Before I started HeartStories I was selling medical devices, a highly challenging and equally high-paying career. After years of selling pharmaceuticals and being told I didn’t have what it took to get a device job, I was feeling pretty “successful”. I enjoyed the challenge and felt like everything was on the right path.
Until that moment.
Until that moment in 2011, when the Super Bowl came to Dallas. It was when I first learned about the atrocities of human trafficking, here, in Texas. My heart broke wide open and I didn’t know what to do about it. I had this full-time job and two small kids. I was too busy. I was too tired. I was too depleted to do anything more.
But it wouldn’t leave my mind.
I started to see everything differently and wonder if anything I was doing was making a lasting impact. It took me over a year of thinking I was just too busy, and continually hushing that whisper in my heart before I finally couldn’t do it anymore. I searched out a mentor and a coach and told them I needed to do something more.
That’s how HeartStories was born.
On any given day, any given moment, so many of us are just barely making it through the day. We’re rushing from this thing to that, frantically checking things of the list. Honestly, we’re not even sure if we’re doing any of it well. We’re just trying to get it all done before the sun goes down and falling into bed at night, only to do it all over again tomorrow. But every once in a while, you sense there’s something important going on, something big.
Something that could change everything.
You want to be a part of it, to at least check into it. But the thought of adding one more thing to your plate seems like just too much. You have no idea where or how to even begin.
So you put it on the back burner.
You let it simmer. You think about it every now and then, but never really take any action on it. You know you want more meaning and purpose in your life so it becomes your “one day” goal that you hope to eventually circle back to explore. I love this quote by Shauna Nieguist.
“It’s not hard to decide what you want your life to be about. What’s hard, she said, is figuring out what you’re willing to give up in order to do the things you really care about.” ~ Shauna Niequist,
The good stuff in life doesn’t come easy.
It’s not usually convenient. There’s usually sacrifice and commitment involved. It will probably seem impossible to imagine.
I can almost guarantee you there will be struggle.
But if you decide to pay attention to that little whisper. No matter what it is. No matter how big or how small. If you share it with others who support you. If you take action, no matter how small.
You will make a shift in the world and make a difference for the ones who need you most.
I get to see that with every hug, every smile, every tear and new connection at the Girl’s Night’s Out. I get to watch it play out on social media in new connections between friends. I get to hear it at times in comments on my blog.
I’m starting to believe it doesn’t get easier, but it’s worth it.
Because creating innovating and meaningful connections for women is one thing I want my life to be about.
What’s one thing you want your life to be about?
to more love,
Crystal
P.S. It’s not too late to join us tonight. I hope you will.
