Don't throw in the towel just yet!

For the last 16+ years since I have been trying to bring my dolls and books to market, there have been many occasions when I've felt like throwing in the towel, and I often wondered why I hadn't. After having signed three contracts and seen many other people come and go who have become enthused and excited about my project, but have faded away over time, for a while it was a mystery to me why I was still holding on. I have even had people whom I have asked for advice and direction, and some who would love to see me fail, who have suggested to me that I should give up and try something else, but still I held on. It was as if there was something that had become a part of my life which kept me from giving up...something that pulled me back whenever I got too close to the precipice of throwing in the towel. What was that something? It was not that I needed to do what I'm trying to do. After all, I'm retired, I have a nice apartment; good friends; and a loving family. Not being a materialistic person, I can buy whatever I desire and come and go as I please. Sure I could use more money, who couldn't, but money is not what is motivating me to keep going. Like Martin Luther King, Jr., what is holding me hostage is the realization that I have a dream. My dream is to help my family; help other people who like me have a dream; and help children and families. That desire to help is so strong it keeps pushing and pushing, carrying me along through all the disappointments, deterrents and detours I've had to overcome and endure during these 16 years. But throwing in the towel is not an option, and if I haven't done anything else, I've learned to be patient. Delay does not mean denial. So I say to anyone who needs to hear it, don't throw in the towel just yet. There maybe something bigger than you that is waiting to be realized.

Paris Tompkins

Tags: delay, denial, dream, patience

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Comment by Paris E. Tompkins on February 22, 2009 at 8:42pm: Thank you, Laila, for sharing your story. It helps others to know that their situation is not pertinent to only them. We are fulfilling a part of our mission when we share our experiences with others, and help them see that life is not just picking on them, but we all struggle with challenges now and again. It is said that we "reap what we sow." That is so true. If you sow good work and determination you will reap the rewards of your labor. Take care, and keep pushing. Paris

Comment by Laila on February 21, 2009 at 8:24pm: I am looking forward to hearing the rest of this story Paris :-)

And I agree so much with your advice. Before I found what I do now, I had tried various "no risk" "opportunities" because I wanted to stay home with my children, not pay some stranger to watch them! I lost a lot of money and all my credibility. As a result, many of my friends and family were skeptical when I told them that I had found what I was going to do for a living for the rest of my life. Times were really tough for me at the time, and I did not have the time I needed to really make my business live up to it's potential, but I knew that it would always be there.

My life is so very different now! I get to meet so many wonderful people, and have helped so many families improve their lives. These tough economic downturns have hardly affected us, and I need people like you, Paris, to help me reach those that HAVE been devastated.

Laila
www.greenMOMteam.com

Comment by Paris E. Tompkins on January 25, 2009 at 9:45pm: Dear Kenya,
I know how frustrating it is to have your dream screaming to come out. But, all I can tell you is to hold on. Help is on the way. I can't say from where or when, but if you hold on to the faith of your dream, and keep reaching out to others, God will send someone. Not to mention, there is a time, a reason and a season for everything. It is not something we are fully in control of...our destiny. Try though we may, life has a way of working itself out. We just have to hold on and be strong in our conviction that what we want to do is of value and will be manifested. I have just received my shipment of dolls yesterday, and thank God for them as if they had arrived the moment I first created them on my sewing machine. It's as if time stood still. So don't worry how long it takes. You are being prepared for the time when all be become clear and you will be ready. In the meantime, do what you can, but don't stop living a full life. Enjoy the journey and let nothing take away your joy. You have been given something not everyone is priviledged to have...a dream. And I can gaurantee you that it will come true if you believe and hold on. Take care, let me hear from you, and God bless.

Comment by Kenya H. on January 24, 2009 at 1:45pm: You are an inspiration to me. I've been trying to get my business up and running for three years and have not found the financing to do so yet. Thank you for posting this blog.

Comment by Paris E. Tompkins on December 20, 2008 at 5:25pm: I have great news!! The first shipment of my dolls will be arriving from China in 3 weeks. I thank God for the patience and strength to have held on for 16 years! Don't give up on your dreams, no matter what. Paris.

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