Brave Together Volume 1 CLASSIC

GROW IN CONFIDENCE. KNOW YOUR IDENTITY.

DISCOVER PURPOSE

1 VOLUME

THE QUEST TO DISCOVER Welcome to your Brave Together Journey —a path to courage and confidence!

We want to make one thing crystal clear from the start—you matter, and your worth is immeasurable, regardless of whether you fully believe it just yet.

You’re a unique individual with your own story, your own design, and your own purpose. We’re here to celebrate exactly who you are in your life’s journey up to this point.

Our mission is to help you build self-confidence, know your value, grow in wisdom for living, reach your full potential, and ensure your safety and well-being along the way.

Let’s kick things off with a fundamental question: “What kind of person do you aspire to be?”

You might hear messages that make you feel like your looks, personality, or abilities aren’t good enough. It’s easy to get caught up in self-doubt, negative thoughts, and comparing yourself to others. But real confidence comes from learning to accept and appreciate yourself—it takes effort, but it’s worth it!

Wanting to fit in can sometimes push you to do things you know aren’t right. Staying true to your values isn’t always easy—it takes real determination. But if you decide now the kind of person you want to be, you’ll have the strength to stand firm when negative influences come your way.

So, let’s start the conversation. The articles in Volume 1 will explore the traits and inner qualities that can guide you toward becoming the best version of yourself. This will serve as a launchpad for your journey of self-discovery.

As our journey unfolds, we’ll also delve into topics that empower you to navigate and protect yourself from potentially harmful situations and victimization.

This is a journey of exploration. If you approach it with an open heart and a willingness to learn and grow, be prepared to be surprised, challenged, affirmed, and transformed.

Your experiences, be they moments of joy, pain, loneliness, heartbreak, struggle, success, or victory, carry significance.

Your story can be woven into a tapestry of bravery, boldness, and beauty that has the power to make a positive impact on the world.

Remember, this entire journey was crafted with you in mind.

Embrace the discoveries that await you along the way.

With gratitude, The Brave Together Team

BRAVE TOGETHER (CLASSIC) - VOL 01 Copyright © 2025 Releasing Generations Published by Releasing Generations Printed in the United States of America All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

All articles, art, and photographs have been published and printed with the permission of their creators.

Art Direction and Graphic Design by: Ahava Design, LLC. Photos by Unsplash and Shutterstock.

TheBraveSeries.com Brave Together is a publication created by Releasing Generations, a non-profit organization that empowers people of all ages to thrive with purpose, while knowing their value. We focus on equipping leaders to positively impact young people through events, training, and resources that build emotional and relational wholeness and release creativity and leadership.

CREDITS: 14-16 “Brave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, /brave. Accessed 17 Apr. 2024. “Bold.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, /bold. Accessed 17 Apr. 2024. 85 Photography by Austin Lord. 108-109 Photography by Nancy Vuu. Brave Together Volume 01 (Classic) – 09/2025

DISCOVER PURPOSE

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The sand dollar, delicate in form, hides a mystery of strength within its fragile shell. At first glance, it seems breakable, unassuming, and can be easily overlooked. But within it lies a hidden secret: five white doves shaped by time and tide are there, waiting to be revealed. Just like us.

To be brave doesn’t always roar; sometimes, it whispers through trembling hands and quiet steps. Sometimes, bravery is simply showing up. Holding space. Choosing love when fear knocks loudly.

Together, we are like sand dollars washed upon the same shore. Fragile, yes—but not alone. When we stand side by side, a mosaic of brave souls rising from the sand, we remember that even the most fragile things can carry the weight of sacred strength. And in that togetherness, courage grows in community and forever shines.

We may walk through storms that crack the surface of our hearts, yet what’s inside—peace, hope, purpose—cannot be erased. In the breaking, beauty is unveiled. In the pressure, courage takes flight.

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Volume 01

Vol. 01

Vol. 02

CHAPTER 1: BRAVE, BOLD, BEAUTIFUL – KNOW YOURSELF

THE CLOSET OF YOUR HEART: OUT OF HIDING, INTO HEALING

▶ You Are Brave .............................................. 12 ▶ Being Bold: Embrace Your Courage ..................... 14 ▶ The Comparison Trap ............................ ........ 22 ▶ Shaped by Beliefs: The Limits We Create for Ourselves ...................................... ........ 24

CHAPTER 1: FORGIVENESS

CHAPTER 2: STAND FIRM – SECURE AND CONFIDENT

CHAPTER 2: GRIEF

Discover Purpose

Dig Deeper

▶ Why Forgiveness Sets You Free ▶ The Power of Forgiveness ▶ Releasing the Weight of Unforgiveness ▶ You Are Not Your Mistake

▶ Master Your Mindset ..................................... 30 ▶ Overcoming Intimidation ........................ ........ 34 ▶ Self-Confidence and Social Media .............. ........ 38 ▶ The Drive to Be Significant .............................. 40

▶ Healing From the Heartache of Losses ▶ Growing Through the Losses ▶ From the Valley of Grief to Compassion and Empathy ▶ Grief and Suffering to Great Purpose

CHAPTER 3: YOUR DESIGN

CHAPTER 3: UNRAVELING EMOTIONS

▶ Your Place. Your Part. Your Purpose. .................... 46 ▶ Ways to Express Yourself ................................ 48 ▶ Secure in Your Body Image ...................... ........ 54 ▶ Seasons of Life: Rings and Things ...................... 58

▶ Breaking Free From Anger Part 1 ▶ Breaking Free From Anger Part 2 ▶ Courage in the Face of Fear ▶ Managing Anxious Thoughts

CHAPTER 4: BORN TO CREATE – YOUR CREATIVE FLOW

CHAPTER 4: PERSEVERANCE

▶ You Are a Creative Genius ....................... ........ 68 ▶ The Power of Creativity .................................. 70 ▶ Imagination: Your Hidden Superpower .................. 72 ▶ Adventuring in Creativity .................................78

▶ Overcoming Struggles with Purpose, Passion, and Grit ▶ Perseverance and the Power of Practice ▶ Persevering Through Friendship Changes ▶ Finding Rest and Identity in a Busy World

CHAPTER 5: FREEDOM TO DREAM

CHAPTER 5: PARENTS AND YOU

▶ So the Adventure Begins: Explore, Discover, Dream Big! . . . ............................................. 86 ▶ Big Dreams, Bold Life ............................. ........ 88 ▶ From Vision to Reality ............................ ........ 92 ▶ Freedom to Dream ....................................... 96

▶ Understanding Parents and Patterns ▶ The Role of Wise Mentors ▶ Growing in Understanding Your Parents ▶ Building Bridges to a Closer Connection with Parents

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Discover Purpose

Vol. 03

Vol. 04

CHAPTER 1: ESTABLISHING CHARACTER

CHAPTER 1: THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF PORNOGRAPHY

Develop Foundation

Daring Pursuit

▶ Cultivating a Growth Mindset ▶ Building Resilience: Turning Setbacks Into Comebacks ▶ Taking Responsibility ▶ Integrity: A Firm Foundation for Character

▶ Resisting Objectification: Choosing Courage ▶ The Struggle With Porn Addiction ▶ Overcoming Challenges With Strategy ▶ Empowered: Build a Life Beyond Pornified Culture

CHAPTER 2: VALUES TO LIVE BY

CHAPTER 2: OVERCOMING TRAUMA

▶ The Key to a Grateful Mindset ▶ Faithfulness ▶ The Power of Generosity ▶ The Value of Excellence

▶ Understanding Trauma ▶ Adverse Childhood Experiences and the Power of Hope ▶ Dealing with Suicidal Thoughts ▶ How to Support Others Who Have Faced Trauma

CHAPTER 3: GROWING IN LEADERSHIP

CHAPTER 3: ADDRESSING SEXUAL VIOLENCE

▶ Becoming Powerful: A Servant Leader ▶ Be Interested, Not Just Interesting: Listen First, Shine Later ▶ Navigating Authority with Respect ▶ Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

▶ Stay Safe: Protect Yourself From Sexual Violence and Exploitation ▶ Consent: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Speak Up ▶ Wounded But Not Shattered/Tears of Sorrow to Joy ▶ Stepping Stones - the Healing Process

CHAPTER 4: THE POWER OF WORDS

CHAPTER 4: SEX TRAFFICKING PREVENTION

▶ The Power of Words ▶ The Power of Encouraging and Assertive Words ▶ From Harmful Gossip to Advocating for Dignity ▶ Speak Life: How Words Can Shape Your Future

▶ Preventing Sex Trafficking ▶ Protect Yourself! Ways Recruiters Groom Teenagers ▶ Whoa. It Happened to Me! ▶ Sextortion: Click with Caution ▶ What Keeps a Victim Trapped? ▶ Is My Friend Being Trafficked? ▶ Voices of Freedom: Three Stories of Victors

CHAPTER 5: BUILDING HEALTHY FRIENDSHIPS ▶ Being a Good Friend ▶ Being Real and Creating Safe Friendships: Opening Up ▶ Overcoming Loneliness ▶ The Power of Community: Finding Me in Them

CHAPTER 5: RISING STRONG ▶ Rising Strong One Step at a Time. ▶ Jungle to Jewelry to Justice ▶ Arise a Hero ▶ Purposeful Decisions Shape an Extraordinary Future

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“Heroes are never perfect, but they’re brave, they’re authentic, they’re courageous, determined, discreet, and they’ve got grit.”

Wade Davis

Chapter 01

YOU ARE

Brave. Bold.

Beautiful.

KNOW YOURSELF.

As we dive into this first chapter, let's begin the journey to understand and embrace the true essence of courage, confidence, and grace. Let's set aside any misleading, one-size-fits-all ideas we might have about what defines a great human being. What are the empowering qualities that define a person of integrity and authenticity? What does it mean to be brave, bold, and beautiful?

Our search for answers begins now!

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brave/brāv/ Adjective.

Having or showing mental or moral strength to face danger, fear, or difficulty: having or showing courage.

YOU ARE

BRAVE.

by Joshua Ko

“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear.”

MARK TWAIN

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The countdown began.

How do we address fear?

10, 9, 8…

Be brave. The enemy of fear is BRAVERY, COURAGE, and a little bit of CRAZY.

What was I thinking? How did I get here? Why did I put myself in this situation? These questions raced through my head as I stood at the top of a 15-foot, refurbished wooden telephone pole about to make the “Leap of Faith.” Across from me hung the target—a rusty chain swing attached by a metal pole. I would have to leap forward and hang on for dear life!

A life of bravery is not the absence of fears and doubts but the courage to face them daily. While being afraid of the dark, heights, or falling might not affect you, one fear everyone faces is the fear of rejection. The fear of rejection keeps you from opening your heart to people who really care about and love you.

7, 6, 5, 4…

3, 2, 1… JUMP!!!

My heart was racing. Sweat dripped down my brow, and my hands were clammy from my nervousness. At that moment, my eleven-year-old mind seemed to have forgotten all the instructions given by the camp director.

Conveniently, I also remembered that I had a great fear of heights and a fear of falling!

“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear.” – Mark Twain With all my might, I jumped toward the swing! Unfortunately, as I flew through the sky, I misjudged the distance and over-jumped! I was not able to hold on for very long.

While I didn’t “succeed” in this challenge, I succeeded in overcoming fear. In fact, the fear became fun, and I did it several times later and eventually succeeded in the “leap of faith.”

Will I make it? Do I have what it takes? What if I fall?

The distance between me and the swing seemed to get bigger and bigger with each second. Fear gripped my heart, saying, “Don’t do it! Turn around! Give up!”

“Living a brave life is not easy. We trip, stumble, and fall. It is the rise from the falling that makes us brave.” – Brené Brown

It’s interesting how clear the voice of fear becomes when we are faced with unknowns. While fear is a natural human emotion that moves us to persevere and protect ourselves from imminent danger, an unhealthy fear can keep us locked up and paralyzed from self-discovery and realizing our potential.

Those “5 seconds of courage, bravery, or crazy” broke the fear in my life and opened me to a new self-discovery, allowing me to live a wild, free, and adventurous life.

Face your fears with courage! You are stronger than you think you are.

Fear will give you many excuses and will bury you with worry and anxiety.

“Surprise yourself every day with your own courage.”

Denholm Elliott

You were created for adventure. Helen Keller, the first deaf and blind person in the United States to earn a college degree, states, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.”

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brave/brāv/ Adjective.

Fearless before danger. Showing or requiring a fearless daring spirit.

BEING BOLD: EMBRACE YOUR COURAGE.

by Phyllis Unebasami

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What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?

and to step outside of your comfort zone—even when it feels scary. Boldness is not about being perfect, but about being brave enough to try, even when you’re afraid of failing. It’s about daring to move forward when the future isn’t guaranteed.

It’s a powerful question that challenges you to think beyond your doubts and step into who you really are.

Being bold doesn’t mean being loud or showing off. It’s about having the courage to take the next step toward your future, even when it feels uncertain.

True boldness doesn’t seek attention—it’s about trying something new, making a difference, and being willing to fail without giving up. Bold individuals don’t wait for everything to be perfect. They go for it, even if they don’t know all the answers. They’re willing to make mistakes, learn from them, and keep going anyway.

I know what it feels like to believe you’re not good enough. I grew up shy, believing that my potential was limited by my circumstances or lack of skills. In my teenage years, it often seemed like everyone around me was more talented, smarter, luckier, and just cooler.

I wondered if I would ever be enough. But what I’ve learned is that your future is not defined by where you start or by what you know right now. Boldness isn’t about being perfect. It’s about stepping into your growth, trying, and embracing the journey, even when things aren’t easy.

Failure doesn’t mean you’ve reached the end and missed your opportunity. It’s just part of the journey. I’ve learned that failure is simply a round of practice. Each time I fail, I learn something new, get a little wiser, and come back stronger.

Bold individuals understand that failure is inevitable.

They don’t let it stop them; instead, they keep going.

They treat failure like practice shots, something that helps them get better each time. So when things don’t go as planned, they try again, learn more, and keep moving forward.

I learned to try new things, but I did so quietly, flying under the radar. I gave myself time to grow without drawing attention to myself. This approach allowed me to experiment, fail, and learn without the pressure of others watching me. What I discovered in those moments of anonymity was that I was willing to take risks, just not in front of an audience. By doing things behind the scenes, I had the freedom to observe others and learn new skills, build my confidence, and make mistakes without the fear of judgment. It wasn’t about hiding; it was about giving myself space to grow at my own pace and reduce the anxiety of being judged.

The only thing that can make your dreams impossible is fear, the fear that holds you back from trying. Fear will give you the excuse that you’re not good enough, that you might fail, or that others will judge you. Boldness is stronger than fear. Boldness pushes you to try by believing in yourself, even when you don’t know how it will turn out.

