I am a dreamer, but above all a doer

I know what it's like to feel my power, to know it, to savor it, to delve in it, to thrive in it.

I also know what it's like to lose touch with my essence, to become fearful, to reject my authentic self, to hide away and hope to go unnoticed.

But once you know who you really are, even if you've only had a glimpse of it, you're destined to fulfill the prophecy of living it relentlessly, and making it your life's goal to be all you can be.

I dream of a world of empowered women. Why women? Because we are amazing, powerful beings that for millennia have not been encouraged to express our highest potential. I've been blessed to have been -in different moments of my life- surrounded by women that are aware of our potential. Something unexplainable happens in these environments. When we are aware of our abilities, creativity, love, energy, friendship, and power abound.

I dream of a world of empowered men, who think outside of the box, and encourage women to take leadership roles. I dream of a world where ALL men have learned to connect with their authentic selves, and take the time to develop their essence to the fullest.

I dream of a world where love, peace and harmony are what we aspire to above anything else. And I sincerely believe that our essence -women and men- is made up by these qualities.

So, how do I take responsibility in making this a reality?

I've been in the helping profession for several years. A psychologist, a music therapist, and most recently a graduate from the Empowerment Institute in Rhinebeck, New York. These things are not so important because of the increasing degrees they represent for my resume. These experiences have allowed me to grow and define my life goals in a slow but steady manner.

Today, I'm back home, in the country that's seen me grow and blossom into who I am today. I've returned with a great dream: to impact a community, to give back to my people, to empower my fellow sisters and brothers. I feel incredibly blessed to have had the many experiences I've had abroad; but, sincerely, none of this has meaning if it's not put to use, if it does not improve the world's condition. I feel a great responsibility in sharing with my fellow citizens what I have learned; I am excited to work with the women of my community, to remind them of their power; I HAVE A GREAT DESIRE TO BE A GRASSROOTS LEADER.

A Voices of Our Future Correspondent. It's a great responsibility. It's a lot of work. It's a great dream. Being a VOF Correspondent is a dream of not only having my own voice be heard, but having my dream of impacting my community come true. Yes, I will still do the work no matter what the results of this experience. And I will still have many dreams, which will continue to grow. But VOF gives the entire process an added amount of excitement and encouragement.

In a way, VOF is an excuse for me to get to know my people once again. It's a way for me to choose not to remain on the sidelines. I want to walk into the unknown and discover what it means to dig in the soil with my two bare hands. It may be scary, it may be difficult, but it will be nothing less than exciting.

So, I have hope in doing this with support, with a kind voice to guide me and a gentle hand on my shoulder.

And, what will happen if I'm not chosen?

This month of assignments has helped me to reflect on myself and my dreams. My journal will continue to exist, and I will continue to post and search for support from my sisters. Because, in the end, maybe that's exactly what this whole process has been about: understanding that the tools are out there and, most importantly, in me, and that the only one stopping me from taking responsibility for my dreams is my own self...