I used to make detailed Christmas lists when I was a kid. One year, I wanted a “Colorburst 250” camera. I talked about it forever. Just to be absolutely certain there would be no confusion with the “150” (which didn’t have the flash), I cut out a photo of it and put it on the fridge. “Here, Santa! Look here!” 🙂
Besides the fact that this totally makes me an “OG” vision boarder :-), the point is that I’ve never lost that desire to get exactly what I want and to do the hard work it takes to get it.
I wanted to speak Spanish. I spent every waking moment in college – watching news, telenovelas, sitting at the “Spanish-only” table at lunch, living in the Spanish house, reading everything I could. My family couldn’t afford to send me to Mexico or Spain for study abroad, but I had supportive professors who saw my drive and kind philanthropists who helped make it happen. I wanted a job where I could work in PR and speak Spanish. Done. I wanted to shift my focus to strategic communications and work with nonprofits. Done. I thought teaching college-level communications courses would help me manage my fear of extemporaneous speaking. Did it (though I do still love my talking points and prep like mad).
I spent hours of research, study, hair-pulling, prayer, and networking to achieve those things.
Nothing worth having comes easy.
I’m on a mission now to leave the world a better place than it was when I got here. I think I’m working harder than I’ve ever worked in my life, but it’s fun and exciting and totally worth it because I know I’m helping people step into their biggest, best selves.
As we head into 2020, I wish you good health, happiness and the motivation to do the work.
Happy Holidays!
Jennifer
p.s. I got the camera!
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Jennifer R. Hudson
ThinkBeyond Public Relations
www.wethinkbeyond.com
IG: @thinkbeyondpr
FB: https://www.facebook.com/thinkbeyondPR