And You Thought You Were Odd ...

Many children's books have been written that teach us moral lessons that we as adults would do well to remember. Stories like the Ugly Duckling, which is about a swan that was raised with a family of ducks. It didn't sound like them or look like them, so they called it ugly. When it grew up, it discovered that it was a different species entirely and was actually a beautiful swan.

I have to say that I felt much like that Ugly Duckling until I experienced two special events in my life. Years apart - they stand out in my mind well. (It took me a while to actually 'get' the lesson that I was presented with.)

Years ago I attended Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design in Denver, CO. Just for a quarter - but enough to literally impact my life in a positive way. I've always been an artist and always will be. I see things that other people don't seem to see. It used to frustrate me when I would admire something and point out the textures and colors, and my friends would laugh at me because they couldn't see it and thought I was nuts.

At the time, I so undervalued my artistic talent that I thought all people could draw - they just chose not to. Since I was always getting into trouble drawing in school - the message came across loud and clear that being an artist was nothing special.

Until, that is, I went to Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design. Being around people who thought like me and had special talents was so much fun. I wasn't odd at all - I was just another "species"!

Years later I learned about an entrepreneurial group called Income Builders International (or IBI). When I made the leap to attend their CEO Training Forum in Los Angeles, I was literally dizzy with emotion as people from all walks of life and business, worked together, mentored one another and shared resources. One person told me "Welcome home" ...

I can't tell you what those words meant. Here were inventors, artists, CEOs, investors, teachers, non-profits, consultants, lawyers - you name it, they were/are there.

At first it was overwhelming to have so many answers come at once. (another friend said, "Its kinda like drinkin water outta fire hose, isn't it?) But I was determined to make a change in my life and honor the dreams that I had. The more I listened, and asked questions, the more I began to comprehend and learn.

Its like learning a new language ... and without a doubt, its renewing your mind.
Go to: http://sarahstent.com and click on the questionnaire that is there in learning your strengths. That's a good place to start. Then ...

Seek out people who have similar passions like you and who support and reinforce your dreams and goals. When we struggle with depression and are not care free, it’s because we've denied ourselves the right to express our hearts and live the way God created and intended for us to do.

Can you think of anything more sorrowful than to snuff out the flame of passion and joy that God's children have when they are fulfilling the Call of God on their lives?

Your dream is futuristic and desperately needed. Not only does it provide you with your own finances so that you can do exceedingly well with all that is in your heart - it allows you to do things and help others who have no outlet for their own creativity.