The Dare Dreamer Movement by Julene Fleurmond

Above: A Renaissance-inspired chalk drawing my friends and I created in high school dedicated to the Vitruvian Man (don’t worry he’s holding a bowl of fruit in front of him;) – or in this case the Vitruvian Dreamer with my additions of the moon, stars, landscape and soaring bird. Leonardo Di Vinci’s work, with the attention to detail and anatomical accuracy, is one example of the merging of art and science during that period.

Along with my passion for all things creative, I’ve also felt called to encourage artists and dreamers of all types to take care of their bodies better – how can you create well if you’re not feeling well, and what’s the good of making a masterpiece if you’re minimizing your optimal years here and ignoring the beauty in the health of your body?

My conviction for health started with my own experiences and story, realizing how my daily habits were the cause of stress and avoidable ailments that often slowed down my productivity (including blogging) and made me pursue the art of creative wellness. My long-term aim is to create a unique approach to taking care of your body – moving more, eating right – that is less intimidating & drudging. Health shouldn’t be a nuisance to your schedule and pleasure, but an intentional, integral and balanced part of being a creative dreamer who respects and lives life in full color in all areas.

Believe me I know the dread of wanting to lay on the bed instead of getting up for that work out, or the lure of those crunchy munchies (I’ll just have one more:). My dream is once day to encourage others, and myself to see the beauty in their bodies and in healthy living, and move away from the standard of unbridled indulgence our society sets (another helping of “processed-ness” anyone?)

I’ve started the Dreamer Rejuvenation Project on the blog to creatively share tips for others (and myself) to make those changes (you know those ones I’m talking about) that will help you feel better and be better for the long run.

Above: A picture from a beauty, health and wellness event I hosted at my University a few years back called “Royal Rejuvenation,” one of the inspirations behind this new series.

This summer as part of my public health program I got to intern at The Cooper Institute, an amazing research and educational organization that encourages a whole lifestyle of living well, eating better and moving more. Cooper Aerobics, the overall organization, was founded by Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper, M.D. who is called the “Father of Aerobics,” an Air Force physician who became a forerunner of providing evidence for the role of exercise in preserving health.

During my time at Cooper I got to meet amazing people along with learning about and experiencing various facets of what goes on there, from visiting the fitness center to blogging for their new healthy lifestyle website TodayIWill.com. I wanted to share my first blog here, on the importance of limiting your couch and desk potato tendencies.

As a creative I spend so many hours sitting at my desk, drawing, blogging, designing, writing – the list goes on. I’ve been feeling the effects of all of those hours of inactivity, and learning all about how harmful sitting really is – it doesn’t do the body good. Here’s my blog describing the effects of prolonged sitting and ideas to get your own potato out of that chair to get rejuvenated…

Recently I had an amazing time at Women of Faith’s ONE DAY event and wanted to share my experience and how it encouraged my heart…

The auditorium was a sea of excited and expectant expressions waiting to see what effect a single day could have on their lives. Soon the room was filled with waves of laughter and streams of tears – sometimes all at once – as Women of Faith’s ONE DAY event in Dallas made an impact.

Hundreds of women shared a bond and a deep sense of God’s love and dreams for their lives as speakers Christine Caine, Andy Andrews and Angie Smith, poured out their stories and faith-filled wisdom into open hearts.

This was the first year for ONE DAY events, created in response to women who couldn’t attend the two day Women of Faith Events. ONE DAY had a more intimate atmosphere that allowed the speakers to go deeper and the attendees to get more up close and personal and feel like they are part of a sisterhood that shares their faith and feelings about life.

I’ve been inspired by the ministry of Women of Faith for several years now, but never had chance to attend their live events, (other than last year’s event for teen girls, the Revolve Tour “Dream On” which was a fun and moving experience).

I was excited to go to ONE DAY, and what made it more personal for me was that it was held at Southern Methodist University where I went to college, in the very same auditorium I graduated in. Three years ago I sat in those seats and walked across that stage in apprehension, wondering what calling God had placed on my life, and on Saturday the encouragement from the ONE DAY speakers had an impact on me in ways I couldn’t imagine.

The theme of the event was “In ONE DAY God can change everything,” with Psalm 118:6 as the leading verse:

“I will not be afraid, because the Lord is with me.”

