Go confidently in the direction of your dreams!

A long time ago, when I was only a 16-year-old junior in high school, I dared to dream something big. Something ginormous and amazing and wonderful that I knew some how, some way would eventually become my destiny. This dream completely changed the way I talked, walked, treated others, and most of all- my plans for the rest of my life.

Then I went to college. I didn’t abandon my dreams, and I didn’t replace them- they just got pushed aside by all of the incredible doors that this world of school, fashion, creativity, and once in a lifetime opportunities opened. There wasn’t anything wrong with how I spent my college years, they just took me on a slight detour in reaching the dreams of my 16-year-old self.

Now, cut to early this spring. I had an amazing job, incredible friends that I never imagined I would have, a family that loves me no matter what, and THE cutest apartment and dog in the entire world. But it still didn’t feel right to me. Something was missing in my life, and after a lot of thoughts, prayers, and long runs at the park I realized what it was. I was not doing anything to actively pursue those dreams that I dreamed so vividly before I had bills and responsibilities. This bothered me to the point that I did something dangerous- I shared my dreams with a couple of my closest friends. And can you believe it, those friends had the nerve to challenge me to get up and do something about it! So I did. I got more involved in causes and people that I am passionate about, and I took a good long look at what I am doing right now to reach my dreams.

Art Fair 2012

One quirk I’ve always had is that I will think and analyze and then think some more about doing something, until one day, something just changes in my brain. At that point, when I make up my mind to do something, there is no turning back. I’ve committed, even if only in my head, and that is what I’m going to do. Which brings me to today. My last day of being a part of this team known as Matilda Jane Platinum. I’ve put off writing this blog as long as I possibly could, but at 4:40 on Friday, I guess this is it. Next Monday morning, when I wake up, I will begin the very first step to reaching for the dreams that have been a part of me for the past seven years.

I think that this transition is the very definition of bittersweet. We say it all the time, but it has never been more true- that Matilda Jane is as much, if not more, about people than cute girls’ clothes. It is about the relationships that are built, strengthened, and renewed. The relationships that I’ve built with the girls here at MJC are priceless. These girls have truly become some of my best friends. And the relationships I’ve been privileged to have with each and every single person who supports Matilda Jane have changed me (for the better) more than I could ever say. Every single kind word, note of encouragement, and gesture of support have never, ever gone unnoticed.

Habitat for Humanity 2011

So with this final blog, I want to say thank you. To every single person I have come in contact with and had the honor of knowing over the past years. So many people tell us that their daughters have grown up with Matilda Jane, and I feel that in a different, or maybe not so different, way I have grown up with Matilda Jane too. Thank you all for making this time of growing and learning the most amazing time of my life.

love, desi