She Strengthens

Embracing the Evolution of Dreams

Growing up, I was always drawn to the spotlight. As a toddler, I’d belt out nursery rhymes at the top of my lungs in a local McDonald’s, entertaining the entire restaurant. This confidence carried me through childhood, as I participated in theatre camps, choir, and school plays. By high school, I was known as “the musical-theatre girl,” landing lead roles and even scoring a professional internship at 17. Everyone, including myself, thought I was destined for stardom.

Chasing the Dream

I pursued a double major in Theatre Studies and Vocal Performance in college, determined to hone my craft. I performed in over 20 productions, building an impressive resume and making a name for myself in the industry. But after attending callbacks for a role I was perfect for, I realized I wasn’t happy. The excitement and passion I once had for theatre were gone, replaced by exhaustion and disillusionment.

A Change of Heart

I made the difficult decision to quit theatre, leaving behind the familiar routine and identity I had built. It wasn’t easy; I worried about what others would think, and I felt lost without a clear direction. But in letting go of my dream, I discovered a new one. I began freelancing for websites, writing, and making people laugh. It was a surprise to everyone, including myself, but it brought me a sense of fulfillment I never knew possible.

The Freedom to Evolve

We often put pressure on ourselves to stick to our childhood dreams, even if they no longer align with who we are today. But it’s okay to change course. In fact, it’s liberating. Dreams evolve, and it’s essential to listen to our inner voices and adapt. By doing so, we can discover new passions and pursue a life that truly makes us happy.

Embracing the Unknown

I used to think that deviating from my original dream was a failure. But now I realize it’s a natural part of growth. We can’t know what the future holds, and that’s what makes life exciting. Instead of dwelling on “what ifs,” we should focus on the present and be proud of the person we’ve become. Even at 25, it’s not too late to decide who you want to be.

Finding Happiness

Today, I belt along to my favorite show tunes, not on a stage, but over my laptop, as I write and create content that brings joy to others. It’s a different path than I expected, but it’s one that makes me wildly happy. And that’s all that matters.