The Beauty of Dreaming…

I would probably call this the post I never planned.

But I have so much to say and so many emotions that I want to just blurt it out there.

This morning I spent time chatting with the casting department from the ABC series Shark Tank.

You know the one. The one where entrepreneurs bring their dreams to die….or, multiply beyond their wildest dreams.

That one.

I applied forever ago. So long ago in fact that when they called, I thought it was a telemarketer.

Who would be calling me from California?

I silenced my phone.

Then listened to my voicemail and fell off my couch.

My husband pointed at the goosebumps that took over my entire body as I played the voicemail out loud for the second time.

I knew that this was it.

This moment.

This was what it’s all about.

The opportunity to share my dream with someone who will either say thanks for submitting, or advance me to the next round.

Of course, I somehow thought they’d just pick me for the show right then and there, but there’s “rounds” you go through.

The phone interview is grueling. A mini version of what you see on the show.

I’d summarize it as a verbal conversation about your business plan, where you’ve been, and where you’re going, how you’re going to get there sort of thing.

I managed to keep it together and silently prayed, “Lord, let the right words come out of my mouth to adequately convey who I am, and what I want from this”.

I advanced to the next round.

It’s hard to read, but it’s the email congratulating me and directing me for the next step.

I have one week to submit a 5 minute video highlighting me and my product, and complete 27 pages of business details.

One week to figure out how to best capture my personality and commitment to my business.

One week to fine tune the business plan that doesn’t really exist.

One week to clean my office.

One week to pull it all together.

I have zero expectations of making it on the actual show.

But here’s the thing about believing in your dreams. Had you asked me if I ever would’ve been noticed among the millions of submissions they receive, I’d say nope, not a chance. Yet I still applied.

Had you asked me if I would be able to convince them in a phone interview to advance me to the final round, I’d tell you the same thing I told my husband this morning, “I’m just going to be myself, and hope that they believe in me as much I believe in me”.

If you don’t take chances, you’ll never know what awaits you.

If you don’t dream bigger than you think you might actually accomplish, you’ll never feel rejection.

And if you never feel rejection, you’ll never truly appreciate what success feels like.

My goal is to make the best submission video I can, and the rest is out of my control.

I’m proud of making it this far.

Humbled.

Honored.

And whether I make it on the show or not, I chatted with a complete stranger about the concept of an “aproness” and he advanced me.

In my eyes, I’ve already won.

I can’t tell you when something amazing will happen to you, but trust me, IF you believe that something amazing will happen and you work so very hard at making that something happen, it will come.

The beauty in dreaming is that it’s the one thing in this world that is all yours.

To nurture. To foster. To create something magical.

I don’t for one minute think aprons are going to change the world. I’m just a girl with her head in the clouds, with a sewing machine, and a dream.

A dream I’m chasing with every ounce of my being.

Find it within yourself to do the same.

Via: Write Robinson

If you’re not following Write Robinson on Facebook or Instagram, you’re missing out. She posts little nuggets of inspiration like this all the time, and just when you need them.

Thank you for being on this journey with me.

PS: I’ll be sharing my submission video with you, unless they tell me not to. 🙂