Harvard graduate, Donovan Livingston’s 2016 speech is a testament to what can be accomplished when we believe in ourselves, and allow nothing and no-one to keep us off track. Take a listen:

Whether it was in kindergarten, high school, now our workplace board room or our own home – at some point many of us are being told to shut up and conform to the status quo. We are offered alternatives to what we want as individuals, and our very being are contained and blighted by the confines that cripples us and quells our inner light from shining. Shutting us down telling us how to behave, stay in our place, what to eat, wear, see, hear, speak…how to feel about what we eat, see, smell, hear…When the hell do I get to be me? Is the question most asked. When do I break free from the oppression that suppresses me, letting out the caged bird so she can freely sing? When? We wonder!

Breaking free takes hard work, determination and a resilient spirit.

What I get from this speech, in addition to breaking free and taking off, is to “NEVER shut up! NEVER give up!” Make your voices heard however you want it to be heard, and do whatever you want with your life.

If you believe in something strongly enough, do not allow anyone to talk you out of pursuing it. You may get off track for whatever reason, but don’t stay there! Get back on track, uplift yourself and get to wherever YOU want to go.

Decide today! Make that decision that no matter who or what try to get you off track (if they do succeed) it will be short-term because you will muster up, remind yourself who you are, what you’re about and make every effort to get back on track and fulfill your dreams no matter how BIG or small. Make a commitment to yourself, then make every effort to keep it!

Stay Inspired! Design Your Dream Lifestyle, and let no-one stop you from living it.

Xo,