While you’re climbing your ladder of success, don’t forget that you’re living a life you once dreamed of.
I had to remind myself of that this weekend while getting ready for my favorite conference of the year with NCAA D2 athletes.
I remember very early on in my speaking career, I visualized myself having a consistent partnership with the NCAA.
It wasn’t until this speaking engagement that it fully hit me — I am living out that exact dream.
I’ve been fortunate to be part of a group of 5 other talented speakers who go to the NCAA D2 Super Region Conference twice a year since 2021.
It almost took my breath away — and I had to really pause and look around me.
We are so constantly on the go, always looking for our next level of success to unlock, that we literally forget how far we have actually come.
Sure, I did a happy dance the first time I worked with the NCAA in 2019.
My happy dance continued when I got the call again in 2020 (which got delayed to 2021 because of COVID) and again every year since.
But somewhere along the journey, I lost sight of where I once was and where I am now.
And when I allowed myself to pause and reflect, it allowed me to open up my eyes and truly look around me.
And when I looked around — not only did I see a dream fulfilled, I saw myself in every single one of those athletes.
And my heart healed a bit more.
Because I am giving a voice to middle school, high school, and college Ivy that needed to hear my words.
So this work is not just healing others — it continues to heal me.
Let this be your reminder — pause for just a moment and slow down and appreciate the beauty around you.
Appreciate the sounds, the views, the people, and the magnitude of the impact you’re making.
And give yourself the gratitude you deserve — because not only did you achieve your goals and then some, you’re living proof that you are resilient, that you didn’t give up, and that you can do hard things.
So pause.
Look around.
This — right here — is what you once prayed for.
Own it.
Celebrate it.
There’s still more growth, more joy, and more dreams waiting for you.
But for now, let yourself be here.
Let yourself be proud.
You’re exactly where you’re meant to be.