In the right frame of mind, most people would only participate in a contest once. After all, trying to find time to do the first one is challenging in itself. As I continue to read stories of how people lived their lives before Active Rain & now, I smile only to remember what was I like just 3 years ago.

I started in this business with no intentions of becoming a real estate agent. So, my first few years, I did not do marketing and I served friends as clients. It worked well until something happened to me in Africa during my mission trip. I came home, turned in my resignation letter and never looked back.

Before Active Rain, I was a timid, young lady - looking for her place in this big real estate world. I saw many things with the wrong eye, wrong attitude and wrong mindset. That was my way of remaining down-to-earth and real.

As I find my mark here on Active Rain, I slowly began to see all the positive sides that I never thought I had. If you followed my blogs, you know I am transparent. I never claim to know the things I don't. But yet, I put myself out there. I continue to share my struggles, my triumphs and my victories because I used to think I was "the only one" who thought that way before Active Rain.

Some people stand up strong with successes and a few people, like me can remain strong with vulnerability & transparency and a huge willpower to be better. Before Active Rain, if people told me I was well-articulated, I'd just shrugged that aside. My friend, Jennifer Allan said that to me but I would never believed her. How can that be? English is my 2nd language. I could never stand up to other bloggers who speak English all their lives. Guess what? That was a story I made up to justify my insecurity of becoming successful beyond measure.

Before Active Rain, gifted writer (as described by my new coach, Kathy) is a term you dont put next to my name. After Active Rain, I found the gift of communication through writing. How empowering and liberating to know.

Marianne Williamson's quote asked, Who am I to be brilliant, fabulous, talented and gorgoeus? I asked, Whom am I NOT to be? - That's the new "me".

My journey here on Active Rain has been beyond incredible. I see my role here, as I tell my stories is to inspire you and empower you. It is to be real, sharing myself and my struggles with you. I'm not any more special than you are. Somehow, I know I shouldn't wait until I am somebody before I teach, inspire, empower and share myself with others. My God had told me that I am placed to shine.

I'm never afraid of learning but I decided, after Active Rain - I can help those like me to encourage them, to cheer them on no matter how insecure, how tiny they will ever feel. Use me as a tiny example. Remember that I'm not any more special than you are. We are all meant to shine, just as children do!

Dont wait for life to happen. Or to wait for success to come your way. Pick up where you are.

AFTER ACTIVE RAIN - That's how I find significance in my life - to know that I have made a difference. That's absolutely fulfilling and I know my Father will receive the glory.