This post was most recently updated on February 23rd, 2014
Did you ever have an experience that was personal and you went public with it? It is so difficult to do because deep down in your belief system there is a part of you that is so strong, but you cannot share it because you go into a “fear place.” That was the case with my secret dream.
But I made my secret dream public this past week. I try not to bring to the table things such as religion and politics. I do however have a dream that underlies all my online activity. One that keeps me up until 3 a.m. writing, working and syndicating to realize my dream.
Sometimes our goals are private and we really don’t want to share them with others. It is something we have deep in our hearts. I have shared my goal on a piece of paper, drawing a tree with branches… and on the top I placed my true goal. Each branch contained an opportunity in my business. Things I needed to work on. Also things I needed to snip off, to make my tree strong and healthy.
On top of the tree is my secret goal. One I strive for. It is not for myself, because I am truly happy with the means to the goal… the process of internet marketing via Social Media. It is through this process that I have grown to create beautiful relationships and solid business partners.
About two weeks ago, I had an “Aha” moment that struck me while I was deep in meditation: “You must go public with your dream and spread the word.” I jolted up, in fear.
No way can I bring up my secret dream, my ultimate goal! People wouldn’t agree with me. I could jeopardize some the relationships I have formed. Well, that lasted for about 60 seconds. The challenge presented in my “Aha” moment was far stronger than my fear.
Now, Hmmm, how do I go about this? It is totally off the course of what I write about in my blogs. It comes out of the blue. So I let it go.
Surprisingly, I met up with Edward Elliott.
On his blog, he encourages a group of people to share their dreams on Fridays.
This caught my eye and I joined the group. Shortly after that, he got in touch with me and we had a conversation on Skype. He asked for my story.
Well, there was my answer to the big question of how to get the word out. I scurried on Thursday to put something together for him and he posted it the next day.
There I was facing the spoken word of my personal dream. Coincidence? Of course not. In my business, I always tell people “there is no such thing as coincidence”.
You may call it God, Collective Consciousness or Law of Attraction. Whatever word you choose is ok. But I ask you this: What are the chances of an experiencing an “Aha” moment that would become manifest one a week later?
What I want to stress here is that we can set up our dream lists, we can read books or write about it, but it is not until the spoken word is formed, that our dreams come true.
Words have power. In the beginning was The Word.
I spoke about something a bit controversial and knew that some people would disagree with me and that is O.K. But Edward came to my life and connected with me to pull me out of my Dream Closet.
This blog is dedicated to Edward Elliott and all his efforts and the wonders he is creating. He just celebrated his 11th anniversary with his wife and they look so happy on Facebook.
God does work in strange ways. I am so grateful to you Edward. Happy Anniversary and may your journey with your wife be blessed.
Twitter: donna_tribe
August 16, 2010 at 4:54 pm #
Michaele, thank you for words of wisdom. Yes, I was just talking about the subject, Edward popped into my life and the next thing you know, there I was sharing the dream. I love the quote. and I also do not believe in coincidences. It did take courage, but doesn’t every new thing we do?
Thanks Again,
Donna
.-= Dona Merrill´s last blog ..My Secret Dream… Revealed =-.
Hi Donna,
Firstly congratulations on your incredible courage!
I remember you touched on this the other day and now here you are, opening up to the world. I too believe there are no coincidences in life and your meeting with Edward certainly wasn’t one of them. The quote ‘your playing small doesn’t serve anyone’ comes to mind. Most people would rather play small than be controversial. You’re in the court playing now and this can only contribute to your dream becoming a reality.
Michaelé
.-= Michaelé Harrington´s last blog ..The Secret To Maximizing Googles Latest Indexing Update =-.
Hey Donna, Wow what a powerful dream! I have been fortunate to be able to work with pregnant teens in a similar organization and help them understand that they do have choices and that there are organizations like birthright out there to help them. You are awesome and I know that this will come true for you. Thank you for sharing – being brave and putting it out there girlfriend!
.-= Jan´s last blog ..Does Top Ranking Really Matter =-.