Eventually, that quiet growth gave me the foundation I needed to take bigger steps. When I finally made my move more publicly, I felt more prepared, more capable, and more confident. I learned that sometimes, it’s okay to grow quietly and take risks in ways that feel safe, knowing that those early steps will eventually lead to something bigger.

As Lance Armstrong said, “Pain is temporary, but quitting lasts forever.” Being bold means you’re willing to face the tough stuff, knowing that the only way to truly fail is to stop trying. So, take that first step. Be bold, and know that with each try, you’re getting closer to the person you’re meant to be. The world needs individuals who are brave enough to go after what they want, even when it’s hard. Will you be one of them?

Being bold means refusing to settle for what’s easy. It’s about challenging yourself to grow, to try new things,

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“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be?...

And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” – Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of “A Course in Miracles”

There are times to be gentle and times to hold back… and then there are times to be bold!

1.

Journal your thoughts on defining what you think brave means and/or what bold means.

“Boldness doesn’t mean rude, obnoxious, loud, or disrespectful. Being bold is being firm, sure, confident, fearless, daring, strong, resilient, and not easily intimidated. It means you’re willing to go where you’ve never been, willing to try what you’ve never tried, and willing to trust what you’ve never trusted. Boldness is quiet, not noisy.” – Mike Yaconelli

2.

In the space below, use your imagination and doodle what bravery looks like:

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I am Beautiful.

Mindful Lettering: When you write something down, it reinforces the concept and helps it to stick in your memory.

Trace the lettering. It does not have to be perfect. You may rewrite the phrase a number of times on the page.

Enjoy the process of mindful lettering.

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There is so much more to you than labels.

SELFAWARENESS. The questions you ask yourself...matter!

KNOW YOURSELF!

As we kick off this journey, remember that a valuable tool for growth is self-awareness. Being self-aware isn’t something that comes naturally—it’s a skill to develop and practice. It is a key to personal growth, allowing you to learn from your experiences, make positive changes, and make wiser choices.

Self-awareness helps you connect with your emotions, enabling you to handle them in a healthy way rather than bottling them up or reacting impulsively.

Self-awareness also helps us improve our relationships by understanding others and learning how to communicate more effectively.

As you read each chapter, take time to ponder the fresh insights shared and keep an eye on the emotions that rise within you. It takes an open heart, time, and effort to embrace new and healthy perspectives for living.

When you are reflecting, consider involving trusted individuals. Sometimes, we don’t fully understand our own hearts. When you discuss your thoughts with someone who truly knows you and supports you, they can offer valuable perspectives. May what you discover bring great value to your life.

There are numerous self-reflection questions a person can ask themselves depending on the situation, but you can start with a few each day to grow in your own self-awareness! If you do this, you can gain valuable insights and experience personal growth.

Some helpful self-awareness questions to ask yourself:

1. At the beginning of each day, you can ask yourself: What kind of person do I want to be today?

What attribute do I want to grow in? (for example, patience or kindness) What is the one thing I really want to accomplish today?

2. At the end of each day, you can ask yourself: What went well today?

What did not go well—would I do anything differently?

What is something I learned or discovered today?

What is one thing I learned about myself today?

What 3 things am I grateful for?

3. If you had a concerning incident, you could ask yourself: Why did I react that way?

How do I feel about that?

Why do I feel this way?

Does it remind me of a past experience?

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Self-awareness gives you the capacity to learn from your mistakes as well as your successes. It enables you to keep growing.

If you want to change and grow, then you must know yourself and accept who you are before you can start building.

Lawrence Bossidy

John Maxwell

If your emotional abilities aren’t in hand, if you don’t have self-awareness, if you are not able to manage your distressing emotions, if you can’t have empathy and have effective relationships, then no matter how smart you are, you are not going to get very far.

Until you take the journey of self-reflection, it is almost impossible to grow or learn in life.

Iyanla Vanzant

Daniel Goleman

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ACTIVIT Y

DISCOVER YOU! DO THIS. GETTING TO KNOW YOURSELF. What runs you down? Stresses you out? Makes you angry? Makes you afraid?

Makes you sad? Makes you happy?

1. I feel emotionally drained when:

2. I dislike:

I lack peace.

losing.

I am unhappy.

being wrong.

I don’t feel safe.

being in conflict with someone.

I feel overwhelmed by challenges.

being rejected.

4. Do I :

3. I get excited and energized when:

Tend to see the cup half full (I tend to focus on the positive).

I get things done.

I am getting along well with others.

I am involved and gather others to join in.

I gather facts and knowledge and am accurate.

Tend to see the cup half empty (I tend to focus on the negative).

5. I usually feel refreshed and energized when: I am around people interacting with them.

When I have my alone time.

Rank 1-6, 1 being the number describing you most, and 6 being the number describing you least.

6. I feel most loved by people when: They give me a gift.

They take time to do activities with me that I enjoy.

They give me a hug or physical affection.

They take time to listen to me and have quality conversations.

They say affirming, encouraging words to me verbally or written.

7. What makes you feel alive and sets your heart on fire?

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They do things for me.

Know Thyself.

1.

What builds you up?

2. What is that one thing that gives you energy?

3. What in particular do you have FUN doing?

4. What are 3-6 top things you value?

“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.“ – E.E. Cummings

mindful doodling 21

“Why compare yourself with others?

No one in the entire world can do a better job of being you than you.“ Eric Thomas

THE COMPARISON TRAP.

by Leila Fujinaka Certified John Maxwell Leadership Coach

Do you have a difficult time accepting yourself or parts of yourself? What are the barriers that prevent you from fully embracing who you are?

back and being less so that I could be like the person I compared myself to. I tried to hide my flaws and compared my weaknesses to other people’s strengths.

One of the quickest ways to become discouraged, envious, or intimidated is to compare yourself to others. Learn 5 KEYS to accepting yourself and be FREE from the Comparison Trap!

Once I learned about the negative power that comparing myself to others had over me, I searched for keys to break out of this trap and committed to change! This freedom is available to you too.

I’m so excited you’ve started your journey!

1. STARVE THE MONSTER:

For many years, I damaged my self-esteem by constantly comparing myself to others, and I didn’t even realize it! I often found myself trying to be someone I was not.

I denied my true identity and uniqueness by shrinking

Protect your thoughts from negativity. Do you define yourself through the lens of a mean inner critic, leading you to compare yourself to others? Having a negative mindset can mess with your thoughts and make your

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flaws feel way bigger than they actually are. This impact is a trap! It can take hold and make it hard for you to change the way you view yourself.

comparison can cause us to feel helpless, stressed, or shameful. However, failures and mistakes, though painful in the moment, can be a great help to us if we’re able to learn from them and make needed adjustments.

In today’s world, negative influences primarily come from other people, news, media, and social media. In fact, more than 50% of news and 62% of social media is negative! Friends and family can affect your selfesteem and mess with your inner thoughts, leaving you discouraged about your future and life.

Everyone experiences failure. If you’ll allow yourself to be mentored by your mistakes, you’ll be further ahead than your counterparts. Give yourself grace and patience in the process. Learn to accept your role in the failure, but don’t stew in the negative emotions! You can move forward with more wisdom and insights that you gained.

2. OWN IT!! MISFIT IS YOUR SWEET SPOT! Ever feel like a misfit? Do you find when comparing yourself to others that you try to copy what others do or think, only to realize that’s just not you? This is a common pitfall of unique individuals who feel like misfits. They feel like they don’t fit in even when they try their hardest to.

“I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better.” – Maya Angelou 5. SERIOUSLY CULTIVATE SELF-AWARENESS! Do you find yourself being defensive? Controlling? Are you unable to recognize how other people experience you? When we improve our self-awareness, we find that we become more comfortable with who we are.

Self-awareness is not something you are born with, it’s a skill you practice and develop!

Each of us is created to see the world in our own way, with unique ways of thinking or displaying a unique personality. If you find yourself feeling like a fish out of water, find a new stream, one that suits you. If you’ve spent a lot of time comparing yourself to others, it will most likely take a bit of time for you to adjust your perspective and create a new ‘ideal you.’ You may discover your true self for the first time!

If you struggle with comparing yourself to others, know that you are not alone in this struggle. Comparison can rear its ugly head at any given moment, no matter what age you are, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

My greatest joy would be that you would implement some of the points in this article and begin developing self-awareness to know when comparison is trying to hook you once again.

3. GET PERSONAL WITH GRATITUDE Are you aware of how much time is lost when you are focused on comparing yourself to other people?

Comparison takes your eyes off your goals and can cause you to feel bad about how you’re doing. When we focus on other people’s paths rather than our own, we lose perspective on where we are headed and lose sight of the progress we’ve made. Take the time to look at what you’ve accomplished so far and measure yourself against yourself, not another person. Be grateful for the many things you have in your life. Trade the trap of comparison for inner acceptance and contentment.

4. PICK YOURSELF BACK UP AFTER FAILURE. Ouch! Ever made some pretty huge mistakes or experienced painful failures? I have. Have you ever compared yourself to those you think have never made those same mistakes? Get this: Embarrassment from a failure is NOT the end of the world! Perfection

You are a powerful individual with so much to conquer ahead of you AND so much to offer the world. You do not have to look or be like someone else. In fact, comparing ourselves pushes us towards being phony. The world is tired of phony. Be on a mission to embrace your unique personality, your unique style, and your unique characteristics. There isn’t anyone like you—so live out your uniqueness courageously!

“Why compare yourself with others? No one in the entire world can do a better job of being you than you.” – Eric Thomas “Change is possible, but it must start with self-acceptance.” – Alexander Lowen

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SHAPED BY BELIEFS: THE LIMITS WE CREATE FOR OURSELVES.

“Self-worth comes from one thing – thinking that you are worthy.”

Wayne Dyer

by Michele Okimura

YOU ARE A GIFT.

YOU ARE AN OVERCOMER. BELIEVE YOU HAVE GREATNESS WITHIN YOU.

BE PATIENT WITH YOURSELF.

Many of us have grown up having people around us label us, reject us, call us names, and put us down through words and actions. Sometimes, we judge ourselves and tell ourselves lies that contradict the truth of our immense and incredible value.

in culture? Or was it yourself? We cannot control what others think or say about us, but we can choose not to let them hold us back.

Take a moment and think about where you’re trying to gain a sense of worth. Is it in how you look? In your grades or skills in sports? Or maybe there’s another area in your life where you are hoping people will notice and celebrate you. It is true that when you perform well, your accomplishments naturally will add to your sense of value. You should celebrate those moments.

However, embrace the following truth whether you perform well or not:

Who told you that you weren’t enough? Maybe someone called you too slow, too hyper, not smart enough, too young, or too awkward. Some of you have even heard harsh words like “worthless” or “unwanted.” Those words don’t define you.

The point is, who told you? Was it a family member?

Was it a classmate? Maybe all the loud, confusing voices

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The Truth: You have immense and incredible value.

You were born with a unique and great purpose. You are NOT a mistake.

different people (completely unrelated to each other) ended up telling me the exact same thing!

While discussing work-related topics with each of them, they each paused at some point to let me know that they saw me as a courageous, brave woman. One of them even mentioned how my courage and confidence were a real inspiration to him! I was genuinely taken aback!

Maybe you are known as the smart one, the serious one, the funny one, the creative one, the shy one, the crazy one, the stable one, the sporty one, the artistic one, the expressive one, the laid-back one, or the bossy one.

What lies behind those labels, stereotypes, and roles when they’re stripped away? There is so much more to you than labels—labels are limiting. There is untapped potential within you waiting to be uncovered.

Sometimes, others can see the gold in you that you can’t see yourself.

Later that same day, I re-read some encouraging messages I had collected over the years. A now-distant friend, Rabson Chandaro from Tanzania, Africa, had once shared an affirming message that made me realize I needed to change my mindset.

No matter who you are, you can aspire to work in a profession such as: ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶

a dancer a pilot an athlete a mechanic a baker a fashion designer an entrepreneur

▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶

a screenwriter a scientist a marketing expert a construction worker a hairstylist a teacher and so much more!

“...It’s about how you view yourself. If you have a small view of who you are, you will build something that equals your view of you.”

I realized I needed to embrace a big (positive, confident) view of myself in order to achieve my big vision for the Brave Series. I hope these wise words speak to your heart as well.

You have unique strengths and interests. Being an exceptional person has to do with the qualities and values you have on the inside.

Reframe how you see yourself.

As I dove into creating content for these Brave Series publications, I faced many challenging experiences that made me recognize my insecurities. Even though I was super excited about this project, I also felt pressure about the decisions I had to make.

You and I are learning how to live like overcomers.

Instead of focusing on what you’re not, focus on all the good things you’ve got going for you (trust me, there are many). You’ve got strength inside you that’s bigger than you realize.

Honestly, up to that point, I had found it difficult to see myself as a confident, courageous person, although I desired so much to be just that! What I didn’t know was that I would have to tackle my negative beliefs head-on.

Embrace the journey to discover how complex, brilliant, and extraordinary you are. The world is waiting for what only you can bring.

You've overcome challenges in the past already.

You will overcome the barriers in the future because you have gifts the world needs.

You are an overcomer.

Be patient with yourself.

You are a gift.

I was unexpectedly confronted with this issue many times on a particular Friday when I had back-to-back meetings with people throughout the workday. The shocker? From morning to late afternoon, a total of six

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Journal What new discoveries did you make in this chapter about your unique design? Journal about what you have learned about who you are and any positive truths you want to embrace about yourself.

Draw yourself as something in nature. Then pause and reflect on what your drawing reveals to you about how you see yourself.

Look over the list of words below. Circle the words that are highlighted to you— words that you like and have positive feelings about when you read them. organized free creative strong friendly humble brave resourceful loyal generous

confident musical artistic considerate respect imaginative independent brilliant intelligent honest

practical adventurous safe hard-working daring responsible successful helpful loving compassion

persevere overcoming visionary unity collaboration ambitious competitive energetic determined witty

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fun peaceful joyful mercy justice trust wisdom tolerant relaxed faithful

flexible capable dynamic healing encourage beautiful bold healthy exciting devoted

excellence kind protect leader humor integrity spiritual genuine wild action

Chapter 1: Brave. Bold. Beautiful.

ACTIVIT Y

Walk it out.

• • • •

You Are Brave.

Being Bold: Embrace Your Courage.

The Comparison Trap.

Shaped by Beliefs: The Limits We Create for Ourselves.

Choose one or more action steps:

1.

Who is someone whom you would consider brave in your life? It could be a teacher, a relative, a coach, or a parent. Ask to spend 15-30 minutes with them. Share with them a few things you appreciate about them (such as their confidence, leadership, compassion, etc.) Ask if they could share a bit of their life story and how they gained the qualities you admire and appreciate about them.

2.

