The confidence to say yes to your dreams part 2

Now that you know about my journey to actualizing my dreams, part two is dedicated to providing you with some tangible steps you can take to do the same for yourself. This guide is a list of ideas and is in no way bulletproof. Think of this knowledge as clay and yourself as the potter. Mold it to fit your desired lifestyle. What works for me won't work for you, but blueprints can illuminate us as we begin walking our path.

Keep in mind that you can take as many breaks as you need. I believe in The Nap Ministry, an Instagram platform that teaches Black people how to take breaks and care for themselves in a capitalist system. While it targets people who look like me, I think anyone can benefit from the gems they drop. So, be conscious of your energy, and do what you can.

God blesses steps

This mantra is something my father always said to me growing up. What does this mean? It means you have support in everything you do. You could take ten steps backward and be exactly where you need to be. It doesn't matter if it's a half step or a baby step, a step is a step, and God is all over that.

It's okay to feel lost, frustrated, doubtful, and fearful. Our inner reality doesn't always reflect what happens in our outer reality. Mountains may be moving on our behalf when we think we just made our biggest misstep.

No matter what life presents, try your darndest to be present. If you can't be present, rest, recharge, and take another step when ready.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa and planning when you can

You don't necessarily have to plan to take action toward your dreams, but having one somewhere down the line might be helpful. Planning doesn't mean that you know everything that is going to happen. That would mean that you have control, which none of us have. All we can control is ourselves, and even sometimes, that's questionable. Control is an illusion, and surrender is freedom.

Take some time to figure out what you would like to do. If you want to be an HS advocate, consider how you want to advocate for the community. Do you want to educate a community on social media? Do you want to pitch a documentary? Do you want to start a non-profit? Map out what you want to do and what you might need to get there.

It's okay to be frustrated with HS

Navigating this world as a chronically ill patient is infuriating at times. There are so many obstacles that sometimes life feels pointless, so much so that you may not pursue happiness because it feels so out of reach. What I've found helpful in my journey is acknowledging these complex systems and utilizing every single resource possible to work with them.

We all need help. We don't have to move through this world alone. We don't have to be the barrier stopping us from accessing our desires. With support from others, navigating the world can be more manageable. Not easy, but easier.

Part One