Twitter: donna_tribe
August 16, 2010 at 4:43 pm #
Thanks so much Jan! You understand the dilemma I am in. I was part of NOW since I was a kid. I grew up with CHOICE. Now there is no more choices for these kids. I need to have this organization stronger so pregnant teens can survive. Thanks so much Jan,
Donna
.-= Dona Merrill´s last blog ..My Secret Dream… Revealed =-.
Donna,
It takes courage to share our dreams let alone a dream that may be perceived controversial. However our soul demands that we are honest and transparent and I commend you for stepping out and sharing what is in your heart. You have my respect and love. I have always been pro-choice however I know it is all to easy to only present one side of the story and our young adults deserve to know all their options.
Great project and thank you for inspiring the rest of us to step out and share our most cherished dreams.
I agree with the other comments here. Your true friends will never leave your side and I say friends forever!!!
Faith
.-= Faith Barnard´s last blog ..Your Perfect MLM Presentation Template- You Can Can Scale It Up or Down and It Works Everytime =-.
Twitter: donna_tribe
August 15, 2010 at 5:47 am #
Thank you Faith for your awesome response. Being transparent is pretty easy for me, but digging down to some issues aren’t.
I think most of us feel that way. Doing this made me grow more. I am growing leaps and bounds – wish I could get taller tee hee.
Blessings,
Donna
Hi Donna,
It takes courage to tell our most secret dreams,those that really move us and say things that we really believe though they may be controversial.
But your real friends Always Respect You For That. I wish you full success in meeting your goals.
A hug
Raisa
.-= Raisa Garrido´s last blog ..¿Programación Neurolinguística y Negocios =-.
Twitter: donna_tribe
August 15, 2010 at 4:40 am #
Hi Raisa,
Thank you so much for your words of wisdom! Yes, I find that most respect people for what they stand up for.
Hugs to you,
Donna
.-= Dona Merrill´s last blog ..My Secret Dream… Revealed =-.
Hi Donna,
I applaud you for stepping outside of your comfort zone and sharing something that is deeply personal and very private. I believe one of the biggest hurdles everyone who migrates online must get over is the fear of “sharing too much.”
Of course there are certain things we should keep private, but dreams have a way of squirming out of that slippery grip because they are just too big, and just too eager to become manifest.
If we lose “friends” over something that is sacred to us, we have to wonder if these people were ever really our friends to begin with? At the end of the day, this is YOUR life you are talking about! You owe it to yourself to go for what burns in your soul!
Mary Lou
.-= Mary Lou Kayser´s last blog ..The Most Powerful Marketing Force Today And How to Cash in on It =-.
Twitter: donna_tribe
August 13, 2010 at 2:27 am #
Thank you Mary Lou!
This is EXACTLY the process I went through before I did it!
-Donna
Twitter: donna_tribe
August 12, 2010 at 1:32 pm #
Jose, you are absolutely correct by saying I would POP! Actually, a few friends that disagreed, came back after thinking about it and respected me for who I am and the courage to say so. We all can’t agree on issues, but we agreed to disagree. Thanks Jose, I appreciate your comment.
Donna
.-= Dona Merrill´s last blog ..My Secret Dream… Revealed =-.
I think that if you are passionate about something and it keeps you up at 3 A.M. you have no choice but to take it public. It sounds almost if you didn’t you would POP! I think it is our responsibility in life to share our beliefs and communicate our dreams and the pieces will fall where they will. But you will be closer to becoming a complete human being in the process. You may lose a few friends along the way, but that happens anyway. SO great job on choosing to share.
.-= Jose H. Caraballo´s last blog ..One Item a Day…At Least =-.
Twitter: donna_tribe
August 12, 2010 at 1:05 am #
Thank you Joe for your concern and wonderful words. Actually my priest told me Jesus carried the cross. Why should I be carrying the burden. He did it for us and I believe in the Mercy of God. I know that I am “forgiven” in God’s eyes, but I still mourn. Thank you for such great words. You are great!
You have helped me along with this.
Bless You,
Donna
.-= Dona Merrill´s last blog ..My Secret Dream… Revealed =-.
