American Idol

I have often been faced with frustration or adversity when it comes to a job. Thanks to the support of my mother and mentors in my life I have gotten through them. Just recently this year when I approached on of my mentors about my experience with my new job and my frustration, she encouraged me to write about it. I could attribute that advise to my new found joy for blogging.

I am not one to promote living in the past, however, I do think it is important to live in the moment, digest what you have experienced and learn from it, if you only live in the moment, or live in the past you will not go, take time to reflect in the moment and learn and grow.

With that said I would like to share my personal insecurity as I am facing my new job position. I cannot seem to get excited, because I know that large task that lies before me. I have full support from all of the people in my life, everyone knows that I can do it, but I cannot help but to fear looking like the shocked American Idol contestant who is rejected to their surprise by the judges.. Do you know why they were surprised... because their entire family and friends spent years lying to them that they could sing and were good enough to be an American Idol. I pray that I will not be a victim of this type of coddling support. I don't think I am since I have a very realistic view of myself and I surround myself with honest people who, for a lack of a better word, keep it real.



I pray each and every single day that I will be able to live up to the person so many people see me as. Staying in prayer and in God will allow for me to fulfill my destiny. As each day progresses and as I complete projects one by one, I am gaining my confidence back.

I am not sure if it a result of a lack of confidence or just fear that I may fail. I just must keep telling myself that I can do it. I have all of the tools I need to be successful. I must stay focused, open minded, and in prayer. Because all things are possible through God.

When I grow up I want to be ______

We go through out our lives being asked a consistent question... "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Well this question has been a paralyzing question for most of us... (I don't have statistics, but from my circle of friends and acquaintances, I would assume that this question haunts about 97% of them.) When I grow up... What age does being a grown up actually start? Can you miss the date? What if you never do find your dream job, or you have found a really good job that does not give up to your childhood expectations? I am here to tell you to stop putting all of this pressure on yourself, and to discover life and live life, seek out opportunity.

When I was younger, I never knew what I wanted to be, all I knew was that I wanted to help people and to be happy, so I would play the guessing game and the fill in the blank game of the types of careers I was exposed to. When I would play make believe with my friends I would always play the role of a multitasker. If we played house, I would be the busy working mom who had a very important office job where she was the boss. If we played pop stars, I was always the one coming up with the choreography or designing the clothes. Even when I played barbies, my barbie was always on the go... Looking back, I see that I was destined to be where I am right at this moment. As you are reading this you are probably wondering what moment I am talking about? (Trust me, I am getting there!)

I must attribute my accomplishments and work ethic to my mother, she always listens to me, ad guides me to be different, to challenge authority, to stand up for what is right, to go after every opportunity and to never be afraid. I must also attribute where I am today to Alverno College, who helped me to hone and focus on the woman that I am today. And most of all I give all glory to God, for putting all of these amazing people in my life and for guiding me in all that I do. 

I am proud to announce that my dream of becoming an Executive Director of a non profit has come true. In my mind I did not envision this happening until I was 40... But at the age of 26 I have been honored with this position. I will be serving the Homeless community in Western Waukesha County with Family Promise. I am so honored to be serving this community and working with such a brilliant and dedicated team of volunteers who are lead by God to live their faith and to share stewardship to the community. The volunteers and dedication are what inspire me to be great and to do whatever I can to honor their hard work and to provide a resource for the families impacted by homelessness.

www.fpowwc.org

As I sit on the brink of this accomplishment, I take a deep breath because I understand the commitment that I have made, this will change my entire life, and I cannot wait. I have a lot to live up to, ad I will not allow the enemy to distract me from who I am and what others see in me. I am a leader, I am a visionary and I am a child of God. I am looking forward to this new chapter in my life! 

Inspired by the book Lean In... I will always be present and at the table.

Mariha

At a crossroads

Have you ever had a moment when you literally felt like you were at a crossroads, when everything, every opportunity and every need you have ever desired and aspired to becomes available to you all at once?... and then you find yourself at the center of a 10 road intersection, all leading to something that you want... Now what do you do? Do you go with your first instincts, do you pray, do you ask your mom or your friends...?

I usually do all of the above, except, I tend to not include my friends in my decision. The people I seek advice from are the people in my life that know me very well, they have defined success and happiness for themselves, and most importantly they have a relationship with God. As I am working on myself it is important to always surround myself with people who love God and look to him for all decisions. Whenever I have sought out advice from one of my train wreck friends, it has always been a bad decision. I should have known better... but a lesson learned!

Right now, I am at a crossroads, I have a risk to take, an opportunity to run with and I find myself being afraid and excited at the same time. There are so many things to consider when I look to my future. How will it change my daily life, what impact will it have on my relationship, how many hours will I be working, will I have any free time, will I be able to make the impact that I want to make, will this career elevate me to where I want to be? Is this a stepping stone or just a stone? 

I think what I am most afraid of is failing... which is stupid because you either succeed or your fail. If you run away from opportunities based on a 50/50 chance, then you will never amount to anything. I have an opportunity to be the Executive Director of Family Promise in Western Waukesha County. A dream I have had for 3 years. I never envisioned this dream happening until I was well into my fifties, but there are people who believe in me. I cannot allow this opportunity to pass me by. So, now as I sit staring at my crossroads which consist of working two jobs, barely making ends meet, commuting, and being unappreciated, a resume that is floating in the world wide web for the girl scouts of South Eastern Wisconsin, or this once in a lifetime chance for Family Promise. I think my decision is clear. 

With that said, what am I willing to do and to sacrifice to get to where I need to be. The next year is going to be insane and busy and a whirlwind, but I have a dedicated team behind me who believes in me 100% and will support me and my efforts. I need to remain honest, true and maintain my faith and relationship with God. 

What are you afraid of... what crossroads are you stuck at? Step out of your fear, give it to God and take a risk... whats the worse that could happen? You succeed?

Setting a new goal

It only took 8 years... but I am finally going to graduate from college with my undergraduate degree in only 4 days!!! Yikes! I spent the last 4 years completely dedicated to achieving my goal. Now that it is over, I face the question of NOW WHAT?... Reaching this goal has taken a lot of sacrifice, hard work and determination, but the end result is well worth the time. I cannot wait to walk across the stage a symbol of a time passing. As I reach the end of this moment, I still want to achieve the impossible. So, whats next? I will be running a half marathon with my friend Melissa... I have 130 days to get my body ready for a 13 mile run! Follow me over the next 130 days as I work towards achieving my goal... No one said it would be easy, but easy is no fun! I will be very honest on my blog, so that you can understand my journey and hopefully be inspired to chase after your dreams...