This issue is particularly special to mi. Not only does it mark the end of another calendar year but also the completion of our third year providing fabulous “warm fuzzies” worldwide as well as the fact that this issue is our tenth one.
As Focus on Fabulous” magazine finishes this year and its second year in circulation I, as CEO/founder, have been doing a lot of reflecting. Reflecting on its mere beginnings from a dream on a whim to its current development and the pains that growing often carries.
Through this year, we have been blessed with many supporters in vision, resources, and opportunities, have met what many would consider “everyday” people yet discovered diamonds under coal. These individuals have shared their stories. We have laughed and cried with them over many cups of coffee and meetings. We are blessed to have witnessed and offer a venue to celebrate the greatness from all ages, sizes and walks of life. I, personally have learned things about myself, my business, my tribe, support system, and the world around mi. These things I would by no other means have ever learned except through this adventure. I have been greatly surrounded by the magnitude of truly fabulous individuals and was able to share and showcase [through the publications pages] the value of all persons, that everyone has a gift or talent, everyone has a story, pasts don’t make realities, victims become victorious and every life has special meaning. Truly these past two years, the excitement has far outweighed the disappointments, and things have become possible that I never thought would.
Yes, the struggle and the growth have been hard. It is inevitable that as we continue to grow, other difficulties will bring more frustrations and growing pains. The doubt may rise as we proceed to climb toward producing the greatness and the phenomenon that was in my original vision. People will continue to tell mi “you can count on mi” and not come through. Naysayers and obstacles will come my way but not defeat. For I am tenacious and an overcomer. I am determined, one who does not give up easily when fighting for something I believe. Afraid of failure? Yes. Afraid I can’t handle things as the magazine becomes a success? Most definitely. But the dream must go on. Lives must be enriched, celebrated, and inspired. Tons of people must be touched and lives changed around the world because of the contents of these pages. It is my calling and a risk I must take.
I have spent countless hours and sleepless nights investing in this venture, in the people it is destined to aspire, in myself. I have witnessed firsthand a need for down time, away from the screens of laptops, computers, cell phones and televisions and know firsthand of the desire for a chance to escape, to reflect, and find ourselves. The urge to continue to reveal the unseen beauty that surrounds us each and every day despite all the sham and drudgery we are bombarded continually with shall prevail. As we enter our third year and continue to grow, we set our sights high, our dreams higher and our determination infinite. To all the men and women who have shared our first two years with us, we salute you. We love you and we appreciate you. Some of you have stepped out of your comfort zones; others have shared and been vulnerable knowing that someone somewhere needed to hear what you had to say. Others offered recipes, insight for children and more. Each of you is as unique as your personal fingerprints, and we are thrilled that you chose to be a part of our quest. Here’s to another year of boundless blessings, great tributes and changing the world together—one fabulous feature at a time.
stay fabulous, stay you!
“mi”