Hi Donna,
Like others who have commented, I too am cautious about discussing religion and politics.
However, I’m not reluctant to discuss what the Bible teaches. And like you said, we need to reveal who we are; it has never been more vital than it is today. So, here’s my word. . .
In the beginning was the Word.
The Word shared truth with us; he never let fear of man inhibit or stop him from sharing that truth.
As free moral agents we have the right to accept or reject truth. However, when we choose to reject truth, that “truth” isn’t nullified.
Truth be known (in my humble opinion), very little of what religions teach and what politicians preach is found in the Bible (my view, when they do attempt to use the scriptures, they twist them to support their particular agenda — why else, as an example, would Catholics have killed Catholics, Protestants have killed Protestants, Methodists have killed Methodists, Lutherans have killed Lutherans. . .ad nauseum. . .during World Wars I and II?).
One thing I do know is that life is sacred to God and the Bible makes it clear that life begins at conception (it only took science a few thousand years to get that one right).
So, thanks for coming out of the closet — LOL, and sharing this dream. I’m so glad to know that my syndication of your posts, and any help I may be able to provide in the growth of your business, is going to help support a cause as meaningful as the one you have chosen.
All the best,
Joe
PS I hope you’ve posted that video on your YouTube channel and everywhere else you can. . .it is powerful.
Twitter: donna_tribe
August 11, 2010 at 6:49 pm #
Hi Joe, as you commented:
“One thing I do know is that life is sacred to God and the Bible makes it clear that life begins at conception (it only took science a few thousand years to get that one right).”
I never knew that because I was “taught” in my generation that it was OK. I can tell you from my experience it is not OK! Yes, I did have an abortion and it sticks with you emotionally all your life! There…more truth revealed! I was going to do another blog post on this but I thought it would be overkill.
My main issue however, is CHOICE! When people bend words and hide the scientific evidence, that is NOT CHOICE. Like the old saying “If I knew then what I knew now” Maybe I wouldn’t have made that choice.
I carry that cross every day of my life. My priest told me to let it go, but I cannot. It is something I have to live with and it is haunting.
Many people are non-religious, so I made this video to wake them up to CHOICE! Also, to tell them there is another solution out there. They may be “underground” but they are there!
Thanks Joe for your excellent comment.
Blessings,
Donna
.-= Dona Merrill´s last blog ..My Secret Dream… Revealed =-.
Hi Donna,
Back over the net to you!
Perhaps if your priest had read you the following scripture, you would be able to leave — what must be a heavy burden to bear — far behind you, just as this scripture tells us God has.
With your permission, here is a portion of Psalm 103 (please note, my copy of “The Jerusalem Bible” printed in 1966, which was released by the Roman Catholic Church following Vatican II, uses “Yahweh” — the Anglicized spelling of the Hebrew word for God’s name; the translation I used was the “The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures” which renders God’s name in the English language as “Jehovah”:
8 Jehovah is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness.
9 He will not for all time keep finding fault,
Neither will he to time indefinite keep resentful.
10 He has not done to us even according to our sins;
Nor according to our errors has he brought upon us what we deserve.
11 For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
His loving-kindness is superior toward those fearing him.
12 As far off as the sunrise is from the sunset,
So far off from us he has put our transgressions.
13 As a father shows mercy to his sons,
Jehovah has shown mercy to those fearing him.
14 For he himself well knows the formation of us,
Remembering that we are dust.
The key here Donna, is verse 12. . .how far from the sunrise is the sunset?
You’ve obviously grieved over your choice, and would not repeat it again. From what this scripture says, God isn’t holding this against you, and would undoubtedly ask you not to continue to carry that cross (I didn’t say forget this experience), but carrying the burden is another thing.
Thanks so much for your honesty, your concern and willingness to share so that others can learn and benefit from your experience.
Joe
I am more and more intrigued by the idea of transparency. Like you, I try to stay away from religion and politics. For me it doesn’t take much to “get me going” in these areas. So I sense it will be true for others. I have been repelled by some gurus that have otherwise great information, by their sharing their thoughts on welfare, healthcare, religion and other “issues” so I figure I could easily repel others too. Still, what is life worth if you can’t stand for something! What is all our biz activity worth if it doesn’t contribute to a greater good, even if others may disagree with “what is good”?
