Sunday, March 20, 2011

REBUILD: Telling My Family About My Project

To begin this project I first had to decide in my mind that I could go through with it. When you're about to make a big decision you always wonder how the people close to you will feel about it.

For me that means my sons, my Mother and my little sister. I have two sons; Sai (10) and Solomon (8). They have lived with their father for the past 4 years and he is an excellent father. While they were with him I was able to start graduate school and focus on building myself as a journalist. My sons have been by my side through the entire process and their belief in me is what causes me to make such bold moves.

I called my Mother first and I described the idea I had. "Mama, I'm going to be a homeless person to teach women to overcome their fears." She immediately said, "Oh no you're not! If you do this, I'm gonna beat your behind!"

I laughed and told her I'd call her back. Usually, when you have a bold idea that is risky most people will not agree. Most people will say that you're crazy because they would not take such a grand risk. They see the opportunity for failure more clearly than they see the reward.

I have laughed in the face of failure, therefore, I know that even if it does come, I can always begin again with even more knowledge.

I then called my little sister, Teenie. She is 4 years younger than I am. She objected quite staunchly but after her objections she asked, "How can I help?"I love that about her!

Whenever things seem to fall apart in my life, she understands how all endings lead to better beginnings so she reminds me that I have always come out on top. When I decided to quit graduate school because I knew it was not the right direction for me, she said, "You're dropping out of school, just like all the other millionaires did."

That made me laugh and I realized, she's right. So many success stories that I have studied happen when the person is bold enough to walk away from what's not working and move toward what they really want to do.

I was nervous about telling my sons. They are both very intelligent but this decision to do this project will affect them the most. I won't have a place for them to come visit me on the weekends while I am homeless.

My sons came over last weekend and as we sat on my bed talking I showed them my video and said I have something important to discuss. Their eyes grew wide as they watched and their immediate reaction was, "Don't do it!"

I patiently explained to them that I have to do this for the sake of women everywhere and for the sake of continuing my dream of owning a successful business. "This website is my business," I shared with them. "I have to do what I can to make sure it accomplishes its mission of uplifting women. If I am successful then I can do what I love to do and be able to take better care of us all."

My sons were silent for a moment and then my son Solomon spoke up, "IF you are successful?" he said. "Don't you mean WHEN you are successful?"

He's right.

Once this project is done I will have become a successful inspirational speaker and writer. This website will become what I wanted it to become, a vital source of inspiration for women and many lives will be changed by our efforts. I know how to survive and pick my chin up after I've fallen down. I want to share these methods with others so they will know they can STAND UP after anything.

My sons and I walked to the store to buy a posterboard and when we came home they made this sign to show their support.




As long as they understand and they believe with me, I know that I can do this.

I can't wait to share the tips I've learned over the years to develop the mentality of success that will guide you toward your boldest, brightest dreams!

3 comments:

Go for it, girl! You have absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain. I'll be pulling for you. I'll probably be helping feed you, too. But that is A-OK with me. LOL

Ive heard of this kind of experience before, I think theology students at my alma mater had to do this in DC for like two weeks. It was an exercise in empathy. How will this experience going to help you reach your goal...

It's more like a CLASS that I'm teaching but its more real because I will be teaching it while I'm living it.

What happens when you break the fear of going after your dreams? How do you survive if you lose everything? This isn't an experiment because there is no set time limit. However long it will take me to get back on my feet is unknown.

What does "getting back on my feet" mean? That is also unknown.

What happens if you lose everything? How can you build yourself back up? What mentality do you need to have? How do you know what to do?

I will teach these lessons and more during the Rebuild Your Life Project.

Stay tuned.

Te-Erika

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