This year I have witnessed our society attempt to discuss prevalent issues surrounding the intersections of race, education, sports, technology, social activism, culture, politics, and business in our society.

In my reflection, I began to think of the qualities that encompass the true essence of a transformational, enlightened and servant leader. I realized that all great leaders are “Dream Makers.”

Dream Makers dream of things that never were and ask why not. They allow their genuine curiosity to be their wings while never losing sight of their childlike spirit.

Overcoming cancer allowed me to regain focus of what truly matters to me; serving others. I have focused on nurturing and acting upon the intuition of my dreams. The following six steps I use daily, to turn my dreams into realities.

See It
I love that I have the ability to dream of things that never were and ask why? You must dream of things that never were and ask why not? Its only by dreaming that you will ever discover who you are, what you want and what you can do. When you see your dreams you can begin to take daily actionable steps to turn them into realities.

Feel It
A promise that I made to myself if granted a cancer free life was to be great! I dared myself to do the things I never thought I could do. Dare to dream the impossible dream. Dare to stand out in the crowd. Dare to “think different” and “be different.” Believe me, if you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it. Your mind, body, and spirit must be consumed with your dreams each day you are granted with this most precious gift of life.

Believe It
I have a testimony. I have overcome many obstacles in my life. I had a teacher who told me I wasn’t worth teaching because I would end up pregnant. Rape, molestation, domestic abuse, cancer are all reasons I was counted out. But I continued to believe in myself. I encourage you to believe in your heart for it offers hope. Believe in your mind for it offers direction. Believe in your soul for it offers strength. But above all else believe in yourself because you have always been the answer and enough. Doors of opportunities are opened for those who truly believe in their dreams and self. Never ever forget that you are more than what you see in the mirror. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and wiser than you think.

Plan It
A dream without a plan and a deadline are nothing more than a wish. Figure out what you have to do to make your dream happen and then just do it. It is never too late to become the person you have always dreamed of being. At the age of 47, I graduated with my Masters in Digital Leading and Learning. I learned to be intentional with my thoughts and as Nike’s motto reads, “Just Do It”!

Live It
Every day no matter how busy you become, be certain to take time to do something that brings you closer to your dreams. The last thing any of us want to do is to die with our dreams still inside of us. There were so many times I wanted to give up on myself but I learned to look at how far I had traveled instead of how much longer I still had to go!

Be It
Keep challenging yourself to think better, do better and be better. Shake things up in your life. You have gifts inside you that have never been exposed and personal journeys of self-discovery waiting to be explored. You have so much going for you. Never forget there is no duplication of you. We must strive to exhaust ever finite niche of our potential during our time here on Earth. Becoming and Instructional Coach was never in the cards for me. My goal was to always become better at my craft and become a better version of myself. It prepared me for the opportunity.