Pictures are memorable and can communicate meaning. Using your smartphone, take a walk outside and take a photo of an object, an animal, or a plant that is a visual example or metaphor symbolizing courage.

As you look at the photo, consider what meaning you can attach to it. If you don’t have a smartphone, sketch what is highlighted.

Example: you might take a photo of an ant. An ant gets things done, works hard, perseveres, and finds a way around obstacles. Such abilities display courage and boldness.

3.

Write a letter to your future self in 20 years. Be free and creative. This will help you to get in touch with your emotions and inner thoughts. You can include some of your goals, hopes, recent accomplishments, current emotions, challenges, and struggles.

4.

Informally interview someone who you know genuinely cares about you and whom you trust and respect. Explain to them that you want to grow in self-awareness and would like their input. Below are some possible questions you could ask them to help you to be more aware of what they see in you and what they have observed about you: • • • • •

How would you describe me in 3 words?

What are five positive character traits you see in me?

What are three things you have observed I am good at doing?

What is one area I could work on improving?

What is one way I have added value to your life?

The struggle is real, and so is hope.

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“Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.”

Abraham Lincoln

Chapter 02

Stand Firm SECURE AND CONFIDENT

GROW IN CONFIDENCE. What is essential is to establish yourself and stand firm on a foundation of truth that you are important, special, unique, and have immense value. You must not define your worth by what others say or even by what negative things you may say about yourself.

For many, it is often difficult to believe such truths. False messages can creep into our core beliefs, which cause us to doubt our importance. This next chapter was created for you to help the truth make its journey from your head to your heart.

From this place of knowing your worth, your values are formed, and your decisions and choices are made.

Gain strength for the journey ahead as you build a solid foundation. Stand firm in knowing your incredible worth.

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MASTER YOUR MINDSET.

Stand Firm in the Battle.

by JerriAnne Webb

“Sometimes, you will have battles to face and fight.”

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I’ve always loved the quote from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings where Aragorn says, “Open war is upon you – whether you would risk it or not.”

Once out of the shower, a soldier handed Vikitor a wornout coat to put on. To his surprise, he discovered a note tucked in the coat’s pocket. The words of encouragement on that note gave him the determination to keep going.

He understood that even in the darkest times, he still had the freedom to choose his attitude, outlook, and thoughts­—something the war couldn’t take from him.

After being in the death camps for three years, Viktor miraculously emerged alive and victorious, whereas many others around him had lost hope and the will to live.

There is a warrior inside of you.

Maybe you will never fight in the military during wartime, but all of us are in a war of sorts!

Some say the greatest battlefield is your mind. Even if you don’t feel equipped—know this—you have the power to shape new, positive ways of thinking, attitudes, and viewpoints. Your thoughts are the weapons of warfare in any personal battle you are in.

Years later, Viktor wrote the book “Man’s Search for Meaning,” helping millions of people know they can choose their perspective when faced with adversity.

“...your mind is a battlefield, and the battle for your life is always won or lost in your mind.”

Craig Groeschel

“Our greatest freedom is the freedom to choose our attitude.” – Victor Frankl

The battlefield of your mind.

Refuse to listen to negative thoughts about your value and future! Instead, shut them down with positive truth statements such as:

Our emotions and actions are typically based on the thoughts we focus on.

▶ I am enough. ▶ I have value and worth. ▶ I am not a mistake. ▶ I am strong. ▶ I have grit. ▶ I choose to have character and integrity. ▶ I have a purpose. ▶ I have courage as I walk into my future.

It is common for onslaughts of negative thoughts to fill our minds, especially during sad, hurtful, traumatic, and upsetting situations.

However, there are examples of people who can inspire and encourage us to understand the power of our thoughts.

Viktor Frankl’s story shows us how strong the human mind can be. Viktor, a psychiatrist, was locked up in the Nazi death camps during World War II. Every day, he wondered if he’d see another day or face death. In those camps, he saw unimaginable horrors inflicted on people.

Don’t ever give up! Adversity will come. Sometimes, you will have battles to face and fight. Remember, you have a great purpose, and your future is worth fighting for on the battlefield of your mind!

“Forces beyond your control can take away everything you possess except one thing, your freedom to choose how you will respond to the situation.” – Victor Frankl

One day, the Nazi soldiers split the prisoners into two groups. Viktor was terrified, thinking he was done for, as the soldiers ordered him to remove his clothes in front of them. But as Viktor’s group was led into the showers, he was taken aback when water started flowing over him It was then that he realized the other group must have been led to their tragic end.

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“Be like a tree in pursuit of your cause. Stand firm, grip hard, thrust upward.

Bend to the winds of heaven. And learn tranquility.”

Richard St. Barbe Baker

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UNAFRAID TO SHINE A poem by Joshua Kaina

I purpose to sing a new song today,

I have always had an adventurous spirit at heart. I almost fell off a cliff in 6th grade because I wanted to explore.

I can begin to activate the creative spirit within me that has been untapped and unfulfilled for so long.

But somewhere along the way, fear and anxiety crept in.

I can flow in the magnificence of my design.

I thought it better to keep myself small and contained.

Brave, Shining. Valuable.

I was afraid of my light because it wasn’t like others.

Unafraid. Unashamed. Unapologetic.

I didn’t know that I had a unique radiance of my own.

Some of us fight with sheer strength.

Some fight with a pen.

I settled on believing the labels and identities that the world thought were suitable.

Some fight with the finesse of artistry.

Purpose shall arise out of my failures, pain, and shame.

An acronym could never describe the potential contained in ordinary me.

Lies come with great cost.

This is the era of new life and a new season.

Lies devour and destroy sacred purposes and destinies.

Free of labels and false identities.

Free of lack and fear.

Yet hope arises as forgotten dreams can be restored. And past losses and hurts healed.

Unafraid to shine.

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“Sometimes in life, more people tell us what we can’t do than what we can. While some may be well-meaning, others may speak out of jealousy, ill-intent, or ignorance.”

OVERCOMING INTIMIDATION.

by Dominic Jones

Everyone, except a young teenage boy. Despite being told by his own people that he was neither skilled nor strong enough and that there was no way he could win, the boy faced the giant and told him he would defeat him. The giant, both insulted and amused, laughed at the boy. Seconds later, a smooth stone launched from the young boy’s sling and struck the giant in the head, killing him.

No one wanted to fight him. He was huge!

When he stepped onto the battlefield, fear filled the hearts of everyone who saw him. Imagine basketball great Shaquille O’Neal, who stands seven feet and one inch tall, having to look up at a man almost three feet taller. To say he was intimidating was an understatement.

If the soldier’s physical stature was not enough to make the manliest of men quake in their boots, his skill as a warrior was. This man had been training for battle since he was a child and had defeated many foes. He carried both a sword and a spear 20 feet or more in length.

Everyone on the other side of the field cowered as this giant of a man yelled insults at them.

Most people know the story of David and Goliath. It’s often used as a sports comparison when an underdog goes up against someone way bigger or stronger. The truth is that David and Goliath encounters are not limited to the playing field or the arena. They are a part of everyday life.

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At some point, all of us will face a giant that seems bigger and stronger than ourselves. This giant could be a person, such as a bully, or a challenge, like overcoming an addiction, conquering a fear, or having a mountain of things to do with limited time to do them. Regardless of the form the giant takes, it intimidates us and can make us want to run and hide. Thankfully, we can take a few lessons from David to help us overcome intimidation and defeat the giants in our lives.

whereas David was only a boy. David could have let the opinions of others deter him and dictate his destiny; instead, he chose not to let what others thought about him change what he knew about himself.

Sometimes in life, we have more people telling us what we can’t do than what we can. While some may be well-meaning, others may speak out of jealousy, ill intent, or ignorance. The truth is, no one gets to define your worth…unless you let them. An anonymous author wrote, “When you start seeing your worth, you’ll find it harder to stay around people who don’t.” Surround yourself with people who see your potential and focus more on what is possible instead of what isn’t.

First, we must know our worth. When David stepped onto the battlefield, he had a clear understanding of who he was and what he was capable of. He did not compare himself to his incredibly large adversary or to the hundreds of trained and experienced soldiers watching from a distance. If he had done that, he probably would’ve ended up discouraged and too scared to even show up for the fight. Instead, he recounted all the times he used his skills to overcome adversaries bigger and stronger than himself. By focusing on who he was rather than who he wasn’t, he was able to defeat Goliath.

Lastly, we must take action. A giant left unchallenged remains a giant undefeated. It is unrealistic for us to expect the giants in our lives to simply give up and surrender without a fight; giants fall only when confronted.

Let’s be honest. Facing the people or situations that intimidate us is not easy; if it were, everyone would be doing it, and this article would be unnecessary. Taking action requires courage. Courage doesn’t mean you’re not scared—it means you choose to keep going even when you are. When you step out with courage, you realize fear is just an illusion that makes problems look bigger and you feel smaller. We discover we are capable of overcoming the giant in front of us, as well as the giants to come.

Like David, all of us are skilled and talented in our own unique way. Sadly, we sometimes forget our worth by constantly comparing ourselves to other people. We perceive, often incorrectly, that we are not as gifted, talented, or skilled as someone else, and therefore, we are unable to meet the challenge before us. This is simply not true.

The truth is, we were never intended to be anyone other than ourselves. What we don’t have is never as important as what we do have, and, even more importantly, what we do with it. When we embrace who we are and what we bring to the table, we discover our ability to solve problems and overcome challenges in our own special way.

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” – Nelson Mandela

Second, we must ignore the critics. Prior to stepping on the battlefield, David was told he could not possibly fight Goliath because Goliath was a trained warrior,

35

ACTIVIT Y

What Do You Like About You? 1.

Write seven things you like about yourself. Then, pick one of them and explain why you like that aspect of yourself.

I like

I like

I like

I like

I like

I like

I like Why:

Self-Confidence Inventory 2.

Reflecting on the following multiple-choice questions can help you discover areas for growth in confidence.

When I’m feeling insecure, I usually...

Compare myself to others on social media Talk to someone I trust Pretend everything’s fine and stuff it down Try to distract myself with a game/show/app

When I engage in social media, the type of social media post that most affects my confidence is...

Posts about people’s perfect-looking lives Posts where people get tons of likes/comments Fitness or beauty influencers Posts that make me laugh or feel encouraged

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The voice in my head sounds most like...

A supportive friend A strict coach or teacher A social media feed full of expectations Someone who doubts me

When I get a compliment, I usually...

Say “thanks” and believe it Laugh it off or change the subject Think the person didn’t really mean it Secretly appreciate it, but don’t show it

If I rated my confidence right now, I’d say it’s...

High—I know who I am Pretty good, but I still doubt myself sometimes Up and down depending on the day Low—I struggle to believe in myself

I Am Statements 3.

Write down five “I AM” statements you want to fully believe about yourself—things like I am enough, I am strong, I matter, I have purpose. Choose ones that speak to you, even if they’re hard to believe right now.

This is about speaking truth over your life and growing into it.

I AM

.

I AM

.

I AM

.

I AM

.

I AM

.

“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.“ – E.E. Cummings

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SELF-CONFIDENCE AND SOCIAL MEDIA. Anonymous

Have you ever found yourself in a scrolling daze?

I envy what someone else has. I sometimes feel thrilled because many like my posts, or I find myself down in the dumps because no one seems to be noticing my efforts.

I know I have.

When I have a free moment, my phone is my go-to. Why? Usually, because there’s nothing else to do—opening social media is easy. I find that scrolling through one video typically leads to watching yet another video.

The first is funny. The next is serious. The next one pops up, and I wonder how these three guys will make an impossible trick shot with a pool ball into that pool table pocket— from a balcony?! What’s going to happen?

How will it all end? I have to watch it!

“What you might be surprised to learn, however, is that passively consuming social media and other forms of technology, even when we’re feeling pretty good about ourselves, can result in our feeling way more sad, anxious, grumpy, annoyed, and irritable than we did moments before we logged on!”

Paula Durlofsky, Psychologist

Before I know it, five minutes of wasted time turns to thirty, and if I’m not careful, I get sucked in for an hour or two. It’s not that what I am doing is “bad” per se—it’s just not all that productive or profitable either.

I want to remind you that social media presents a reality that is often distorted. It typically does not reflect genuine, honest experiences, challenges, and struggles from daily life.

I am watching someone else’s fun versus having my own.

That kind of bothers me. Shouldn’t I really be living life versus observing someone else’s?

In December 2023, 13D Research & Strategy brought up some interesting points in their article, “How Does Technology Rewire the Intricate Circuitry of the Teenage Mind?” For those of us who invest much time using media and communications technology, here are some helpful highlights:

Keep tabs on your feelings; they will tell you a lot.

How do you feel after looking at social media? Do you feel more valued or less valued? Do you feel rested and rejuvenated or agitated, down, or stressed? I know how I feel. Usually, I have a slightly irked feeling. Either something offends me, I feel uncertain about myself, or

A research study by Seoul’s Hanyang University Medical Center examined data from over 50,000 teens. The

38

results revealed that teenagers who excessively use their smartphones have a 66% higher likelihood of reporting substance use and a 22% higher likelihood of contemplating suicide compared to their peers.

Here are some helpful ideas to reconnect with the world around you, helping you to STAND FIRM in your confidence and value: 1. Limit social media time. Many of us are addicted to social media without realizing it. There are apps that can limit your time on social media by giving you a notification when you have reached a time limit. Instead of repeatedly checking social media, check it once or twice a day.

▶ Research has pinpointed a strong connection between the increased use of smartphones and a decline in mental well-being. ▶ According to a 2022 study by the Kaiser Family Foundation, children and teenagers spend an average of 7 hours and 38 minutes each day engaging with virtual media.

2. Phone a friend. Does that sound odd? Why would you talk versus text? Express your care for others by engaging with them in a live conversation. When you talk to someone, it can lift your mood. Connection in conversation will bring real meaning to you instead of a fake connection.

▶ When children start using technology at younger ages, it can seriously have a long-lasting effect on their brain and behavioral development. They might become more prone to anxiety disorders, have greater difficulty processing emotions, and even be at risk for neurodevelopmental issues like ADHD.

3. Take a walk. Real rest is not found on a handheld device; it is found in seeing the world around you.

Notice the beauty of nature around you and the people walking by. Take in deep breaths of fresh air.

Enjoy peace.

When you get a positive message or a ‘like’ on your post, your brain releases a natural hormone called dopamine. This hormone plays a direct role in creating sensations of pleasure, motivation, joy, and satisfaction.

If the anticipated reward of “likes” is not experienced, dopamine isn’t released, making it easy to have negative feelings that can lead to depression, self-harm, and anxiety.

4. Find something you love and dive into it. Don’t just watch others—be the one doing it. If you love biking, get out there and ride like a beast. If it’s a guitar, pick it up and play your heart out. Whatever it is, own it and go all in!

