The Fire that Inspired

First let me say Happy New Year. My goal as it usually is, is to inspire you to go after the new!! The new year is always a great way to commemorate a fresh start. A few months ago I suggested to a friend to read a book that had inspired me. Now I was not the first to mention this book but maybe one of the most convincing ones. For me this book had lit a fire under me that made me want to keep searching and going after my destiny. Sharing my feelings about the book was like lighting a match in the woods but I can't take the credit for the forest fire, for someone else had for mentioned it to me causing my curiosity to stir. The way they talked about it made it a must read. Now I'm sure by now you're wondering what this book is and I'll share momentarily but let me tell you this. It is easy to be influential. All you have to do is believe in yourself and the message you're proclaiming. 

Let me give you an example. I have a girl friend, Alex Merritt, who has her own business called Dessert&Discussion (look it up, it's amazing). It's all about engaging men and women in meaningful conversation one discussion at a time. She was ready to take her business to the next level and launch her dream to the world. Her plan was to get her team together, go to New Orleans during the Essence festival and talk to people on the streets about Dessert&Discussion.  Hundreds, no thousands of people attend this event. Daily we went out with our thought provoking shirts on to grab their attention, her business cards with treats and our questions to engage with the people. Her goal was to give an example of what Dessert&Discussion was all about and see how many people would be willing to share their email addresses and cities so we could come to their city. As apart of the team and a believer in Alex's dream engaging people on the street was right up my alley. Talking to people without hesitation is what I do! I've been turning strangers into friends since I was 3, just ask my mom!

When we recapped the progress the team shared that I was so convincing they would've given me their wallets had I asked for them. Those moments brought out the best version of me possible. The engaging, inspiring, captivating people person me! 

So are you ready to know which book I was talking about? In fact Alex introduced it to me. Have you figured it out? The Alchemist!! And if you've read it you know exactly what I'm talking about. That book inspired me in such a way that I cannot live my life without going after my dreams and that every step I take is not only a step of faith but a step of wonder and amazement. Things that I need to reach my goals present themselves to me the more I go after them. Obstacles turn into opportunities and strangers become benefactors. I can't help to talk about this flame that's been lit and share my fire with others. 

Our hopes and dreams as well as disappointments are the same way. We can light a fire under someone else or just strike their match enough to want to keep the flame lit. Keep your fire burning, share your dreams with another, share what inspired you and start the New Year in a way that will keep you going after your goals, dreams and desires for this Sweet 2016 and the years to come!

Your Destiny Awaits

-Joi