Dream Big 77

I can't believe it's been a year since I began my journey to become an actress, and over a year since becoming a model. Everything has seemed to grow and develop all from just a single dream. It was the dream of becoming a published author that has launched the others into what I call my beginning.

When I was a little girl, I was always a "ham" as my parents put it; anytime someone pulled out a camera I just had to be in front of it. But what I never understood then now makes sense. I feel like I come alive when I'm in front of a lens. It doesn't matter what kind it is, or whether it's taking stills, video, or both. I can't really put it into words except to try and describe the feeling of intensity; it is an incredible high that I've never experienced before, and when I'm acting it's even more so. My only regret is that it has taken me this long to figure out what I truly love, and want to do for the rest of my life.

Then Dream Big came across my mind, it was an idea that hit me right in the face one day. I was going to be a guest blogger on this really cool website that someone suggested I could write for. Well of course I loved to write, and this was an opportunity to write about anything I wanted. Something that most journalists don't have the freedom to do, so I jumped at the chance. It took me quite some time to come up with an idea, and at the time I was just getting back into modeling after a long hiatus, and I was still trying to submit my novel to every agent I could find, but I wanted to get my name out there as an author. I needed to build a readership following, obtain some credentials, and develop more as a writer. The more you write the better you get. After careful consideration, I came up with the idea to write a column about my journey to fulfill my dreams; to share with others my ups and downs in becoming a published author, model, and actress.

It wasn't long after I'd written one of my last Dream Big columns as a guest writer, when I moved it to my brand new website I created to originally showcase my modeling experiences and images. My column was now home where it belonged. I was happy that I was in complete control over how I shared my journey with others, but I felt as though I could do more, and then I had an idea. What if I interviewed others about their dreams? It wouldn't be just about me anymore, it would be about others with dreams of their own who are working so hard to get where they want to be. I wanted to share with everyone that anyone, no matter who they are, or where they come from, have dreams too. Of course the first few interviews that I'd done were via phone, emails, and instant messenger. And then one day, it came to me. Why not have a real show? Why not film the interviews? After I spoke to a good friend of mine that I'd previously worked with as a model, and then later as an actress, I pitched him the idea. Now he's one of my producers, and I wouldn't have this topic to discuss if it weren't for him. After a few episodes in, I was sold that this might actually become a real thing.

After one solid season with ten episodes in the can, I wanted Dream Big to become more. I felt that it could become more, and others believed in it too. My dream team was growing and the light and sound guy also became the location manager, and I wouldn't have made it this far without his wisdom and his belief in the show. I can't thank him and my producer enough for not only making this show come alive, but for always being there for me when I feel down, and want to give up. They help pull me back on my feet and tell me that they believe this show has potential to be more than just another internet video. As a team, we've put our heads together to make a plan to take Dream Big to the next level. How do we get this on television? As innocent as it sounds, I had no idea how to pitch this show to networks. And I cautiously went to my super awesome agent and asked how I'd go about it. The answer was wonderful, and she offered to pitch it for the dream team. Together we put together a package that we hope no network could refuse and away it went. Now we wait.

I normally don't like to divulge any information unless I actually have good news. But I feel that after some struggles I've had recently that I could use some help from all of you who have stood by me through my very first Dream Big column, to the very last Dream Big episode that came out. I don't ever ask for others to pray since I feel that it is selfish of me to do so, but what I would like to ask is that you help me believe in myself, and in my show. I know in my heart that bringing inspiration to others is a positive movement that all of us could use right now. I'm not being political, but as a whole this country has forgotten what it's like to have a dream. You may call it an American Dream if you will, but to me dreams are universal, and we need to get back in touch with our inner child. What does all that mean? To be honest, it begins with what you wanted to do as a child growing up. What did you want to be? Forget for a moment the need to survive, because that gets in the way of things; becoming an adult kills the innocence we once had, and we forget how to look at the world with wonder in our hearts. But what if we thought for one moment we could regain that innocence once more by opening our eyes and our minds for something bigger. Would you be interested? It doesn't cost anything as do our gadgets and gizmos that keep us pacified with distractions, and you don't have to go far to obtain it. What if I told you that you've had it with you this entire time? You had it with you when you were born, carried it with you and your lunchbox throughout grade school, and you even had it with you when you graduated high school, just as you are carrying it with you right now as we speak. No, I'm afraid you can't see it, but you can reach up to your chest and feel it beating beneath your hand. That's right, it's your heart. No one can take it from you, no one has one just like yours, and no one can share it with others but you. And you hold the power within to let it open up to others, to share the precious love that you hold dear. That love inside has more power that it wields, it carries hope, and it carries your dreams.

This is who I am; all of this is what I believe in, and that is what Dream Big is all about. No more, no less. But just as a fairy said to a small group of children, "you have to believe in order to fly." Help me spread my wings. Help me share with others that no matter what, you can achieve your dreams. Help me show the world the inspiration that comes from those who are brave enough to share their triumphs and struggles. Help me bring Dream Big to others that need the hope that they can make their dreams come true. I know you can do this. You just have to believe.

No matter the dreams, big or small, it only takes an open heart filled with hope, and the belief that they will come true. Remember your power within, and always dream big.