The Dare Dreamer Movement by Julene Fleurmond

Sometimes the thing we did and loved as a child is what will bring success and true joy as a career. Take Nathan Sawaya, the Brick Artist for example. I saw him on an episode of one of my favorite business shows on CNBC, The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch. (I loved watching The Big Idea for some great inspiration for entrepreneurship and following your dreams.)

As a child Sawaya loved art, and especially building with LEGOS. One day he decided to quit his job in law and decided to make LEGO sculptures as a full time artist. Now he’s making thousands of dollars on each sculpture and living well off his passion. From large realistic replicas of buildings and celebrity portraits, to a LEGO iPhone, his work is so detailed and fun. Check out more of these amazing LEGO sculptures on the Brick Artist website

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Soul Inspired is a word of inspiration from women and creative minds who have overcome obstacles and lived & dreamed boldly.

This Soul Inspired is about how blessing can come from anywhere, even hardship, if you choose to see it. I often have to remind myself to view the blessings in a situation whenever hardship occurs, and to overcome my dark times in order to be able to live more fully.

“In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect. Trees can be contorted, bent in weird ways, and they’re still beautiful.”
– Alice Walker

Herstory
Alice Walker (born February 9, 1944) is an author and civil rights activist. When Alice Walker was eight years old, she lost sight in one eye when one of her older brothers shot her with a BB gun by accident. She went on to received the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1983 for her critically acclaimed novel The Color Purple.

“Is it not true, then, that my life with all its limitations
touches at many points the life of the World Beautiful?
Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence, and I
learn, whatever state I may be in, therein to be content…”

“Silence sits immense upon my soul. Then comes Hope with a sweet, sad smile and whispers, ‘There is joy in self-forgetfulness’. So I try to make the light in others’ eyes my sun, the music in others’ ears my symphony, the smile on others’ lips my happiness.”

– Hellen Keller, The Story of My Life

Herstory
“Helen Adams Keller (June 27, 1880 � June 1, 1968) American author, activist and lecturer. She was the first deaf-blind person to graduate from college. What is less well known is how Keller’s life developed after she completed her education. She was a prolific author, was well traveled, and campaigned for workers’ rights, women’s suffrage, and many other progressive causes.”

Biography Source: Wikipedia

Ever been overwhelmed by all of your passions, and had no idea how to fit everything you want to do into your life? I’m one of those people who has so many interests that it took changing my major about five times to settle down with one. From business, to design, journalism and medicine, it’s sometimes hard balancing all of my interests. A while ago I picked up this book from the library and couldn’t put it down:

Wow! his book described me exactly, and the advice in it shows how you can still pursue every one of your passions, even if people around you discourage you. I loved the tips for students and entrepreneurs. With enough balance and planning throughout life you won’t be a “jack-of all-trades and master of none”, but a real Renaissance woman.

The book gives examples of “Renaissance Souls” throughout history, like Dr. Maya Angelou who has done everything from acting and producing, to writing and being a civil-rights activist. I loved this book so much that I was taking notes, re-reading parts and had to renew it 4 times (the limit) and held it hostage for another few weeks or so raking up some library fines. It was worth it though! You can find out more at the author’s website or pick up a copy at Amazon. I think I may have to buy it because I still haven’t finished it.

One more way to become the essence of a Renaissance Woman.

Some of the artwork I have hanging on the wall in my art studio (aka my desk) for inspiration are mystical, surreal prints painted by Josephine Wall. Below are some of her paintings that are my favorites. I love the details, colors, and the magical fantasy scenes she creates. Click here to visit her website and see more of her work.

Whenever you feel overwhelmed by your problems, think about the people around the world who are in situations much worse than yours. Instead of dwelling on your problems, find a way you can help someone else with theirs…