Support Circles Matter!

So many dream chasers I know right now are going through it. Questioning whether the decision to chase their dream is worth the stress, sacrifice, mental frustration, etc. Namely...me! I am in a space that I have, but haven't been in before. So close, yet so far from my goals.

Exactly a year ago I walked away from stability, insurance coverage and fiscal safety. I quit my lucrative finance job and gambled on myself. It has been a VERY tough 12 months. I share pretty transparently on social media, but I do my best not to excessively rant, complain, bellyache or dwell on the negative. However, there were days I had to decide do I get a monthly transportation card and eat tuna and cereal, or do I grocery shop and wing it? Do I splurge on organic and healthy foods or eat fattening food for cheap? I've laid in bed many mornings wanting to get up and work out, but sans a gym membership (as that is NOT in the budget), I would be so down about missing my old lifestyle of affording a personal trainer who came to my home three to four times a week to work me out, I'd just lay there sulking and putting on more weight. Even my trusty associate Bridget comes at a truly worthwhile cost, but when it's time to pay her, something else goes unpaid.

It's in these times that my support system becomes invaluable. Not the folks that want to peek in to see if I've failed yet, or those that are surface supporters. But those people that randomly drop money on my PayPal, the folks that show up with groceries just because. The people that believe in me and my dreams, so any chance they get they either use me to do something or refer me to their friends. My mom who lets me drive her car to get to out-of-the-way auditions, my besties who just text to check in. My mentors who remind me how far I've come and my sorors and D9 family that shout me out. It's not about 'yes people' or ego strokes, it's about genuine support that functions as your life preserver when the seas of life get rough and choppy and the turbulence threatens to take you under.

Shining Starrs, I beg you to be sure you have a support system. Folks that you can cry to with no judgement,  but that won't host your pity party. People that check you when you're doing the most, and celebrate you for even the least bit of forward movement. These individuals will be a large part of your ability to press on. They believe in you when you are doubting yourself. They ride for you when you are not around so others can indulge in your greatness as well. They help you hold yourself to that standard of excellence that drives you to the next level. And to have that kind of support, you must also BE that kind of support. So make sure you are lending that love to others as well.

Who are your cheerleaders? Who are the ones that sprinkle you with magic when your own magic wand is on the fritz? Or when have you done this or been this for another? Share with me Starrs. I'm going through it, but your response and feedback are sparks that lend to me finding my fire again. And if you need some love spread your way, I got you!

~ Miss O