When I told you that I was going to make a difference in the world and that i would do anything to get there, you told me to dream smaller. Be more practical. Think the way other people do. Be reasonable. Don’t waste my life by reaching for the stars. Aim lower. BE LIKE EVERYONE ELSE.

When I chose to ignore your suggestions and keep my goals high, you labeled me as ignorant and “too hopeful.” You said that I wasn’t smart enough, talented enough, or motivated enough to hit what I was aiming for. Said that I didn’t have it in me to be the person I wanted to be or to do the things I wanted to do.

I like that. I like that you think I'm being too hopeful. I love waking up every morning determined to make that day better than the last because I have a future to build and dreams to fulfill. Your lack of belief in me is my drive, it’s my motivation. Because one day, I can look at all the things you told me I couldn’t do and tell you that I DID. Don’t tell me I can’t, because you know I will. List out every obstacle, every set back, and every possible outcome there could be and I will take your words and turn them into my own personal reminder that I have something to prove. So one day, when I get to where i was headed in the first place, you can look back and know that you underestimated me.