I totally get that feeling. It hurts when people don’t respond—it makes me feel invisible, ignored, and like I don’t matter. But what if I put the same effort into real-life connections as I do in this online world that isn’t even real? What could change?

5. Become a learner. It is easy to get caught up in mindless videos; TikTok is famous for that. But what if you use your mind? Grow it? Harness it? There are great things to learn in the world. Identify your interest and invest in that.

How might my sense of value, worth, and significance increase? How might the joy of being in nature, having some laughs, and making in-person connections with others change my heart and mind? How might it change yours too?

There is a whole world set before you, ready and waiting to be explored. Be a pioneer and an adventurer rather than a passive watcher and observer. High-level adventure awaits you. Joy is before you. The screen is just a screen, but the mountains, real laughs, new trophies, deep meaning, and higher achievements await you. Grow your self-confidence. Go get ‘em and enjoy the exciting world set before you!

What is the alternative to experiencing the roller coaster of emotional highs and lows of social media engagement?

39

THE DRIVE TO BE SIGNIFICANT. Guardrails for Greatness and Growth.

by Samuel Pyo

“You are valuable simply because you exist.

Not because of what you do or what you have done, but simply because you are.”

Max Lucado

When I was younger, I always wanted to be helpful. I would find myself in my parents’ store in the Downtown Fashion District in Los Angeles, working as a cashier, stocking the clothing racks, and putting samples outside for people to browse through. I loved being a good worker. My desire for acceptance, praise, and love dictated my actions. I was motivated by a fear that one day, I would be cast aside because others would view me as useless.

However, what happens when we don’t reach that ideal or dream? Our insecurities can begin to take hold of our lives and control us.

As we move forward with ambitions for our future, let’s guard ourselves against an unhealthy drive for significance rooted in our fears and insecurities.

Did you know that even our desire for significance can be damaging to us when taken to the extreme? I have found that pursuits in our lives can be generally categorized in the following list, which I find to be true for most people.

Becoming more aware of the following can help us guard ourselves against falling into unhealthy traps that hinder our quality of life.

Many of us struggle with a fear of not being significant. I believe we all want to have a purpose. Our desire to be significant, useful, and competent are all great aspirations that can motivate us to move forward in life.

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Power: The desire for authority and influence to make a positive difference is a good desire. However, be aware that a person can have an unhealthy passion for power, success, winning, and influence that is rooted in the fear of being seen as useless or a ‘nobody.’ People who thirst for power want people to recognize they are successful and powerful. They tend to do whatever they please because they feel like they have the authority to do so, causing people around them to feel used. If someone perceived to be stronger comes around, they feel inferior.

Control: Taking control in your life can be a good thing, such as making good choices and taking steps forward to help ensure a successful future. There are areas in our lives where we should steward and lead with excellence. However, the drive for control that is rooted in the fear of being out of control can lead us astray. Those who are driven by control will be controlling in relationships as well and can even be abusive to keep their control over others.

The assumption that “If you study hard, you’ll go to a good college. And if you go to a good college, you’ll get a good job.

And if you get a good job, you’ll live an easy life,” is untrue.

The reality is that it is impossible to have complete control over our lives. We must recognize that, even though we may do the right things, not everything will go according to plan.

Life can be unpredictable. Recognize opportunities to grow in being flexible and resilient.

Know that you are a powerful person already. You have the power to make choices. Your words and actions carry the power to impact others around you. Your power is not meant to be used to push others down but rather to lift others up.

Approval: It is a natural human desire to want the approval of others—this is why children typically want to please their parents. There is a deep-rooted desire in all of us for someone to love us unconditionally without judgment. However, those who are driven by an unhealthy need for approval due to the fear of being alone can make others feel smothered. A tendency of an approval-driven person is people-pleasing. Because they care so much about what people think of them, they can compromise their values and convictions not to make waves.

They tend to put their identity into their performance only.

Achievement: Each of us has wonderful creativity. The drive we have to build and improve our world and make a difference using our unique gifts and talents is an admirable goal. There is also the value of doing things with excellence.

However, we get into trouble when we base our identity and self-worth on our abilities and achievements. People who need to be the best may struggle with perfectionism. There is a place for healthy competition in many areas of life. However, we need to be careful not to be extreme. It is unhealthy if a person only feels valued when they perform well, but if they don’t stand out, they feel worthless.

It is good to accept the fact that not everyone will like you—and that is okay! No one can please all people. Keep being teachable and correctable, considering the feedback of others—and at the same time, you need to be you. You already have value and worth!

Our sense of worth cannot be found solely in what we achieve or how we perform. Yes, put forth your best effort in whatever you do and embrace a good work ethic. At the same time, know this—you’re valuable just for being you. You don’t have to prove anything to matter. Whether or not you win that competition, get that A grade, or win that award, it is so important to be aware of your inner fears and what drives you to do what you do.

Comfort: It is a natural desire to want comfort in life. Having times of stress-free rest, relaxation, and fun is good and important. However, a person with an unhealthy drive for a comfort-filled life, driven by the fear of experiencing hardships, can take the ‘easy way out’ and avoid struggles at all costs. An example of this can be seen in a person who always gets A’s in class without studying and hardly doing the homework (I was that kid, and it drove all my friends nuts!). Sometimes, people who crave comfort and ease feel that people are bothersome to deal with, so they may tend to neglect relationships.

You are already capable, competent, and significant in your own unique way. Keep growing in your skills, knowledge, experiences, and gifts. Within you is incredible potential to impact lives and change the world around you!

“You are valuable simply because you exist. Not because of what you do or what you have done, but simply because you are.” – Max Lucado

Don’t avoid uncomfortable situations. Getting out of your comfort zone can stretch you to grow and mature in new ways.

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Journal What stood out to you in this chapter regarding your beliefs about yourself and any new insights you gained? In what areas would you like to grow in confidence and stand firm?

mindful doodling 42

Chapter 2: Standing Firm ACTIVIT Y

Walk it out.

• • • •

Master Your Mindset.

Overcoming Intimidation.

Self-confidence and Social Media.

The Drive To Be Significant.

Choose one or more action steps:

1.

Create a personal “I AM” affirmation statement list. Here are some helpful tips: • Be Specific: General affirmations like “I am awesome” are less impactful. More specific wording, such as “I am a great communicator,” is more effective.

• Keep Positive: Write positive, affirming statements.

Avoid negative words such as “not” or “don’t.”

• Repeat Often: The more you repeat your affirming statements, the greater transformation you will experience in your thinking.

3.

Make a list of 10 things that you like/appreciate about yourself. For some, this may be difficult, but challenge yourself!

4.

Create a Victory or Celebration Journal. Record your accomplishments, listing dates. This can be an encouraging reminder of your achievements whenever you are struggling with self-doubt. It can help you focus on the positive and be reminded of your successes and growth

• Speak Them Out Loud: It makes a difference to verbally declare your statements.

2.

Make 3-5 mini affirmation posters with positive statements and put them where you can read them daily. You can write your statements on a sticky note or index card. Examples: I am a valuable team member.

I am a creative problem solver.

The struggle is real, and so is hope.

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“There has never been another you. With no effort on your part you were born to be something very special and set apart. What you are going to do in appreciation of that gift is a decision only you can make.”

Dan Zadra

Chapter 03

Your Design you have a story.

the tough stuff can be used for good. Some of the most influential men in history faced overwhelming hardships and emerged stronger.

Here’s the deal. Think about it—no one in history has ever had the exact blend of smarts, personality, temperament, gifts, talents, passions, sense of humor, hopes, and dreams that you do.

But here is a big question: How will you express your uniqueness?

What’s even cooler is your one-of-a-kind voice. It’s not just about what you have to say but how you say it. Your voice is unlike anyone else’s on this entire planet, and it is meant to be heard.

Embrace your design and what makes you tick.

Find positive ways to express yourself. Recognize your strengths and become more aware of your weaknesses; it’s all about the journey of self-discovery and growing into a mature young person.

You have a story. Every experience, every victory, every challenge—it’s all woven into your design. Even

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YOUR PLACE. YOUR PART. YOUR PURPOSE.

by Willy Paul

“Your strosr. yYou were matte pecifically made s uence others to inflake a positive and m ence in only differ y you can.” the wa

46

I don’t know what it is, but I stub my toe a lot. Like, more than what I think is healthy. It’s gotten to the point where my pinky toes are kind of permanently scrunched up. They cower in fear every time I think I can walk through the house without turning on a single light. There have been times when I’ve had to turn down invites for fun things with my friends because it hurt so bad to wear shoes!

If you do, you are not alone! Remember the truth that you were born with great purpose and that you have immense value. You have distinctive traits, special interests, and a unique sense of humor. There is only one of you in the history of the world.

Sometimes, you may question why you have the personality and physical attributes that you have. Maybe you have even wondered why you were born into the family you were born into. Your story matters. You have the power to make a positive difference around you in only the way you can.

The weird thing is, when I have a stubbed toe, all I can think about is how bad it hurts. But when my toes don’t hurt, I don’t think about them at all. It’s strange— something so small and insignificant, so seemingly unimportant, can be forgotten so easily, yet have such a big impact at times.

Find your spot.

I love witnessing people finding a spot in life that’s perfect for them; it could be with a certain friend group, hobby, or something they just click with and instantly love to do. If you feel like you haven’t found that spot yet, then take heart! You are in an exciting position! It means that you get to keep trying new things, serving new people, and exploring all of the ways you are unique.

Don’t give up hope; be patient. You do have a spot. You were not created by accident.

There have been times when I have felt like the pinky toe of life. I’ve felt as though I don’t matter, or I’m overlooked. With being able to see all the great things in everyone else’s life through social media, it’s really easy for me to play the comparison game: “Well, I’ll never have as many followers as them. They’re way cooler than me.” or “What? Did they get another car? I’m never gonna make as much money as them. Why do I even try?”

So, what if you haven’t found your fit yet? I’d encourage you to spend some time talking with family, friends, or a trusted adult and ask them some questions about what makes you unique. What gifts and strengths do they see in you? You could also ask for their help in exploring and finding opportunities to try new things.

The truth is, even though you or I may feel small, we each have great potential to impact the world. Whenever I’m stuck in a doom scroll on social media, I remember those people I’m reading about would not be my best friends, have the same inside jokes with my family, or be part of the communities I’m in that I love being a part of. They’re doing their thing, and that’s fine. I’m so thankful, however, that I have my little spot where I can be fully myself: be loved by the people I love, and do what I love to do the way I love to do it.

As you become more self-aware of who you are and how you fit, you will grow into the person you were meant to be! Take time to reflect and appreciate the person you are and the person you are becoming.

Know the truth about your value.

You do have a place. You do have a part. You do have a purpose.

Do you sometimes struggle with the following thoughts?

“I am not significant.”

“I’m not as good as so and so.”

“I don’t matter.”

“I feel like a mistake.”

“I feel invisible.”

“I don’t have a voice.”

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WAYS TO EXPRESS YOURSELF.

by Michele Okimura

Write it! Draw it! Paint it! Make it! Dance it! Capture it!

You are one of a kind. The way you naturally enjoy expressing yourself is as unique as you are. Sometimes, words alone can’t capture the full depth of what’s inside of you. Maybe it’s singing a song, strumming an instrument, whipping up a dish, painting a canvas, inventing something new, breaking out in dance, or capturing a moment in a photograph that really does the trick!

And who knows, perhaps you want to express a value, a strong belief, or a positive message to others in your own special way.

Here are some possible ways you can explore expressing yourself. Why not try some new expressions? You may just discover something new about yourself!

1. WRITE A POEM Poetry can allow you to express your feelings freely without the constraints of needing to use correct grammar. You can even make your poem into something artistic to look at. One word repeated, or a phrase or question can be expressed randomly. Be inspired and freely write! It can rhyme or not rhyme. It can follow a pattern or not. Lyrics to a song are also considered poetic writing.

Poetry can be especially helpful to write during intense, sad, and difficult times or immense, joyful times because it can help you release those deep, dark or excited and exuberant feelings you have.

2. FILM IT OR TAKE A PHOTO

moment by taking a photo or video with your smartphone or camera when something is highlighted to you or when you are inspired to do so. Attach a meaning to that moment.

Consider taking a moment to interpret the photo, as it can express an inspirational message.

It has been said, “A picture is worth a thousand words.”

3. PAINT IT OR SKETCH IT

A photo or a video captures a moment, and the interpretation of it can speak volumes and move the heart. Photos and videos can often inspire and encourage others. Capture a

Painting or sketching can be a great way to express yourself.

Whether you are more realistic or abstract, there are no rules!

Even painting a canvas one color can mean something to you!

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The famous artist Pablo Picasso said, “Every child is an artist.

The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”

Unlike what teachers can sometimes teach you about coloring within the lines, I challenge you to color outside of the lines.

Expand the possibilities!

There are no rules when you are creating a painting or sketch— be as free and as wild as you want to be! Have the courage to express yourself through this visual way. Experiment and try releasing your feelings and thoughts in this way, and see what happens.

4. MAKE IT

6. PLAY YOUR INSTRUMENT OR SING A SONG

Maybe some of you like to build things, sculpt things, invent things, produce a film, bake things, or craft things. You can express your ideas in woodworking, interior decorating, refurbishing a car, creating a fashion statement, creating a graphic, inventing an item or a system to solve a problem… the possibilities are endless!

Making a melody can be an effective way to express our hearts.

Singing a sad song when we are sad or singing a happy song when we are happy can bring great expression. Playing a beat on a drum can express joy or anger—or playing a certain melody on any instrument can be a ‘voice’ that can powerfully and simply express our heart and mind without words. Play whatever melody comes out freely. Or sing a song while just making up the melody and words in the moment. Explore new ways of expressing yourself through music.

Something you make can express your thoughts and emotions in a tangible, symbolic way—especially if you like to work with your hands. Many different types of materials or media can be used.

7. WRITE A STORY OR A SCRIPT Whether writing a fictional story or a screenplay to express yourself or journaling a real account with real emotions, you can get what is inside of you onto paper.

There are many unique ways to express a thought or emotion through your ‘creations.’ Attach meaning to it.

5. DANCE IT For some of us, dancing it out releases what is inside of us!

Whether hip hop, popping, ballet, hula, jazz, lyrical styles, contemporary or cultural dances...or just, however—go for it!

You don’t have to be a professional to dance. It is interesting that you don’t have to ‘teach’ a toddler to dance—they just start moving their bodies to the beat of a song. Most cultures, if not every culture, have their own form of dance. Maybe we were all made to dance in our own way.

Dancing does not always need to be a formal performance in front of people. It can be an authentic expression from within.

If you are someone who enjoys dancing, consider playing a favorite song that expresses your emotions and dance to it!

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Express Yourself You have a story to tell...

You have a voice.

