Are you hopeful or hopeless? or, are you full of hope and are eagerly anticipating the best for you that is just around the bend? If you are, rest assured your hope will be challenged on every level, but the challenges will bring out the best in you. If you really believe what you see in your mind, a better future, happier life, and living out your dreams, whatever they may be, then who cares what the people say, think or do? It's your dream. Never stop believing. Hang in there. It's closer than you think. Never lose hope--your best is yet to come!

"Don't allow anyone to push your pedal; pump it yourself. Be internally motivated instead of doing things to please others." As your dream gets closer to materializing the haters (doubters) will come out of the wood-works in hopes to sabotage you. Here's something to help you on your journey: doubters are good to have around, you just have to know how to use them. They are fuel to help push you and motivate you to become great. This article was inspired to encourage you in your quest for the unthinkable, the unimaginable, the dream only you can bring to reality. If you thought it was over, you haven't seen anything yet. It is coming. Never mind what the haters say, they will be the same one running to shake your hand when your perseverance has pushed you into your destiny! Just be patient and allow the process to unfold before your eyes.

The Glory Days:

For many of us, even in our glory-days and climatic achievements, we still have not yet seen the greatness of our potential. We are like an unbaked cake; not yet finished, but still in the oven awaiting all its ingredients to merge together, with time, pressure and heat. We have everything we need to be great; you and I were made that way, "fearfully and wonderfully created," said God. And when you have been tried, tested and proven true: like the well-finished cake, oven-crispy, yet moist at its center and tasty with every bite! --so will the right opportunities meet your preparedness after you have endured the conventionally tormenting heat of the oven (your trials), for a season.

Upon exiting the oven, you will develop characteristics, which you never had before. For example, you will be a little crisp on the outside; this represents your strength; the moistened center signifies your temperament to deal with the challenges that life may bring, and the sweet taste is your reward because of the faith and steadfastness to your journey. Never give up!

The Process:

Might I add, no one likes the oven: it's clustered, hot, no A/C, dark at times, and have course, very lonely. However, there is a bigger purpose than you are now able to see; but will become clearer to you with time. And if you would just hang-in-there for a little while longer, your taste buds will surely appreciate the long awaited arrival of your labored fruits. One thing is true, and this you will discover--you can't rush the taste of greatness. It takes time, faith, long-suffering, and hope. Try to be patient. During your trials, like the oven, it may seem like you are the only one having it hard or feeling the harsh heat. Many a times, others are experiencing something much harder than you, but remember, those who feel it, knows it!

And the grass is never greener on the other side, regardless of what the Nay-Sayers may say or imply! Your oven experience was meant to bake you into the person you are to become: Great! not mediocre; Solid! not watered-down; Resilient! not, here today, gone tomorrow; and have course, Rewarding! not in vain. Mind you, life is not a race; but there are people who live life as such: this is my life, some will say, and I am in total control. I must do so and so by this time; I must accomplish all my goals (marry, kids, job, house, and all the glitters) by a certain age, no ifs, ands, or buts!

Some may achieve all the above, and more, but at what price? As the saying goes, "not everything that glitters is gold." Some are simply "gold-plated" and without substance. The truth is, while success may have various appearances, many are empty souls seeking refuge. On the other hand, you may at times look at those same people (having a ball), and others like them and say to yourself, "wow, they are definitely living the life I wish I had; or at the very least, come close to it. They have everything I wish I had! Gosh! when will my turn come? Or, I don't feel like I have done anything worthwhile; my life is just a "big-flop!" Those negative thoughts are only distractions. Just keep your focus, and keep reminding yourself that this too will pass, and that you were made for such a times as this, like Ester of the bible. Things happen to everyone, good and bad!

Never mind the pushers and showers; pacing yourself is the best thing you can do. Consider this: an over-heated oven burns whatever it holds, but one that is regulated, with time and temperament, assures lasting success. A life with anxiety leads to unending disappointments and pain; meanwhile, patience, timing and dedication brings much fruit and success beyond measures. Life requires endurance, core-values, the realization that you are not always in control, and things happen regardless of how well you plan. So, be open to life and circumstances, for in them lies hope and the creation of sheer strength. Never give up, you are closer than you think!

Know Yourself:

On the other hand, you must know when to step on the gas. That is, don't allow anyone to push your pedal; do it yourself. By doing so you will be internally motivated to accomplishing all your dreams and aspirations, instead of doing them to please others. No one knows you better than you, except God, the maker of all things. Above all, a failure is not always what it amounts to be; it is only another person's interpretation and unfulfilled expectation of you, not yours! And, never do for others what you are not willing to do for yourself. "To thine own self be true, William Shakespeare!" In other words, just--KEEP IT REAL!