100%” filter_blur=”0px” mix_blend_mode=”normal”] twitter [/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”instagram” url=”https://www.instagram.com/samcap924/” _builder_version=”3.11″ background_color=”rgba(189,173,160,0.6)” custom_margin=”4px|4px|4px|4px” custom_margin_tablet=”4px|4px|4px|4px” custom_margin_phone=”4px|4px|4px|4px” custom_padding=”8px|8px|8px|8px” custom_padding_tablet=”8px|8px|8px|8px” custom_padding_phone=”8px|8px|8px|8px” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on” use_background_color_gradient=”off” background_color_gradient_direction=”180deg” parallax=”off” background_size=”cover” background_position=”center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend=”normal” allow_player_pause=”off” background_video_pause_outside_viewport=”on” box_shadow_style=”none” filter_hue_rotate=”0deg” filter_saturate=”100%” filter_brightness=”100%” filter_contrast=”100%” filter_invert=”0%” filter_sepia=”0%” filter_opacity=”100%” filter_blur=”0px” mix_blend_mode=”normal”] Instagram [/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][/et_pb_social_media_follow][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

/0 Comments/by