“I want to write, but more than that I want to bring out all kinds of things that lie buried deep in my heart. I can shake off everything as I write; my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn.”

Anne Frank, Diarist

Keep this in mind as you go through Brave Together.

We know your life can be busy, and it is challenging to start a new habit, but journaling can change your life!

Whether you journal on your computer or write with pen and paper, you can start with simple and small baby steps.

Journaling, writing down your thoughts, is one of the most profound practices! It can help you connect with your deepest feelings and help you process and work out difficult, even painful, situations. It may help you discover creative solutions and fresh insights you didn’t know you had within you. It also records your story, your personal history, that is being written with each new day.

From whispers to a roar.

Maybe your soft whispers will turn into a mighty roar that impacts this world in ways you couldn’t even imagine!

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How to begin:

• Start with writing about anything you want to write about.

• Reflect on your day.

• Pick a time of day that is best for you to write.

• If you don’t know how to begin, make a list of things you are grateful for.

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• What are your feelings and thoughts?

ACTIVIT Y

Your Design Discover / Accept / Celebrate You! There are so many various temperament and personality tests you can take to discover more of your design that are worth taking. Some are even free online! Explore and take some of those tests to discover who you are, who you are not, and your strengths and weaknesses.

You will continue growing, evolving, and stepping into your full potential throughout your life. Know that you have a unique and intentional design that you will grow into more and more as you mature. It’s a process—an

• • • • • • • • • •

exciting journey of discovering your own brilliance and living it out!

Let’s have some fun! Take a look at these four common groupings of traits that generally separate personality types (of course, we can have traits in more than one group, but we usually will relate strongest to one type).

Note that the Myers-Briggs personality test has broken it down further to 16 personality types and combinations!

• • • • • •

ANALYTICAL ORGANIZED PERFECTIONIST ORDERLY AND FACTUAL LOVES ROUTINE PROMPT/MEETS DEADLINES RESERVED PERSEVERING INQUISITIVE DETAILED AND METICULOUS

• • • • • • •

TASK-ORIENTED DOES WELL UNDER PRESSURE NATURAL LEADER – TAKES CHARGE COMPETITIVE DECISIVE AND BOLD COMMUNICATES TO THE POINT TENDS TO CONFRONT DIRECTLY WHEN IN A CONFLICT • ENJOYS CHALLENGES • SELF-RELIANT

• • • •

FEELS EMOTIONS FRIENDLY AND RELATIONAL TEAM-ORIENTED EASY GOING AND NON-DEMANDING GOOD LISTENER CARES A LOT ABOUT WHAT PEOPLE THINK OF THEM VALUES HARMONY LOYAL TENDS TO WANT TO AVOID CONFLICT SYMPATHETIC AND NURTURING

• • • • • • • • • •

ADVENTUROUS NATURAL PROMOTER AND MOTIVATOR ENERGETIC ENJOYS BEING SPONTANEOUS FREE-SPIRITED TAKES RISKS VERY VERBAL AND MIXES EASILY NATURAL VISIONARY OPTIMISTIC LIKES VARIETY

Which words in the chart above do you most identity with?

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You have a

magnificent design.

“The truth is, I really was good enough.”

SECURE IN YOUR BODY IMAGE.

by Lea Hanashiro

I hate my red, frizzy hair!!!

Every time I would compare myself to others, there was always something I wanted to change about myself. It took me a while to realize that I was actually judging myself! This led me down a road full of fear, negative thoughts, and self-hatred. What was I afraid of? Deep down, I was afraid of not being good enough for someone to love. Believing that to be true left me vulnerable to a bad relationship or being taken advantage of.

This was the first thought I had every time I looked in the mirror. I was totally convinced by society that those attractive girls had brown or blonde hair, not red hair. All my gal friends had blonde or brown hair and boyfriends. So why would a boy ever look at me and say, “She’s hot, I wanna go out with her!”? Then came college, and I found myself just hoping I would catch someone’s eye enough to ask me out.

In addition to you having a unique design to your personality, the way you think, and the special

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combination of strengths and talents you have, your physical appearance and physical abilities also have a unique design.

Whatever confusing thoughts you’re struggling with today, I encourage you to focus on the truth that you are a treasure worthy of being seen and known by the world.

Struggling to feel secure with your body is something a lot of people go through—teens and adults alike.

Everywhere we look, the culture around us throws images and messages at us—on social media, in movies, and in ads—telling us what we’re “supposed” to look like to be considered attractive. Some of us have also had to endure hurtful comments from others regarding our looks.

Ways to Value Yourself

Are you content with your looks? Do you accept the build of your body? Do you fully accept your facial features, the kind of hair you have, and the color tone of your skin? Do you like the way you look?

Appreciate your body: There is so much more to you than your physical looks. When thoughts of comparison come up, reflect on the great qualities you already have. Take good care of your body and be as healthy as you can be.

Maybe you are satisfied with your looks, or maybe you struggle with literally hating certain aspects of your body like I once did. Accepting and appreciating your unique body can be challenging.

Grow in accepting the body you have. Reframing how you see yourself with a positive perspective will propel you forward!

I had to learn new thoughts about myself that would lead me to a place of feeling loved and important. Out of these truths, I could live every day more confidently in my true self.

Manage your thoughts: Your thoughts are powerful and can inspire you if you focus on the positive. If you have dark thoughts about your looks or body, you can choose not to dwell on them. What can you be grateful for regarding your body? Shift your thinking to being thankful.

“Don’t let your mind bully your body.”

June Tomaso Wood

ACCEPT AND APPRECIATE YOUR BODY

What is the negative lie that swarms around you every day when you look at yourself in the mirror or when you compare your looks to others around you? What are the negative lies that keep you disconnected from people or cause you to be anxious rather than being the joyful and free person you were created to be?

▶ What do you like about your body?

▶ What don’t you like about your body?

Perhaps you struggle with thoughts such as: ▶ “I’m not handsome enough,” or “I am not pretty enough.” ▶ “I’m not thin enough,” or “I wish I weren’t so skinny.” ▶ “I am not muscular enough. “I’m not tall enough,” or “I wish I were shorter.” ▶ If you deal with acne or other skin issues, you might find yourself thinking, “My skin isn’t good enough.” ▶ If you have a limiting physical condition, you may painfully struggle with those limitations. ▶ Or even “I’m not lovable enough.

▶ Some people are blind, deaf, or without limbs. Some people have lost their sense of smell or taste. Some people have heart problems or serious health conditions.

What would change in your life if you focused on what your body CAN do rather than your looks?

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ACTIVIT Y

Media Messages Reflection 1.

Where do most of your body image beliefs come from? (Choose all that apply:) Social media Family comments Friends and classmates TV or movies Personal experiences Faith or spirituality

2.

Reflect on which voices are worth listening to—and which ones you might need to tune out.

Accept and Appreciate Your Body 1.

What do you like about your body?

2.

What don’t you like about your body?

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Some people are blind, deaf, or without limbs. Some people have lost their sense of smell or taste.

Some people have heart problems or other serious health conditions.

3.

What would change in your life if you focused on what your body CAN do rather than your looks?

“What My Body Does For Me” List 1.

Write down six things your body helped you do today.

Example: walked to school, hugged a friend, danced, laughed, breathed deeply.

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SEASONS OF LIFE: RINGS AND THINGS.

by Michele Okimura

were a “If my bnokd,ythe rings tree trusurely reveal would e it has had the tim ture.” to ma

- Robert M.

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Hensel

Trees are like time machines.. They quietly keep track of everything they have been through. The rings of a tree not only reveal its age, they also tell a story that can include:.

Sometimes, it may feel like the season you are in will never end, although you want it to! Don’t rush the process. Take time to recognize what your current season is teaching you. Growth isn’t always obvious in the moment, but every season—good or bad—plays a role in shaping you.

▶ Moments of painful injury. ▶ Times of persevering through the fires. ▶ The years when it drank up the overflow of refreshing rain. ▶ The years when the tree strained to survive during times of drought and lack.

Are you in a season of learning and growing? A hardworking season pushing toward a goal? A waiting season while hoping for change or answers?

Even though each ring is uniquely different, they form something beautiful together.

You don’t have to have everything figured out right now.

Life doesn’t need to be perfect for it to be meaningful.

Just focus on the season you’re in, and ask:

Like a tree, we grow season by season, adding a new layer to who we are each year. Over time, we can become stronger and bloom in new ways.

What is this season teaching me?

What do I need to let go of?

What small step can I take today?

Like a tree, you were not meant to have rings that look the same, even and uninterrupted. The different seasons of your life are designed to shape you, gradually coming together to create something truly meaningful and profound. The difficult times in your life could be the start of the next big thing that causes you to stretch, grow, and flourish.

Each season has a purpose.

“There is purpose in your season of waiting.”

Megan Smalley How each season shapes you depends on how you respond to it. Enjoy the present, embrace the lessons, and trust that this season is preparing you for what’s next. The more you appreciate where you are, the more ready you’ll be for where you’re going.

Reflect on your past experiences. You have a history worth remembering. There is a brave beauty that is illustrated in your rings, the chapters of your life.

You are becoming someone strong and beautiful, just like the rings of a tree.

How would you describe the season you are in now?

Warm, summery days? Falling red and orange leaves?

A cold, wintry breeze? Or the new, green growth of springtime?

Knowing your season

“Be aware of what season you are in and give yourself the grace to be there.” — Kristen Dalton “There is a season for everything under the sun - even when you can’t see the sun.” — Jared Brock

Life isn’t a race—it is a journey with different seasons, with some seasons being exciting and fun while others are confusing, lonely, or tough. It might feel like a hard season will last forever—but it won’t.

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In each box, write a word, phrase, description, or sketch with a short interpretation of what each season means to you. How would you define each season for yourself?

WINTER

SPRING

SUMMER

FALL

Every new season of your life will be an opportunity for you to learn and grow.

Don’t celebrate the good without celebrating the bad because they both work together to prepare you for the next season of your life.”

Theresa Lewis

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REFLECTION ACTIVIT Y

What do the various seasons of life express to you?

Spring

Fall leaves can represent change and transition—the

Summer days can mean the freedom of vacation

Winter time can mean different things—like a time

often represents new life. Winter has melted away. There is new growth, flower buds, and green sprouts. What does the spring season mean to you?

time, summer berries, and days basking in the warm sun. What does the summer season mean to you?

old leaves fall away, making way for winter—yet what a vibrant show fall leaves display! What does the fall season mean to you?

of rest when many plants and animals hibernate. It could also mean the festivities and fellowship of the holidays or a time of chilly loneliness for some. What does the winter season mean to you?

1. Journal and describe a spring season you once had, sharing what you learned and how you grew.

2. Journal and describe a summer season you once had, sharing what you learned and how you grew.

3. Journal and describe a fall season you once had, sharing what you learned and how you grew.

4. Journal and describe a winter season you once had, sharing what you learned and how you grew.

Wisdom From Every Season 1. What do you consider your biggest mistakes in life so far?

2. What were some lessons you learned from them? Wisdoms gained?

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ACTIVIT Y

“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we’ll ever do.” – Brené Brown

THE POWER OF YOUR STORY Think back over the different stages of your life. Recall significant and memorable experiences. The events in your unique life story shaped who you are today. The following activity will help illustrate how your story reveals clues you may not know about your design.

1.

On this timeline, from birth to present, graph and label 3-5 significant events in your life that are positive memories. Also, mark and label 3-5 significant negative events in your life that caused you emotional pain.

• • •

What were your greatest successes?

Was it an individual success or a team success?

When did you feel most excited?

Recall the greatest challenges and painful times you had to overcome. *Use the space above and below the timeline for your recordings.

Birth

Present

2.

How did you feel doing this timeline activity?

3.

Looking at your timeline, you see the hills and valleys of life you experienced. Do you notice any themes or patterns? If so, make a note of them here:

4.

Meditate on your timeline for a moment. Do you notice anything? Is there something you never saw or realized before? If so, what is highlighted to you?

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“Do you know what you are? You are a marvel.

You are unique. In all the years that have passed, there has never been another child like you. Your legs, your arms, your clever fingers, the way you move. You may become a Shakespeare, a Michaelangelo, a Beethoven. You have the capacity for anything.

Yes, you are a marvel.”

PABLO CASALS

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Journal

Refer to the colored personality chart in the article “Your Design.” We are often a combination of personality types but are usually strong in one of them. Which type of personality do you identify with the most? What reflections helped you reach that conclusion? What are some insights you gained from this discovery?

mindful doodling 64

Chapter 3: Your Design

• • • •

ACTIVIT Y

Walk it out.

Your Place. Your Part. Your Purpose.

Ways to Express Yourself.

Secure in Your Body Image.

Seasons of Life: Rings and Things.

Choose one or more action steps:

1.

Look at the article “Ways to Express Yourself.”

Pick one of the seven expressions you have not tried before and do a related activity. You may discover a new way to enjoy expressing yourself. It is good to experiment with new expressions to see if you enjoy them or not.

2.

Look online and read up on articles on ‘personality shapes.’ If you had to pick a shape to represent you, are you drawn to a triangle, square, circle, or squiggly line? You will find great descriptions of each shape (that you will find accurate for the most part), learn about your personality type, and appreciate the differences.

4.

If you struggle with accepting your body image, talk kindly to yourself in the mirror every morning instead of focusing on what you consider flaws. You can say at least one positive sentence to yourself, such as: “My body is strong.”

“I am more than my looks; I am full of purpose, strength, and value.”

“I am thankful for what my body helps me do every day.”

“I choose to respect and care for my body.”

3.

Search online and read articles on ‘4 Animal Personality Types.’ You may find a free survey to fill out to discover which personality type you relate most to. It can help you to understand and appreciate your design and the designs of others.

The struggle is real, and so is hope.

Text 494949 to chat now | FREE Mental Health Chat Center | 24/7 for those over 13 years old.

1-888-373-7888 | Toll-Free Hotline | 24/7 65 | Confidential | Get Help. Report Trafficking.

“Creativity is seeing what everyone else has seen, and thinking what no one else has thought.” Albert Einstein “The creative process is a process of surrender, not control.” Julia Cameron “Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun.” Mary Lou Cook

Chapter 04

Born to Create YOUR CREATIVE FLOW.

From a very young age, you imagined and created.

Every time you looked up at the sky and saw that those clouds weren’t just clouds but a dinosaur or your favorite person’s face, you were being creative. When you played in the sandbox and built structures with the wooden blocks, you were using your imagination.

Pretend play? My favorite pastime. Being a doctor, or the person at the checkout stand, or the police officer, you were honing your imagination by creating details you decided on rather than being told. You, without instruction or knowing, were creating.

It’s still within you. You dream about the future, who you will become, and the paths you might take. Your imagination continues to shape the world around you, and your creative spirit is there for you to explore and unleash it.

