The Dare Dreamer Movement by Julene Fleurmond

Have you ever uncovered a dream you’ve had since you were a kid and realized it was still alive? Often the passions you had, what you’re afraid to do and the pain you endured are purpose pointers of how God wants you to bring hope to others… weed out fear and dare to unbury and nurture those dormant dreams today…

“On the Outside” is the first song I attempted to write as a teen girl more than 12 years ago about struggling with years of loneliness, shyness, insecurity and the fear of being myself. I was too afraid to pursue my dream of singing for fear of not measuring up and being rejected. This year I’m going to finish this song for the girl I was and other girls like me to tell them that they have great purpose and about what set me free. Here’s a raw songwriting sneak peek…

“The caged bird sings with a fearful trill of things unknown but longed for still and his tune is heard on the distant hill for the caged bird sings of freedom.” – Maya Angelou

Imagine being stuck in a constricting cage – then realizing that you have placed those bars of boundary around yourself. People pleasing & fear of how others perceive me are two snares I have found release from in this season (sometimes in painful and uncomfortable ways) – but it’s amazing how much freedom there is in seeking to please One…

My struggle with anxiety and insecurity started when I was a shy little girl caged in fear that grew as I did. Not knowing where my identity truly originates from I tried to place it anywhere or in anyone elses’ affirmation other than the one that matters most.

Being bound to the opinions and expectations of others is like a disease that squeezes the life out of your heart and keeps you from being free – the real you that God created. …Rejection and isolation hurt but sometimes He uses just that to break the chains of anxiety and imprisonment that held you, and shakes the places where you placed your identity so you can have a firm foundation in Him.

Approval addiction may go undetected when we long to belong & be accepted, but the condition’s only cure is affirmation from the Creator of the Universe. There is no greater way of being known and loved then having true ‪‎validation from above‬. Look to Him to know who you truly are…

If you’re hoping and waiting for a change to take place in your life, I want to encourage you to keep holding on in faith and never give up on your vision for something greater…

It can be frustrating and discouraging when you have a dream but seem to be nowhere near reaching it. I’ve learned through experience that stepping into your destiny is not an overnight occurrence; it’s a journey of preparation and a life class that’s vital & just as rewarding as the “success.”

Anything that is great and truly worth experiencing takes time, patience and dedication to develop. You might find yourself in painful trials and isolation at times, but know that like a caterpillar enters darkness to be transformed into its true identity, it takes stretching, strengthening and shaping to become what’s already in you – the person you’re truly meant to be.

In the dark places your character is refined to sustain your destiny, your identity is secured in something greater and resilience is formed in your heart. Don’t turn back and give up if it seems dim & unbearable now, you’re closer than you think to the break-through and we’re waiting to see the beauty, brilliance and story that only you can share.

It takes time to see the reality of your dreams & to grow into your true purpose…Embrace the process.

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…

There are times in what we might call loneliness where people have drawn away from us, God is drawing us into deep fellowship and intimacy that few have experienced because they wouldn’t be still. Don’t run from seasons of silence and solitude but seek to hear His voice – He’s always there and speaking. Those are the times when you can get to know Him like never before and to discover your purpose in Him.

There was a span of time where I was experiencing aloneness, after most of my friends had graduated and moved away. In the quietness of that time I first felt frustrated and lost, wondering why there seemed to be no I could relate to. After seeking God I found that it was in these times when we are not being bombarded by the noisiness of the world that God speaks, really speaks to us and draws us into our destiny.

Prolonged total isolation is never a good idea, when you find there is no one in your close circle, find a way to serve others and reach out to someone who may also need a friend – we were made for fellowship and that’s where we grow and thrive. However, don’t be afraid to take time to get away from the bustle and distractions of life to embrace those times of fellowship with your Creator, He’s waiting to get your undivided attention…

– Julene

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