I started this blog for my very first journalism class in August of 2014.
So much has changed since then; for one, you’re reading this. Freshman Danie would never have thought twice about publishing this site. The idea of people reading my thoughts and critiquing my words (because that’s obviously what everyone does when they read blogs, right?) paralyzed me with fear.
I, of course, grew more comfortable with the general public reading my writing as I published different pieces for class assignments, portfolio content, and some extra cash. Something about sharing the more personal side, though—my stories instead of someone else’s—still made me cringe.
Nearly a year and a half later, I shared one of my blogs (written solely for my own internal processing) with a close friend and nearly stopped breathing when she told me to share the link on Facebook. It immediately seemed right, but daunting nonetheless.
Now, after years of sharing my thoughts and feelings and arguments through write your light, it’s time for me to take a leap toward something scary.
This place has grown to be a comfort zone and a security blanket, a place where I feel free to share my brain with the world in a way that makes sense to me. Obviously I’ll keep writing and sharing my words through an online platform—it just won’t be this one.
As I lovingly tuck write your light under my proverbial mattress and thank God for allowing me to process life and receive encouragement through this outlet, I’ll be praying with sweaty palms over a dream I’ve held silently in my heart for a little too long.
It’s scary to chase a dream. I feel like a kindergartner when I say that, but, man, it’s true! Those little lies in your head pop up with ruthless intent, interrogating your conscience without an ounce of grace.
What if you fail? You really think people are going to take you seriously? You’re insane—there’s no way you can actually make that happen. You’re not wise enough, not fit enough, not cool enough, too goofy, too clumsy, too *this,* not enough *that.* Grow up, get over yourself and forget about this dumb dream.
But this time, I’m not listening.
As graduation has come and gone, as mine and others’ job interviews close without a desirable offer, as I hear answers to questions like, “What would you spend your time on if money wasn’t an issue?,” I’ve realized that dreams aren’t immature or pointless or even frivolous. They are necessary.
Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Whatever thought came across your mind as you read this, whatever idea makes you more excited, more optimistic, more enthusiastic about the life that’s in front of you—pursue the heck out of that thing.
I, for one, am busting that door wide open. I refuse to silence that steady buzz in my ear that tells me there’s more than just day in and day out. Aside from the Lord Himself, not a single soul will sway me in another direction.
I’m doing it, y’all.
It might take some time, but I’m doing it. The adrenaline of simply writing this post about the idea feels terrifying but just so wonderful. I want you—and me!—to believe in our dreams and ourselves so much that the thought of not chasing after them seems absurd.
So now that I’ve been a little encouraging and challenging and motivating you to light a fire under yourself and your own crazy ideas, I’m gonna put my head back down and get to work. I really, genuinely hope you’ll do the same. I can’t wait to see some dreams become reality!
In the meantime, be on the lookout for something new from me. (I’ll give you a hint: it’s pink and loud and has Danie written all over it.)
And I’m serious about seeing y’all make some dreams come true. If you haven’t spoken it out loud yet, that’s a huge first step. Scary, right? I get it. If nothing else, send your beautiful little thought over to me. I’ll keep it safe and cheer you on the whole way.
Get to it!
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