I Refuse to Sink

Dreams stumble. Dreams face challenges. Yet, the journey to our dreams can be incredibly beautiful and life-changing. A dream can only be attained if you're willing to fight. Everyday, I'm working one step closer to achieving my goals and the lifestyle I want. No matter what faces me, I know that I will be able get through it. Why? Because my passion makes my heart sing.

Follow your dream...take one step at a time and don't settle for less, just continue to climb. Follow your dream...if you stumble, don't stop and lose sight of your goal, press on to the top...For only on top can we see the whole view, can we see what we've done and what we can do, can we then have the vision to seek something new...Press on, and follow your dream." 

-Amanda Bradley

My dreams of creating a stationery business anchored my soul when life changed course. I choose the anchor to represent my brand, Brittany Lauren Design, because my company is grounded and rooted by the people, things and experiences that I love so dearly. Choosing to pursue my business made me feel that I was truly alive, not merely existing.

On January 4th, 2011, I was diagnosed with lyme disease.  At the time, I was working 8-5 at a high paced advertising agency and moonlighting my business during the off hours.

Before work, I'd answer e-mails. At lunch, I would package and ship out orders. At night, I would create new designs. There were days that I felt extreme fatigue and soreness from the arthritic pain from Lyme Disease. Simple tasks like brushing my hair became difficult. I knew I should have stopped, but there was so much fire in my veins, that I kept going. I would always tell myself, "I refuse to sink."

I knew I couldn't sink, because I had anchors. I didn't create my dream alone. Besides my husband, my parents are my biggest cheerleaders. My mom became a familiar face at the post office, and I'm so grateful that she helped me with packaging and shipping when I couldn't do it. I can never thank her enough for her helping me achieve my dream. At the time, my husband was going back to school for a career in the medical field, and he supported me in so many ways. He would make me laugh everyday. He always told me, "You are capable of far more than you think". I am blessed I married him.

If I gave up my dream, and let my illness determine my character, I wouldn't be where I am today. I  have taken my business to the next level. Leaving a steady job to run my business full-time this year was a risk, but it was time to move on. On New Year's Eve, I gave in my notice to my employer and haven't looked back. Growth takes time and a lot of hard, HARD work.

Having lyme disease has given me a whole new perspective in life. Lyme taught me: “I'm not afraid of storms, because I'm learning how to sail my ship.” Living with Lyme gave me the gift of appreciating everyday and the small things we might overlook.  

Who said that going after your dreams was easy? Even in our perfect plans, we must endure storms. It wasn't the pretty beginning that I pictured, but in my heart I knew I had to continue even if the seas were rough. I was determined to reach my dream, sick or not. I knew that after the storm, the sun would shine on my ship.

What anchors your heart and keeps you on track when days look stormy? Before you drift, remember what keeps you grounded. All these wonderful things will be your compass throughout life. My very supportive family and friends have been my anchor in times of sunshine and during the storms. They held me firm and secure, and eventually, the storm passed. 

Anchor your life in a safe harbor… and don't allow yourself to get carried away by distraction.

-Brittany Lauren