By Liltera R. Williams

“If you’re living without giving, your talents are null and void.”

I came up with this quote just short of three years ago, when I made the conscious decision to pursue my childhood dream of becoming a well-known and respected writer. After frequently being told that writing is not a ‘real’ career, as a serial overachiever, I desperately wanted to prove others wrong. The feat became a huge challenge and, eventually, I was forced to shift my focus. Instead of wasting so much energy on appeasing the naysayers, I became more dedicated to those who supported me. More importantly, those who believed in me. They were and are more deserving of my attention.

Suddenly, I was being told how much of an inspiration I am. Total strangers began to reach out with honest sentiments, sharing details of past regrets and unaccomplished goals. My purpose was already evident, but being recognized as a bearer of positivity with difference-making potential made it more clear. All I ever wanted to do was write, with or without compensation. Although I believed that I was talented, from the beginning, I tried my best to always remain humble and appreciative. With each new achievement, I became even more aware that my words have power. No matter how many times I was rejected for lack of experience and being an incompatible match for numerous publications, the desire to create my own path to success continued to grow. I was internally motivated to be the best at doing what I love, minus the spite and ill-will feelings towards those who would not acknowledge my unique skills. Every ounce of feedback, including the non-responses, was a learning lesson.

Now, here I am, in the Middle East, capitalizing on the freedom that I was granted because I had enough faith to travel outside of my comfort zone. I quit my corporate job as an SEO Copywriter in February of this year, briefly living what some people refer to as the American Dream, anticipating much-needed change and seeking long-term fulfillment. Basically, I realized and accepted the fact that my dream was never really the American Dream in the first place; it was my personal and exclusive destiny.

I’m temporarily in a totally different country, attempting to stand out within an area that is unfamiliar to me, still striving to conquer the same objective: exemplifying why it’s important to LIVE YOUR DREAM. I am no longer a victim of fear, no longer trapped inside my own world filled with doubt and insecurity, no longer satisfied with being average or mediocre. Dreams do come true. I’m a living example and grateful for the opportunity to use my gift to show you how.

I look forward to meeting you and being welcomed into your culture, now that I’ve officially #GoneGlobal.

Join Liltera on December 6, 2014 at Q8 Bookstore, 6:00PM to 9:00PM, for her very first international book signing. Learn more about her company, iWrite4orU (www.iwrite4oru.com), her four self-published books, Amateur Thoughts: A Personal Collection of iWrite Poetry & LRW Quotes, Dearly Beloved S.I.S.T.A.S, Words from the Write Side of My Heart, and LIVE YOUR DREAM: How to Set and Accomplish Deadline-Driven Goals and also receive more information on future workshops for aspiring writers.