Each speaker had a unique style and broke the ice with humor before delving into more serious and somber parts of their stories, to inspire us to see God’s divine plan in our own lives. I loved their transparency of sharing the not-so-pretty parts of their backgrounds that can help others going through similar situations. Here are a few highlights of what they shared…

Watch the video above for a poem I wrote recently to encourage anyone who may be weary in following their dreams. Those dreams were planted in your heart for a reason – don’t give up on your purpose…you’ll reap a harvest in due season.

This poem was inspired by my own journey throughout the years of experiencing visions yet sometimes getting discouraged when the dreams don’t always grow the way I imagined. Recently though I was inspired by the wisdom of mentors who encouraged me to nurture the deepest visions in my heart.

During a session of the Inner Circle Mentoring Mastermind (an enriching program I’ve experienced since 2011) with an amazing Reinvention Strategist Marshawn Evans she talked about the importance of dreams and said something that pulled on my heart strings:

“Dreams are designed to be experienced, not just imagined…to be engaged, not to be distant.” – Marshawn Evans

When she said that something inside of me was sparked and I realized that without knowing it I had disqualified myself from certain dreams because they seemed too lofty and impractical, but these are exactly the type of dreams that God wants to fulfill in our lives.

She went on to talk about how dreams are designed too big so you can grow into them, and that you need faith and God in order to see them come to reality. In Marshawn Evans’ Reinvent ME LIVE series that began in January she continued to talk about how important it is to take action on your dreams, find mentors and move into a larger garden when you have outgrown the place you have been. Soon after that revitalizing session (which I would recommend to anyone who is looking to fulfill a dream) I was inspired to share what I learned and bring some of my own deeply buried dreams to life, and it came into form as this poem.

I have so much expectancy for 2012, and recently one of my dreams which I had abandoned years ago is beginning to come into fruition. Since I was a little girl I had always wanted to sing to inspire others through music and creative performances, but had always let fear and shyness eclipse that dream. I’m excited to say that after months of auditioning with an established music company, I was recently offered an Artist Development Agreement to create an inspirational music platform (which I will announce more in detail on the site later). It wasn’t easy leading up to this point but this example is proof to me that those deep, decaying dreams in your heart can indeed come to life if you put in the work to revive and sustain them.

What’s your dream? What vision or passion have you set aside for the more practical and everyday cares of life? I dare you to nourish the seeds of those dreams and bring them to the Light – God can take you further and higher than you can go on your own. Give your dreams some love and let them grow today – Dear Dreamer, the world awaits…

– Julene Fleurmond, dreamfleur.com

On my youth site DreamerENT.com I posted this inspiration interview featuring the talented Keke Palmer, who you may know as a singer and actress in movies like her most recent one Joyful Noise (which I’m looking forward to seeing), Shrink, The Longshots, and Akeelah and the Bee (one of my favorites, though she’s definitely matured into other roles that have allowed her to stretch and grow).

I love how Keke’s roles and music are relatable and positive and how far she’s come since her early acting days. She’s one of my favorite actresses and I even was inspired by her advice in this interview to break through my fear of others’ opinions and start taking acting classes.

Through my work at the Valder Beebe Show I sent in questions for Keke to answer to give advice to young people on following their dreams. Here’s what she had to say below (part of a longer interview segment I was able to produce):

You may know her best from her role on the hit Nickelodeon show True Jackson V.P. about a teen girl who becomes a vice president at a billion dollar fashion company (talk about dreaming big:).

Keke has starred in numerous movie roles including movies like Shrink, The Longshots, Madeas’s Family Reunion, The Wool Cap and Jump In. She also stole our hearts and had us cheering for her character, the sassy Akeelah Anderson in the inspiring movie Akeelah and the Bee, opposite actor Laurence Fishburne and Angela Bassett. Her energetic and upbeat personality and truly natural talents, spanning film, television, and music alike, have made her one of the fastest rising young stars in entertainment today. She started pursuing her dreams of singing and acting at a young age, and her hard work and determination has really paid off!

Our media partner The Valder Beebe Show chatted with Keke about the advice she would give to young people on following their dreams. Read and listen to what she had to say:

Q: You found out and pursued what you love to do at a young age. What advice would you give young people on finding their passions and following their dreams?
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Here are some updates from my other inspiration sites: