Is it really out of reach?

I was on a one-on-one phone call with an individual from casting for a show called The Blox today. They're preparing to film a new season in Tulsa, OK. Did that feel out of reach? Absolutely.

It felt out of reach when I started this business. It felt out of reach when I applied for the show. It felt out of reach when I made it to stage 2 and sent in my video interview responses. Today, I completed stage 3. I'm sharing this because I have learned a lot on my journey thus far. One of those lessons has been not allow my emotions to control me.

I have dreams. No matter how many times life has gotten lifey and the course of life has taken me in other directions, my dreams live within me and I've grown tired of allowing them to exist only in the shadows of my mind. Making the decision to fan the flames and allow the real me to begin to emerge again has been a frightening yet exhilarating decision.

I mentioned the interview today because I remember how I felt when I originally applied for a spot. My mind said, "No way that'll really happen" but my heart said, "Why not?" I reminded myself that the answer to an unasked question is always, "No" so I reached a little further and found the courage to apply. I had decided that if it was a no then so be it but at least I'd have asked the question and taken that step.

If cast, my hope is that I can inspire you to reach for the dreams that lie dormant within you. Despite the fear, the challenges, the nay-sayers, and the self-doubt - START. Dust off your dreams and find within yourself the courage to take one step. Being new, to me, means being open-minded and approaching this with fresh eyes and an eagerness to learn. It's how we approach these steps that make them what they are. I want this, not just for me, but for you.

I have so many goals and hopes for my life, for my family, and for AK Untamed. I have so many dreams just waiting to come true. But what are they waiting for? Me. They've always been waiting for me to finally stand up and START.

Every time I take a step towards something that seems out of reach, I'm closing the gap between a dream and reality. I have a lot to learn and I'm okay with that. It's much like a hike. When I go hiking I'm not just there to reach the top of the mountain. I'm exploring and taking time to enjoy the journey. The journey I'm on now is not just about a destination. It's about the experience. There are so many things to learn, adventures to be had, people to meet, cultures to immerse myself in, and new experiences to add to my life story. I have not reached the last chapter yet. If I were given the choice between having everything I'm dreaming of in a snap or the long and arduous task of its creation, I'd choose the long road. I don't want to miss a moment of it. I know in my heart that there's more than I can even imagine waiting for me to show up. I can't see around every twist and turn but I know that each corner carries with it its own gifts and blessings.

So, reach my friends. Reach for the stars that seem so distant and have faith in yourself and the road ahead. Choose the path less traveled and do it intentionally. Write your story. Don't allow challenges, setbacks, or other people to dictate it for you. The only you that exists in this world is you and your dreams are an opportunity to express and share your true self. Scary does not mean impossible.

Even if I don't make it on the show, I wanted to share this experience with you because I want you to know that it doesn't matter how terrifying something is or how nervous it makes you. You are more than your mind or subconscious will try to make you believe. Shed the self-doubt and the messages you carry that says you can't. I believe in you.