There are times when you don’t feel creative. Creativity isn’t something that is always on, and sometimes it needs a little space to activate. When you are feeling stuck, explore new things, no matter how small. Take a new route to school, turn a beloved item upside down to gain a new perspective, or take a walk to clear your mind of voices that may be stressing you.

Give yourself permission to explore without pressure.

You decide. Watch what happens! Creativity often shows up when you least expect it. Keep believing in your abilities to create because you have been doing it since childhood.

“Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun.” – Mary Lou Cook

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Do Something Creative Every Day.

YOU ARE A CREATIVE GENIUS! A MASTERPIECE IN PROGRESS

by Jan Tetsutani

Many people struggle with believing they can be creative.

Usually, creativity is associated with the arts, but I assure you, it is so much more than that! Think about it. A smartphone started with an idea in someone’s imagination before it ever existed. The same can be said with a medical procedure, a new business strategy, how to bring unity in the midst of conflict, advancing technology, sports, science, stories, visual arts, poetry, or even helping someone in need. Creativity looks beyond the obstacles and sees the possibilities.

stars in the night sky, it can cause one to wonder. Like the stars in the sky, you too can cause people to wonder, to pause, to be inspired. Copycat paintings are not as valuable because they are not the original, but, you—you are THE original, one-of-a-kind masterpiece!

The majority of the time the purpose of something is determined before it is created. The creator did not create a chair and then think it would be for sitting. A paintbrush wasn’t made to stir soup. Just as a ladle wasn’t created to paint. You are made with a purpose!

1. Take some time to lay on the ground and look at the stars in the sky. What does this cause you to think or feel?

TAKE SOME TIME TO REFLECT

2. What is unique about yourself (what do you feel passionate about, what are your gifts & talents, your skills, your unique perspective, your experiences)?

You are uniquely made with different gifts, talents, passions, experiences, perspectives, and stories. You have a unique expression like no one else. Don’t allow yourself to get caught up in the comparison trap.

3. How would you feel about your friend trying to be someone else? Why would that upset you? Have you been comparing yourself to someone else?

Sometimes we can feel of little or no value because of the way we’ve been treated. We may feel stomped on, rejected, and discarded. But this does not change your value. If a hundred-dollar bill were to drop on the ground, get trampled on, and get into the gutter—would it still carry its value? Of course! Because its value has never changed, despite what it has been through.

Your value never changes!

4. What are some ways that you can dream and creatively express yourself this week?

Could you paint, write poetry, compose a song, or write out the business idea you have been thinking about? Could you figure out a solution to a problem your friend is facing?

Have you been facing a problem? Could you brainstorm some ideas to bring a solution?

In the art world, what makes a masterpiece so valuable is its uniqueness and beauty. It can cause the admirer to pause, reflect, and be inspired. When you reflect on the vastness of an ever-expanding universe, recognizing the beauty of the

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what if?

by Michele Okimura

You. A complex sign, wonder, and celebration in this world. You were born to create. You. A unique combination of science and art. What if?

What if a dance imparted hope?

What if a technological breakthrough served the poor?

What if a drama secured a dream?

What if a painting transformed a city?

What if... as you created... brilliant wisdom, inspiration, and solutions were released that changed lives?

What if a strategy ignited vision?

Be released into your creative design!

What if a poem healed depression?

What if this is your time to create?

What if a song mended a shattered heart?

What if a creative solution impacted generations?

Freedom awaits you!

Create to serve. Create to express love.

Create to make a difference and be the change.

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THE POWER OF CREATIVITY.

by Sheldon Lacsina

“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”

Maya Angelou Artwork by Sheldon Lacsina

“There’s no way you drew that!”

It was the end of my 5th-grade year. Up until that point, I couldn’t draw anything well. I was sitting next to the best artist in the school, Salvador. We were all supposed to draw something for our final project…I chose to draw a flamingo.

After I finished my drawing, I looked at it, and to my surprise, it looked pretty good to me. Just to double-check to see if what I was seeing was correct, I showed it to my friend Salvador.

He blurted, “Oh my goodness, this is amazing! Look at what Sheldon drew,” as he held my sketch up for everyone in the class to see.

Someone shouted, “YOU drew that, Salvador! Sheldon is not that talented!”

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“It was me!” I shouted, still in shock at what I had drawn.

“Seriously, it was me!”

So, “What do you need to start now?” Here are some tips to help you get started when it comes to creativity:

A bunch of classmates challenged me and said, “Then draw something else! We want to see you try.”

1. Start small.

If you want to get stronger in any skill or ability, you will need to begin creating. Work on a small project to get started. If it’s learning a new instrument, research it before you purchase it.

If you already have the instrument, just start with five minutes of creating music and build from there. If it’s poetry, write a short poem. If it’s video editing, make a 15-second video clip. Just start small.

So, I drew another bird, which looked just as good as the picture I copied. From that day forward, I realized I could draw anything!

Fast forward years later. One day, while I was in high school, someone teased my artwork. I told my sister, who is a year older than me, what the person said. She didn’t defend me or ask me who it was who said it. She simply said, “Sheldon, everyone is an artist in their own special way.”

2. Find out what kind of environment activates your creativity best.

That’s all I needed to hear to understand that creativity has no boundaries and you cannot make mistakes being creative.

Releasing creativity is about exploring the possibilities and, at the same time, learning to get better with every creative moment.

For example, let’s say you want to master a certain exercise routine. Be creative and do a short workout with music if the music gets you in the mood and motivates you. Discover what kind of atmosphere helps to activate your creativity—is it being in a quiet room? Is it being inside or outside? Is it listening to a certain kind of music?

The power of creativity is available to anyone because creativity comes from the person creating it, not from someone else approving of it. Everyone is creative in their own special way.

3. Be consistent.

Discipline is far more important than the outcome. Develop habits that will help you get better at what you’re being creative in. Your habits will lead to better outcomes.

There are so many ways to be creative. Some people are creative with their words, some with their music, some with their athletic ability, some with art, poetry, writing, thinking, building something, and sometimes even how they live their lives. You can creatively present an idea, an innovation, a solution, or a design that expresses your unique perspectives.

4. Have fun.

You must enjoy the journey. Be okay with making mistakes… you can always learn from them. Be patient with yourself, and don’t take yourself so seriously. Know that some people may say negative things to you, but don’t let that discourage you or stop you from proactively expressing your creativity.

Decide whether any criticism has some value to help you grow and improve or if you should simply disregard that comment.

Being creative is about presenting a piece of art, a design, an idea, or an innovation in a way that is filtered through your own unique perspective, talent, and skills.

Sometimes, we have difficulty being creative because we compare our creation to something else or ourselves to someone else. Instead, focus on what you’re feeling rather than how you think someone will respond to your creation. You can always learn from the end result of what you’re creating.

Use whatever ability you have to be creative as you dream big dreams for your life. You will see the world around you get better because you were able to add your creativity to a world that needs it.

Taking the first step to create is the hardest part of the creative process. It takes courage to take risks and to step out. If you don’t start something, you can’t build from there. So, just start creating. You can always adjust from that point on. but if you don’t start at all, there’s nothing to improve, nothing to learn from, nothing to work with, nothing for you to enjoy, and nothing for others to receive.

Keep expressing your creativity in your own unique way, If you do, I believe someday people will be in awe of what you created and will exclaim, “No way you just did that! Wow! That’s amazing!”

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IMAGINATION.

Your Hidden Superpower.

by Frank Monteleone

If you could wake up tomorrow with a superpower, what would it be?

artistically. Your mind has the ability to create through the power of imagination.

Have you ever been asked that? If not, have you ever thought about it before? Which superpower would you pick if you could?

What if you unlocked your imagination to envision bigger possibilities for your future that exceeded all of your natural expectations of what you can do in your life? Could the power of your imagination be untapped in your inner thought life?

Your imagination can help to release your immense potential.

Through your imagination, things are created, and the doors of possibilities open wide.

What if I could show you that you have a superpower within you?

We all have an imagination. As a kid, I am sure you had a big one, as children often do. People may think our imagination is something not to be taken too seriously. I wonder if you have ever heard a teacher or mentor say to you, “If you can just work on growing your imagination, then you’ll be a success in whatever you do.”

“Your imagination is your preview of life’s coming attractions.” – Albert Einstein I believe your imagination, which is your ability to envision, see with your mind’s eye, and dream, is one of the key ways to discover and understand your purpose and the treasures within you.

Unlike animals, human beings have the ability to imagine the future, dream, envision possible inventions, and create

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There was a point in my life years ago when I was beaten down by what I did for a living because the film industry can be so competitive. I would audition for parts in projects, and it was common not to hear back whether I got the role or not.

Experiencing rejection in the workplace was a real thing. The emotional roller coaster I was on became too much for me to handle. I hit a wall and thought, “This is no way to live!”

Think of imagination as a tool for fulfilling our dreams, our life’s call, and making a positive difference in this world.

I am an actor and film producer. I create movies for a living, which involves creating the characters in them. Bringing a film to life takes sitting down, writing a script, and then implementing the creative plan with a team of people. This intense process involves my team and me constantly using our imagination and envisioning power to produce the best possible outcome. Many times, inspiration and solutions are seen in our imagination.

I then experienced a crossroads moment one day when I was feeling so distraught. My inner voice unexpectedly asked me, “What do you want?”

This question stunned me initially. I responded with, “I want to make a movie, my wife’s screenplay.”

This took me off guard because such an idea was NOT on my radar at the time. My wife was also an actress and had just completed a screenplay about her experience on a reality TV show singing competition. It was a comedy about what it was really like to be on one of those shows. It was also an inspirational story of perseverance, having hope, and dreaming big—even though sometimes dreams can turn out differently from what we originally imagined. I didn’t even know this was something I wanted to do.

In this one moment, my love for making movies suddenly found an expression. I somehow had confidence and an inner knowing that this movie would indeed be made!

I would go on to produce American Reject with singer, songwriter, and actor Billy Ray Cyrus, actress and singer Annaleigh Ashford, and many more team members. Miraculously, sound stages were gifted to us for free, and the cast and crew came together!

This adventure of witnessing what was in my imagination becoming reality blew my mind. And it all started with my inner voice asking me what I wanted to do.

You have this very ability to reflect upon the hopes and dreams within your heart and see what rises.

Ask yourself, “What if…?”

Envision possibilities. I believe creative thoughts will begin to burst forth like a geyser as you allow your imagination to explore possibilities freely. Write the vision down, and take visual pictures using your imagination. I believe you’re about to create and connect a world of possibilities inside of you for everyone to see and be helped, encouraged, and inspired!

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“There is no doubt that creativity is the most important human resource of all. Without creativity, there would be no progress, and we would be forever repeating the same patterns.”

Edward De Bono

CONQUER THOSE CREATIVITY KILLERS!

by Michele Okimura

There are obstacles that can put a limit on or downright stop our creative flow.

We can become more aware of creativity killers and overcome them by changing our perspectives. Be open to looking at your beliefs or character issues that are stunting your free flow!

Let’s take a look at the Dirty Dozen creativity killers.

Check off the ones you struggle with the most and focus on overcoming those hurdles.

THE DIRTY DOZEN o LIES AND LABELS: Specifically surrender any beliefs you have that say you are not creative or intelligent! Believe that you are a creative genius in your own unique way!

o RULES to ‘color in the lines’: University professors, even at the most elite Ivy League schools, encourage their architecture students to forget the rules to ‘color in the lines’ that they learned in childhood! By freeing their imagination, they are then able to envision the most amazing buildings that can be considered works of art! Set your imagination free—it’s like a muscle that needs to be exercised. See what is possible! May your childlike wonder and curiosity rise once again!

ration will come. Seek help if you suffer from chronic anxiety. Do activities that can help decrease your anxiety, such as deep breathing, exercise, and meditating on positive quotes.

o FEAR of being judged and rejected: Being afraid of being judged or rejected will freeze up your creative flow. Despite the fact that some may judge you or dislike your work, take steps of faith and explore! It is worth the risk to discover more of your creative design. Taking baby steps out of your comfort zone may lead to open doors and you’ll grow your capacity to create!

o NEGATIVITY: Stewing in negative thinking can hinder your creativity due to the swirl of dark thoughts filling your mind. If you struggle with disappointment or feel disillusioned towards a situation or person, pursue getting help.

Practice gratitude.

o FEAR of failure: Creating anything puts you in a vulnerable position to fail.

With each experience, you will grow and learn things as you keep your heart teachable. Making a mistake does not make you a mistake! Remember that Thomas Edison had numerous failures before he finally invented the light bulb that changed the world! o ANXIETY, STRESS: Creativity can flow more freely when you have a clear mind, peace in your heart, a positive outlook, and an expectation that inspi-

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o DEPRESSION: Seek help if you find yourself depressed and in a tailspin of sadness and lethargy. Focus on being grateful and celebrate what blessings you do have. Be in a community with other people who will walk with you to victory.

o PEOPLE PLEASING: You cannot please everyone. Yes, it can be helpful to consider feedback from others but do not let your motivation be to please others. o PERFECTIONISM: Valuing excellence in whatever we do is a good thing.

Yet, the stress and drive to be perfect are unhealthy and damaging to overall health. Silence that harsh task master’s voice inside of you! o PRIDE: Humility will keep you teachable and ever-growing. It requires a humble heart to consider input and equipping from others. Humility will also aid you when you need to collaborate

with others on any creative project.

Other people’s ideas may spark even more creative directions and ideas in you. o LACK OF TIME: Ever find yourself too busy or exhausted from constant activities? Do you tend to procrastinate? Do you have difficulty managing your time, so you are not as productive as you should be? How many hours do you spend on social media? Are you addicted to your phone? Creating and innovating takes time. Some helpful tips to overcome this hurdle are:

▶ Write down some goals. ▶ Set priorities: what are the most important tasks today or this week? ▶ Write a to-do list to follow. ▶ Find a time and place with no distractions for creating.

color outside the lines.

“Gutenberg connected the coin punch with the wine press to create the printing press. Mendel connected math with biology to create genetics. Fred Smith connected the hub and spoke idea of the wagon wheel to the U.S. Postal Service and created Federal Express.

The roll-on deodorant was modeled after the ballpoint pen. Drive-in movies inspired drive-in banks. The common cocklebur inspired the design for the billion-dollar Velcro industry. You have the power to connect—use it!

Creating can fuel your soul and inspire others! o MENTAL BLOCK: Sometimes, we can get so familiar with looking at things and situations in the same way. Sometimes, you need to challenge yourself to think of new options and to ask yourself the question, “What if...?” Think out of the box. Do something new or learn something new to stretch your mind. Remember, inspiration often comes to us when doing non-linear things like walking the dog, washing dishes, or taking a walk! Sometimes, we just need a mental break from overanalyzing to get creative.

