How do you fulfill the potential buried deep on the inside of you when your environment was not designed to allow you to flourish? How do you align yourself to the greatness that breaks the cycle of poverty that existed around you in pursuit of a dream to chart a path for future generations to follow? How do you accept and embrace your differences as a blessing while ignoring the naysayers who teased and criticized you for being “weird”?
It was my strong belief in the promises of God; that allowed me to successfully overcome all of these things. As a child, and even now, there has always been that one Bible verse that keeps me grounded in my faith and emotions while grasping firmly to my dream to achieve a better quality of life for me and my loved ones. His promise that “a thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come near thee”; (Psalm 91v7) was my saving grace in my younger years as I battled with constant sickness and survived a childhood where the most basic needs were a scarce commodity. I grasped firmly to this promise daily and never lost faith because I knew that there was a greater purpose for my life. Over time, between the trials and obstacles, always came some level of success, which left me even more inspired to believe in the promises of God. Before I knew it, a greater purpose was revealed that now sets my soul on fire.
I have come to realize that if you are fortunate enough to identify with a God-given purpose, the hunger to do more and achieve more is never really satisfied. You live your life firmly believing that there is another level with your name on it, and it shows in your actions, the energy exhibited daily as you keep pushing forward, and your eagerness to bring others along.
Today, I am walking boldly into a new season while embracing a greater purpose that simultaneously scares and excites me. With the realization that action is what converts dreams into anything of significance, I am committed to taking intentional steps that support a mission to positively impact, inspire and motivate others to reach for and achieve their own highest potential.
In her book Becoming, Michelle Obama reminded us that “when you have worked hard, and done well, and walked through that doorway of opportunity, you do not slam it shut behind you. You reach back, and you give other folks the same chances that helped you succeed.” This statement reminds me daily that life is not about finding yourself, it’s about discovering who God created us to be and living our lives with purpose as we strive to keep evolving and increasing the value we pour into others.
The victory speech delivered by the first African American female Vice President-Elect, Kamala Harris says, “it takes passion and talent to dream with ambition and lead with conviction”. These slightly adapted words have resonated so deeply within me as I now walk through new doors of opportunity while owning and sharing my story in an attempt to motivate others to believe that they can win too. With a renewed determination to find the most effective ways to build up a tribe of new leaders, I admittedly carry a natural bias for wanting to see more boss ladies join me at the decision-making table.
My appreciation for the reality that the journey is not always easy has led me to share some invaluable and practical life lessons that can propel others forward in my new book LIFE LESSONS, A Purpose Driven Leadership Journey. The book is a testament to what is possible when your dreams and aspirations are married with hard work, determination, consistency, and very strong faith in God and that it does not matter where your starting point is. My entire life has been about chasing my dreams while working to create a path that would inspire others to follow. I hope that my book will act as a guide for other career professionals and anyone with dreams and personal aspirations.
Accepting boldly that my personal story can act as a roadmap and inspiration to others, I am equally pleased to be able to enhance the professional development literature available within our region from a practical perspective.
Almost inevitably, as with each new level of our lives, there will be new challenges lining up to test our faith and resilience. Thankfully, my internal default system has again taken comfort in God’s promise that “when I pass through the waters, He will be with me; and when I pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over me. When I walk through the fire, I will not be burned; the flames will not set me ablaze.” (Isaiah 43 v2). I pray daily for the courage to continue stepping forward and for the ability to strike the right balance that allows me to keep evolving to the benefit of others as I pursue my God-given purpose. My eagerness to leverage my leadership experience to coach and mentor others; and to expand the vision they have for their own lives, while I maintain a front-row seat to witness the transformation ultimately brings me the greatest level of satisfaction and fulfillment.
To connect with Alison Browne-Ellis:
FB – https://www.facebook.com/alison.browneellis
Buy Alison’s Book on Amazon here