I have been thinking about writing a post on the issue of transparency, and several posts by others, including this one, has pushed me to do it. I won’t have answers. Just questions.
.-= Richard Goutal´s last blog ..My Big NICHE Mistake =-.
Twitter: donna_tribe
August 10, 2010 at 5:32 pm #
Thank you for such words of wisdom Richard. The FIRST thing we learn about Internet Marketing is to be ourselves. I could get going like you, I know what you mean about that. We all need to be transparent. When society accepts things that are conditional these days, it is time to speak our minds. Don’t we still have freedom of speech? Hmmm….makes you wonder doesn’t it! We can speak about things we are told to be “acceptable” in our society, but we are shunned or even worse, If we go against the grain.
I’m a child of the 60’s and still have in my heart and soul
free speech. O.K. I’ll not get on that one.
But keep on going my friend. Post about transparency! It will only be for the highest good.
Blessings,
Donna
Thank GOD somebody’s come out of the “Closet” who is not only smart but beautiful to look at. Hope David’s not reading this. Donna, I so enjoyed the video on Edwards Blog. It was just super. Thanks for being you and you are most appreciated.
.-= Nelson´s last blog ..Promptings =-.
Twitter: donna_tribe
August 10, 2010 at 5:26 pm #
Thank you for your support Nelson! We need to reveal who we are not matter what the “fads” are in society. This only made me stronger! And thank you so much for always bringing joy into my life by your awesome blogs!
God Bless,
Donna
No Doubt about it. You are going to be taking care of
Birthrite.
Twitter: donna_tribe
August 10, 2010 at 5:24 pm #
Thanks so much, I’ve spoken the “word” and already the ball is rolling from other areas. Coincidence? I think not!
Donna,
You should be proud of what you dream of accomplishing. This is nothing to be afraid of. I applaud you for standing up and speaking your dream out loud.
You are an awesome lady who rocks!
Way to go!!!!!!!!
Val 🙂
.-= Val Wilcox´s last blog ..The Unexamined Life is Not Worth Living =-.
Twitter: donna_tribe
August 10, 2010 at 5:53 pm #
As always Thank you Val for all your support. You are always “there” for me. I appreciate you sooooo much!
Donna
Hi Donna,
Congratulations for stepping out and sharing your secret dream! I’m excited for you and for all of the women who are blessed by your passion. Your dream will be realized!!
Dena
Twitter: donna_tribe
August 10, 2010 at 9:51 pm #
Thanks so much Deana-Lyn! It took a lot to share but I did it and am feeling great!
Donna
Hey Donna,
Thanks for this post. I actually clicked on the link to watch the video of your dream. I applaud that you are standing up for what you believe. I pray that you are successful in achieving your goal.
~ Tim
.-= Tim Colletti´s last blog ..Back To The Basics – Registering A Domain Name =-.
Twitter: donna_tribe
August 10, 2010 at 5:52 pm #
Hi Tim! Thank you so much for your encouragement! And most of all, thanks for your prayers.
Bless you,
Donna
Hey Donna,
What an honor to be participating in your “coming out party” in such a BIG way! I am very blessed to have you in my life. I believe in the power of the spoken word and know that what you speak about will come about. It is through the sharing of our most deepest dreams and desires that they come to life. There are no coincidences. Have faith in what you believe in your mind to know that they will come to be. Keep your dreams alive!
Make it a great day!
God Bless,
-ed
.-= Edward´s last blog ..Share Your DREAM Friday – with Special Guest Dreamer Donna Merrill! =-.
Twitter: donna_tribe
August 8, 2010 at 2:06 pm #
Hey Edward, It is a true blessing that we became friends. Keep up your work. It is so inspiring and healing for people. Yes, there are no coincidences! God bless all you do,
Donna Merrill
.-= Dona Merrill´s last blog ..Reciprocity- The Backbone Of Social Marketing =-.