Roger von Oech

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Set Your Imagination Free!

Rediscovering your creative side might mean looking back to when you were a kid—when you felt the most free to express yourself. Back then, you probably loved using your imagination, playing without overthinking, and just having fun being silly.

Be a Courageous Creative!

What Do You Like To Do? ▶ What do you enjoy doing?

▶ What are your interests?

▶ What activities help you process your feelings?

Answer these questions by checking the boxes below that apply to you: o Crack jokes to make people laugh. o Solve a math problem. o Develop new recipes. o Cook or bake. o Sing or play an instrument. o Create strategies in a sport. o Photography. o Create a thought-provoking post. o Make or craft things. o Design fashion.

o Organize. o Dance. o Do media-related activities. o Medicine or health-related topics. o Entrepreneurship/Business. o Gardening. o Draw. o Organize a mess. o Act in a play. o Write music.

o Do creative writing. o Writing non-fiction. o Do science experiments. o Invent things. o Public speaking. o Debate. o Problem solving. o Work in technology. o Environmental studies. o Other:

Exploring Your Creative Mind Let’s explore. Maybe you will discover something about yourself that you can appreciate. How did you use your imagination and creativity as a child? What activities did you enjoy doing in your playtime? What toys did you play with?

Be a Creative Solutionist!

Use your creativity to be the change and make a positive difference.

How do you like to help people, or what wrongs do you want to make right in the world?

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” – Pablo Picasso

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ADVENTURING IN CREATIVITY.

by Theresa Dedmond

“In some situations, it takes grit and effort to stand firm to be different, and stand up against what everyone else seems to be doing.”

All of us were created for adventure. That’s why so many love action-packed movies about the underdog becoming the hero. We were made for crazy fun “adventuring,” whether watching our favorite movie series, playing our favorite sports, discovering new areas of our passion, or exploring thrilling places where we can get an adrenalin rush. Adventuring can look different for each person.

As young people, you were created to test your limits

in positive ways and go on quests to discover more of who you are and your unique design.

In fact, one of the greatest adventures we will ever go on will be finding out why we’re alive and who we are meant to be. Your passions and dreams can point to your purpose.

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Let me tell you a little about my story and how I discovered who I was destined to be.

Small children saw their parents die and then were left for 100 days to seek shelter and hide from the Hutu tribe. Years later, in 2010, those young children who had experienced the trauma of genocide had grown to be teens and young adults. I was asked to bring emotional healing to those teens and young adults through compassion and creativity. I led a team of 30 people from America to serve. This life-changing experience brought so much transformation to lives, leading me to create an online healing course, Create to Be Free.

When I was around three years old, I watched my Mom paint and create beautiful art in all kinds of ways.

Every part of my house held a treasure she’d sculpted, painted, and designed. She bought me my first art book, oil pastels, and watercolors, which ignited my love for creating art.

I also loved music, acting, and creative writing. I started playing the piano when I was around 12 and then began singing in bands around age 14. Then, through the influence of one of my high school teachers, I submitted my poems to a national poetry contest and won third and fourth place nationally, which blew me away!

I didn’t know it, but my experiences throughout my life had prepared me to help people find their creative destinies and heal from fear and trauma. This is my purpose in life.

So—what about you?

I have continued to create throughout my life to the present day, leading me to influence numerous people of all ages to find freedom and passion through what they create. The creative arts are my passion and my way of communicating.

What is it?

Find your creative voice and passion. You can discover deep insights by investing time in creating, playing, and dreaming.

You may be in that discovery phase, where you feel passionate about a certain subject, creative expression, sport, or vocation in life. Pursue growing skills and knowledge in those areas that excite you. Seek opportunities to explore those passions.

Here are some steps you can take to find out who you are and start adventuring with freedom.

Ask yourself these questions and then start to adventure forward in life:

It often takes courage, perseverance, and patience to follow your passions and find your creative expression.

In some situations, it takes grit and effort to stand firm, be different, and stand up against what everyone else seems to be doing. I firmly believe you were born to accomplish something significant and meaningful.

You have dreams within you that are meant to make the world a better place.

1. What do you love to do, and what makes you come alive?

2. What have you done since you were young (like me with art) that helps you process your feelings and heart?

3. What wrong do you want to make right?

4. How do you like to help people?

5. What friends can support you and believe in you?

Going to Rwanda

I hope this helps you to discover your identity and that one day we can meet and I can see your story intersect with mine—until then—remember…YOU WERE BORN TO CREATE!

Can creativity promote healing in people’s lives?

Your passion may lead you on crazy adventures like what happened to me in Rwanda. In 1994, there was a massive genocide where two tribes who had lived peacefully next to one another began to hate one another. The Hutu Tribe massacred the Tutsi tribe, killing almost one million people. It was a heartbreaking situation.

Theresa Dedmon theresadedmon.com

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Journal What stood out to you in this chapter regarding your beliefs about the power of creativity in your life?

What new insights have you gained? In what areas would you like to grow in your unique creative expression?

I am Creative Mindful Lettering: Trace the lettering. It does not have to be perfect. You may rewrite the phrase a number of times on the page. Enjoy the process of mindful lettering.

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Chapter 4: Born to Create

• • • •

ACTIVIT Y

Walk it out.

You Are a Creative Genius.

The Power of Creativity.

Imagination. Your Hidden Superpower.

Adventuring In Creativity.

Choose one or more action steps:

1.

Explore the arts! Whether you are actively involved in the arts or not, we are all created to appreciate artistic expressions such as an eye-catching painting or photo, a good movie, a compelling song or dance, or the artistry found in nature! Get inspired by exposing yourself to something creatively artistic and glean meaning and insights from art. Here are some ideas: • Attend a live music or dance performance (or watch a video) • Go to see a live play • Visit your local art museum • Watch a good movie • Visit an aquarium or zoo

2.

Creativity expresses itself in unlimited ways —through math, humor, business ideas, fixing things, solving problems, and the list goes on. Note that there are firemen who landscape and engineers who enjoy filmmaking. Explore opportunities around you to develop your favorite creative expression by taking a class, doing a project, acting on a business idea, or starting a blog or YouTube channel.

3.

Andrew Ng, a British-American computer scientist and technology entrepreneur who impacted so many with his work on AI, said this: “In my own life, I found that whenever I wasn’t sure what to do next, I would go and learn a lot, read a lot, talk to experts. I don’t know how the human brain works but it’s almost magical: when you read enough or talk to enough experts, when you have enough inputs, new ideas start appearing.”

Interview someone you know who you consider a creative expert. Remember, a person can be creative in many ways beyond the arts. Ask the person to share their insights on how to give creative thinking a boost. When do creative ideas usually come to them?

What works for them may not work for you, but you can still gain knowledge and wisdom that can spur your creativity.

4.

Take time out to relax your mind for at least 10-15 minutes daily for one week. Unplug from technology.

Your next innovative or creative idea may come when you are watching a sunset, sitting at the bus stop, or taking a walk. Notice if these breaks from busyness help your creative flow.

The struggle is real, and so is hope.

Text 494949 to chat now | FREE Mental Health Chat Center | 24/7 for those over 13 years old.

1-888-373-7888 | Toll-Free Hotline | 24/7 81 | Confidential | Get Help. Report Trafficking.

“A dream gives us hope for the future, and it also brings us power in the present. It makes it possible for us to prioritize everything we do.”

John Maxwell

Chapter 05

Freedom to Dream

You have a profound purpose, and your dreams can point to that purpose. Dreaming BIG for your future is important because your dreams can impact the entire direction of your life. Dreams can have the potential to bring positive transformation to this world and extraordinary solutions to problems, making the

Dreaming doesn’t initially cost us anything, but it’s when we take action steps towards our dreams that they truly come alive. Dreaming can open up a world of possibilities, empowering us to turn our dreams into reality.

world a better place.

In this next chapter, you will gain valuable keys to discover and unlock your dreams. Let us go on a treasure hunt to discover the hopes and dreams inside of you!

Even if we don’t accomplish all of our dreams in the ways we anticipate, dreams add value and meaning to our lives. They set our vision on something bigger than ourselves in the face of life’s challenges.

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“There is no greater gift you can give or receive than to honor your calling. It’s why you were born. And how you become most truly alive.”

“When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.”

Oprah Winfrey

Audre Lorde

What am I here for?

The world is waiting for you to be who you were designed to be and do what makes you...fully alive!

Take courage...IMAGINE...Impact others!

Speak your dream OUT LOUD.

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“Dream big, dare greatly, and shine brightly.”

Robin Sieger

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SO THE ADVENTURE BEGINS. Explore, Discover, Dream Big!

by Kai Klein

“Adventure is worthwhile in itself.”

Amelia Earhart, American aviator pioneer

Adventure is a word that warns of taking great risks; it gives you the anticipation that exciting circumstances are coming.

It means diving into the unknown even though it involves risk and sometimes even danger.

Now, for clarification, experiencing adventure in life doesn’t always look like an action-adventure movie. It’s not always scoring touchdowns in a football game, being a stunt driver for a race car movie, exploring uncharted mountain trails, or catching the biggest wave as a surfer. It’s not always bombastic and outrageous and dangerous. Let’s be realistic. Not all of us are going to be called to do those things.

In your life, there are dreams to be fulfilled. In the journey of dreams to fulfillment, there are mountains to be conquered, battles to be won, and possibilities to be explored.

However, I believe we were all created to have a sense of adventure—to be a bit wild at heart at times and to accomplish

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Embrace the ‘Attitude of Adventure.’ Whether you see yourself as adventurous or not, life happens. You get to decide how you will approach each situation.

worthy goals. Adventure can look different for every person and in the different seasons of life. We were not meant to be bored and passive and settle for the mundane, simply coping in life.

“Attitude is the difference between an ordeal and an adventure.” – Bob Bitchin

My Uncle Pat is someone who refused to settle for an ordinary life. Many years ago, he had a dream and started a global organization to bring food, resources, and other humanitarian support to impoverished people in China and other countries throughout Asia.

Here are some helpful perspectives and attitudes that can help you along the way: ▶ Anticipate good things. How about taking a moment at times to stir up a bit of excitement and wonder, “What will happen next?

Unfortunately, the Chinese government didn’t like what he was doing, so they blacklisted him from entering the country ever again. In order to continue the mission he was called to do, Uncle Pat had his name legally changed to “Jason Bourne” so he could enter the country again. (If you don’t know the Bourne movies, Google them!) Uncle Pat has since returned to China many times despite the danger he knows he faces every time. He has become a real-life Jason Bourne.

▶ Take off the limits you put on yourself. Don’t put yourself in a box—be open to trying new things and dreaming big. ▶ When things go wrong, stay positive and flexible.

Progress is not a straight line upward, as sometimes going in circles for a bit is part of the process! Challenges can be stressful, but being flexible and adopting an attitude of adventure can help you see unexpected gifts and experience personal growth!

Here are some tips for becoming an adventurous person who fulfills their purpose in life: Avoid staying in your comfort zone. The enemy of adventure is forever staying in your comfort zone.

▶ Take joy in the moment. You may have big goals and dreams, but don’t forget to enjoy the process. Remember, the journey is an adventure.

“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”

Neale Donald Walsh Everyone loves the feeling of being comfortable, right? Although it sounds good, being in this place of constant comfort isn’t good for you or for anyone else. Some people go through life existing in this way, thinking that they are free from danger because they have a false sense of control over their circumstances. They are actually controlled and enslaved by their need for comfort. It’s an extremely dangerous way to try to live because you never give yourself an opportunity to grow or expand the horizons of who you can become as a person.

Are you ready to live an exciting life and really start making an impact in the lives of those around you?

Do not always stay in your comfort zone. When it comes to personal growth and living life to the fullest on a daily level, we have to be willing to break out of our comfort zones and take some leaps of faith. The most interesting people I know are those who have taken significant steps out of their comfort zone.

As you continue the Brave Together journey you are on, may your sense of adventure and purpose be activated in greater ways.

Take that step of faith! Take a risk that will change your life for the better. The world needs you at your best, and the best you that you can offer is the one who steps out of your comfort zone. Life is an amazing adventure when we live this way.

Dream On!

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BIG DREAMS, BOLD LIFE. What You Envision Matters.

“Dream big, dare greatly, and shine brightly.”

ROBIN SIEGER

by Michele Okimura

Dreamers are welcome here.

imagination. Sometimes, our dreams are forgotten... but they can later be brought back to life. I believe we human beings were designed to dream because we have the ability to envision and imagine.

Are you up for a journey to unlock the dreams inside you and let your passion and brilliance shine even brighter?

Perhaps there is an untamed, fearless, wild dreamer within you waiting to arise and be unleashed!

Why dream? You are a human treasure box with hidden riches inside.

What is a dream?

It is a picture of the future that you want to live in someday. It involves our aspirations and hopes. We can have all kinds of dreams—even fun ones!

What things are slumbering inside of you that need to be awakened? Dreaming can be like pulling to the surface some of the most unique and greatest parts of who you are.

Why dream? Because you were designed to dream!

Why dream? Your dreams can point to your purpose.

Imagine a blank white canvas in front of you. What would you do if someone told you, “Go ahead and paint! I am excited to see what you come up with!”

I wonder what would appear on the canvas of your

What moves your heart deeply will most probably be part of your life’s mission and calling. Have you ever done an activity, and after you were done, you had the feeling, “I was born to do this!” If you haven’t yet, you

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often comes through serving the needs of others. Pursuing dreams requires sacrifice, perseverance, pushing through trials, picking yourself up when you fail, and overcoming negative judgments other people may make about you and your idea. It also means we must be willing to take action to make the dream come to pass!

are on a journey to discover what it is! It is a profound thing to see people joy-filled and fully alive as they do what they were made for.

Why dream? Your dreams could change the world.

What if you were purposed to be a part of something that is meaningful and bigger than yourself? All great world changers and history makers started with having a dream. And so can you. Your dreams may have the potential to impact the world and the lives around you in a big way.

Dreams may not turn out as expected.

Dreams may not always turn out as expected. For example, a person dreamed of owning their own business, but once they had a business, they experienced unexpected challenges! But we grow through those surprises. Even if we do achieve our dreams, we still need to continue forward with new dreams and visions for the future.

Picture the possibilities that can lie within a dream. An entire nation was changed under one man’s dream to be president. That man was Abraham Lincoln. Every invention in the world was dreamed up by its inventor.

Discovering your dreams

Creating a dream culture

How do you discover your dreams? It is a process, a journey of discovery that you need to choose to begin.

Your present abilities will probably not take you to the finish line. With that in mind, know that the phases of life you go through can all help to prepare you to pursue your dreams.

How would it feel to not only have someone believe in you and your dreams but also have others work alongside you to help those dreams come true? Such a culture would be amazing! Let’s cultivate that kind of culture where we are.

Dreaming involves risk… it costs something.

