The other day while I was at the movie theatre, a thought stopped me. What if every single human being had a movie trailer? This led me to quickly imagine being up in heaven with the Big Man watching the 2-3 minute flash of my whole life. Would I be ashamed of my laziness to impact others, or would I feel deep fulfillment that I did everything I could with the gifts I was given?  I imagined extremely wanting the Big Man to watch that trailer and say to me with satisfaction, “Well done, Ash.”

I want to look at the trailer and be happy with the leaps of faith I took to have an influence in the world, even if there was failure along the way.

Believe it or not, you were made for a purpose. It is up to you to believe that. I want you, reader, to think about this. Are you living your life right now in a way where you are making a difference around you? Or are you playing it safe?

Some of us live our entire lives afraid. We fear awful outcomes of what could happen if we pursued what we truly loved, like letting others down or letting ourselves down. So we try to protect ourselves by making a life we think is trial and harm free. We stay in these bubbles and try to make ourselves content in them, when we know deep down we were not made for the life we’re living. I am here to bring you out of that bubble, because you were made for so much more than to just go through the motions.

I want you to look back on your trailer and jump up and down with joy. I want you to take risks and not be afraid to fail. I want you to love people wholeheartedly, even when they don’t love you back. I want you to forgive others even though it can be really uncomfortable. I want you to pursue that one thing that has always been lingering in the back of your thoughts.

Is there a goal you’ve always secretly thought of, but never thought you could actually achieve? Try to achieve it. Is there a place you’ve always wanted to go to, but have never gotten the chance to? Get a job and raise some money.

The truth is, life is short. Not every day is promised. And when we stay in these bubbles of safeness, we lose sight of all we could conquer in the world. What you love is not an accident. So chase after what you love, dive into the special things God has placed in your heart. Those things are not a mistake, they are there to guide you into making an incredible difference in the world.

Live your life to leave your mark. You don’t know when your last day will come, when your trailer will play. If you are thinking about something specific right now as you are reading this, a dream you have wanted to achieve ever since you were a kid, please go after it. I am begging you! The world will be so much of a better place when you commit to what you love to better other lives around you. And if it doesn’t work out, better an oops than a what-if. And if you shoot for the moon, you at least will land among the stars.

But Ash, this is not a convenient time in my life to chase my dreams. 

I get it, that is a valid reason. But I am not buying it. Set aside time each day and at least try. You will find you love this thing you’re doing and you will actually begin to look forward to this hour you spend doing it. Do not ignore your passions, because they tell you exactly where and who you should be.

Would your movie trailer have others rooting for you? Would your movie trailer inspire people to do what they love too? Would your movie trailer move people in a way because you took the time to change others lives with the gifts you were given?

Or is your movie trailer going to bore people to tears, because you’re too afraid to take action in this precious life you have been given?

You have the choice to make your life a life well lived. You have a choice to make a difference, even if you don’t think so.

I promise, you will never regret doing what you love. And there’s a reason for that.

Xoxo,

Ash