“You see things; and you say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were; and I say, “Why not?” — George Bernard Shaw

Dreaming involves risk—it costs something. There is also a sobering side to dreaming. REMEMBER—greatness

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Going on a Treasure Hunt There are treasures within you. It takes time to learn which dreams are part of your purpose and calling in life and which dreams may be just a hope for this season. There may be dreams hidden in your heart waiting to be discovered!

It can be helpful to do the following activities on your pathway to discovery.

Activation 1: 1. What is a personal dream you have for yourself? (for example being a great friend, be physically fit etc.)

2. What is a dream you have for your family?

3. What is a dream you have for the people in your community?

Activation 2: 1. Your destiny and purposes may even be found in some of your dreams! Brainstorm some dreams in these following categories for starters to activate your dreaming: •

List 3 things you would like to have:

•

List 3 of your FUN DREAMS (for example I would like to bungee jump someday...dream big!):

•

List 3 places in the world you would like to visit someday:

2. What is a skill you would love to master? (for example, cooking, volleyball, playing an instrument, or fixing a car)

3. What is an EMOTIONAL DREAM you have? (for example, overcoming a particular fear or forgiving a person who really hurt you)

“Most of the things worth doing in the world were said to be impossible before they were done.”

Louis D. Brandeis

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ACTIVIT Y

Activation 3: The Concerns of Your Heart The special concerns you have for society may also give you a clue to discovering your passions and dreams.

1.

If you had the power and resources needed to solve 2 problems in your community or world, what would those problems be?

Activation 4: Who Inspires You 1.

Sometimes we see something in someone else that inspires us. Who inspires you, past or present?

2.

Why are you inspired by this person? What qualities do you admire about him or her?

“

Activation 5: More!

SHINE MORE. CARE MORE. GIVE MORE. MORE JOY. 1.

If you had all the finances and resources needed, what is one thing you would want to do to practice radical generosity and help others?

I AM NOT A HAS-BEEN. I’M A WILL-BE. Lauren Bacall

“While some may see them as crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.” – “Think Different” (Apple Computer Ad) “Thousands of perceptions, hunches, ideas, and intuitions race through our brains every day. Some are pure genius. Give them the red light for at least long enough to write them down.” - Ralph Ford

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FROM VISION TO REALITY. DREAM IT. SEE IT. BELIEVE IT. ACHIEVE IT.

by Mary Colburn Can we be real for a moment? Being a teenager ain’t easy, I know. I became a teenage mom at 19 years old, and today, I’m a mother of five children and a wife to my high school sweetheart.

My dream was to become a great public speaker, someone who had the ability to capture people’s attention and keep them entertained. It was a bold and unapologetic dream and vision that came from the truest version of myself.

I grew up running barefoot through overgrown sugar plantation fields in the North Kohala countryside on the Big Island of Hawaii. I was confident, brave, and free. At eight years old, I would pretend to be an official giving important speeches from a grand stage. Imagine me shouting to an imaginary audience—sometimes my dogs—with my tiny voice echoing in the streets while they howled in applause.

However, life often brings unexpected changes.

When I was 13, my family abruptly decided to move to the dizzying city of Honolulu on the island of Oahu. I did not like this move. I was heartbroken to leave the rural comforts of my hometown and the carefree lifestyle we had.

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of negative voices that seemed louder than the still and quiet voice of truth?

Fortunately, I was able to reaffirm my life’s vision by actively working on the following:

This is why you need to invest positively in your heart. Take breaks to meditate and examine your thoughts. If they are overly negative, you need to change them. Negative thinking will degrade your heart and lead your life downwards.

My Mind In this new town, I was confronted with a very different way of life. It wasn’t easy. People who I thought were friends proved to be untrue. I was constantly reminded that I didn’t fit in. Taunts like, “You’re too skinny,” and “You’re too pretty” were hurtful to me, especially when I’d never questioned myself before. The vile negativity from people, including those close to me, made me feel as if the world was conspiring to bring me down.

Like most teenagers, I wanted to be liked and to fit in. Was I tempted to pick up a cigarette to fit in? Yes. Was I pressured to the point of drinking alcohol and partying? Yes. But did I ever succumb to the pressure? No, never!

However, the more I believed the dark lies about my worth, the more the vision of life dimmed and diminished. The innocent girl who had big dreams of someday becoming someone special had slowly faded away because of the critical and callous voices that were allowed in.

I knew I needed to get up, get moving, and start living again. Questions swirled and filled my mind. How do I find the momentum and dream again? How could I possibly overcome the chorus

It’s not surprising that people nowadays spend too much time staring mindlessly at electronic devices. When we misuse our time streaming TV shows and movies and idling on our favorite smartphone apps, we become disconnected from what’s important. I’ll admit that I’m not perfect, and there’s a chance that sometimes, my screen time can get excessive.

I am not opposed to taking mental breaks by shifting focus to entertainment. However, staring blankly at a screen all day is not ideal.

Focus on content that helps you grow in positive ways and makes you smarter.

For example, set time aside to read a good book, listen to a podcast, or watch an online video course. In time, you will develop a sharper and capable mind that will support your goals and dreams.

My Heart It is easy for our hearts to be discouraged when we watch mainstream news reports filled with conflict, contention, and pessimism. And, of course, there’s an ever-present social media that can be a dangerous path to criticism and endless disagreement.

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I spend time investing in my heart, but you should find what works for you.

For instance, you can start a gratitude journal or use an affirmative mantra.

Regardless of what you do, make time to nourish your heart because that is the essence of who you are, and out of THAT place, amazing dreams are birthed!

“One’s vision is not a road map but a compass.”

Peter Block

Investing wisely in your mind and heart will ensure a successful journey to developing a vision for your life and achieving your dreams.

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DREAMS TO FULFILMENT

Journal your thoughts below.

Turning your dreams into reality takes more than just wishing—it requires action, persistence, and the right mindset. Here are some steps to help you bring your dreams to life:

1. Define Your Dream Be specific about what you want. Instead of saying, “I want to be successful,” think about what success looks like for you. Is it starting a business, becoming an athlete, or making an impact in your community? If you don’t have a ‘big’ dream for your future yet, start by thinking of a dream you would like to fulfill in the next year. Having clarity will fuel your motivation.

2. Believe in Yourself Doubt can hold you back, but confidence pushes you forward. Even if your dream seems out of reach, remind yourself that all great achievers started somewhere. Surround yourself with people who encourage and challenge you.

3. Set Goals & Make a Plan Break your big dream into smaller, doable steps. Want to be an amazing musician? Start by practicing every day.

Want to start a business one day? Begin by researching, learning about entrepreneurship, and taking small steps to explore your options. The key is to start somewhere—small goals make big dreams feel possible. Take a moment to think: What are 3-5 goals you can work toward in the next few weeks or months?

Goal 1:

Goal 4:

Goal 2:

Goal 5:

Goal 3:

“Write your goals down. Write your goals on paper and not in your mind. That makes the vision plain.

Spend quality time with yourself and review your life.” – Oscar Bimpong

4. Identify Your Mountains There will always be challenges that feel like huge mountains standing between you and your dreams. Check the box next to the mountains in your life that are barriers to pursuing your dreams: lack of confidence fear of failure or fear of being judged by others. distractions (such as video games, scrolling through social media, addictions, etc.) not knowing where to start.

negative influences such as unsupportive friends or family members procrastination and/or lack of discipline negative thinking other:

Once you identify the mountains you personally face, work on a plan to overcome those barriers one step at a time.

Break those barriers, and your dreams become possible!

What is one thing you can start doing this week to begin to overcome a mountain?

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5. Take Action & Stay Consistent Dreams don’t come true overnight. Stay committed and work on your goals consistently, even when it feels slow.

Progress adds up over time.

Write down a goal of how much time each week you want to commit to taking action towards making your dream into a reality. What day or days of the week will you commit to spending time envisioning, planning, and taking action steps? If you get distracted by life situations, revisit this goal, as you can always get back on track!

“Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time.

Vision with action can change the world.” – Joel A. Barker

6. Learn from Failure & Keep Going Setbacks aren’t the end—they’re lessons. Instead of quitting, adjust, learn, and keep moving forward. Journal some lessons learned in your life so far that can help you to persevere on the journey to fulfilling your dreams:

7. Stay Focused & Keep the Vision Alive Keep reminding yourself why you started. Stay motivated by reading books, watching inspiring videos, or surrounding yourself with people who push you to be better. Make a list of books, podcasts, or videos that can fuel your inspiration. Also, think about people—friends, mentors, or successful individuals—you can learn from.

The right influences can help keep your dream alive! Who can you befriend, interview, or study to gain wisdom from their experiences? Journal 2-3 action steps you can take this week to stay focused:

8. Celebrate Small Wins Every step forward is progress. Celebrate your achievements along the way—it keeps you motivated for the bigger goal. You can reward yourself by doing simple celebrations such as treating yourself to your favorite snack, doing a favorite activity, or doing a fun activity to celebrate with a friend.

List a few simple ways you can take time to celebrate your future achievements:

Your dream is possible if you’re willing to work for it. Start today!

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FREEDOM TO DREAM.

by Nancy Vuu

Nancy Vuu is a Dreamer. Because she dreams, profound creativity is expressed through her luxury fashion brand. Nancy Vuu Inc. couture designs continue to grace red-carpet events such as the Grammys, American Music Awards, films, and red-carpet events.

In addition, her designs have been featured in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle magazines around the globe. Here, she shares her story with Brave Together.

Hello, Brave One! I want to share a story with you.

Many years ago, there lived a very poor and critically ill refugee child who was destined to die. The world said she was not worthy, but by a series of unexpected miracles, she survived, moved to America, and later became a special ambassador in the world of fashion. Through her platform, she was able to speak to incredible people, such as young people like yourself, CEOs, celebrities, dignitaries, royalty, and even professional athletes in the NBA and NFL.

In an external vision before my eyes, I suddenly saw vulnerable children from all over the world in difficult circumstances, and my heart broke. I felt like I was carrying the weight of the world. At this moment, I heard an audible voice tell me, “Start designing and tell these children that no matter their circumstances, they are loved and of true royalty.”

At this point, I did not know how to sew or know anyone in the fashion industry, but I replied, “Wow! What a great idea!”

My heart said a big “yes” to the dream.

This person was me.

It all began when I dreamt of becoming a fashion designer when I was a young child. As I grew up, I began to question if I was good enough because I would hear others tell me my dream was too hard or that it would never happen. I began to believe in these lies, and soon after, I dismissed my dream and eventually completely forgot the dream ever existed.

Then, one day, everything changed. I was reminded of my childhood dream while attending a conference, where I had an unexpected and profound spiritual experience.

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not even a real fashion designer, and I don’t even know how to sew!”

But at that moment, that same voice that I heard the day at the conference spoke again to me, saying, “No! You are a designer, I made you to be a designer, now MOVE in your role.”

Immediately, when I heard those words, it was as if a blanket of truth and identity fell on me. I knew my calling was in fulfilling this amazing dream. I finally believed that I was meant to be a fashion designer, and knowing this has enabled me to walk out my purpose and destiny with confidence, boldness, and perseverance.

How often have we let our friends, family, or the world rob us of this truth? Or even worse, how many times have we disqualified ourselves?

We must learn to silence the lies that say we are not good enough. Instead, we must believe that we have immense worth and something profound and brilliant to give to this world.

I want to encourage you to share your dreams with your parents or a trusted mentor and explore ways to pursue your dreams in an honorable way.

Do you know what you were made for?

Thus began a great adventure. I have since had the privilege of clothing children, men, and women, including celebrities and royal family members, in many nations worldwide. I have experienced many impossible situations that have become possible through faith and perseverance!

Your dreams guide you to your destiny and allow you to fulfill your passion and purposes.

It’s not only our own gifts and talents that qualify us to do noteworthy work and exploits. Yes, we can use these things, too, but it is our love for others and our calling to a higher purpose that qualifies us.

I declare to you:

I firmly believe we are created and fashioned for love, greatness, and victory!

“May you go forth in great strength and courage to pursue your dreams. May you walk in increasing FREEDOM to dream even BIGGER DREAMS and bravely protect your dreams!”

Note that although I had forgotten about my dream of becoming a fashion designer as a little girl, my dream came back to life years later!

Love, Nancy Vuu

I recall another time early in my journey when I experienced another vision of being a world-renowned designer styling royal families. I immediately rejected the vision at first. I disqualified myself. I said, “NO. That will never happen. I’m

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&

Taking a risk stepping into the unknown.

Vision - Step. Photo by Asia Brynne Anderson

As you reach for something Brave, Bold & Beautiful, you might just discover something that will change everything.

Taking a RISK can be scary! Risk exposes you to the possibility of loss, failure, or danger, but it also exposes you to unlimited rewards and possibilities. And it can change your life for the better. Just like a diamond is formed under extreme pressure, you can emerge from the challenges of pursuing your dreams more magnificent and breathtakingly brilliant than ever before.

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how will you give something Brave, Bold & Beautiful to the world?

Journal What stood out to you in this chapter regarding dreaming big for your life?

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Chapter 5: Freedom to Dream

• • • •

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Walk it out.

So the Adventure Begins.

Big Dreams, Bold Life.

From Vision to Reality.

Freedom to Dream.

Choose one or more action steps:

1.

Become a bigger dreamer by learning about a famous person you admire. Research their backstory and learn about their life journey—the victories, the setbacks, and the hardships they pushed through.

• What insights have you gained from their story that inspire you to dream?

• How did their story capture the nature of taking risks?

• In what ways were they brave and bold?

2.

Watch a movie about a person who had a dream and pursued it. What insights did you gain from watching that movie?

There are new inspirational movies being released every year. Here are just a few suggestions to get you started: October Sky Soul Surfer The Pursuit of Happiness Rocky

3.

Find your ‘tribe’ of fellow dreamers to keep your dreams alive. Find at least one or two fellow dreamers to befriend.

Famous authors C.S. Lewis, who wrote The Chronicles of Narnia, and J.R.R. Tolkien, who wrote Lord of the Rings, were professors at Oxford together and formed a friendship for over 40 years. They were a source of constant encouragement to each other. C.S. Lewis urged J.R.R. Tolkien to persevere and complete The Lord of the Rings when Tolkein wanted to give up. The road to following our dreams is often full of setbacks, challenges, and sometimes criticism so we need a tribe of friends, other big dreamers, to connect with and walk with.

Start with regularly meeting with at least one other person who also wants to discover and pursue their dreams. Share your dreams with one another. Encourage and motivate each other by sharing updates and action plans. A goal can be to help keep each other’s dreams alive. Read inspirational books or watch movies together that impart wisdom and strength for the journey. Celebrate milestones together. Get creative so your times together are meaningful and helpful.

The struggle is real, and so is hope.

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