When Dreams Meet Doubt: A Kickoff to Courage

“I’m going to help you make this happen.”

Those simple words from a stranger unlocked the possibility of fulfilling a once-in-a-lifetime dream.

While meeting Emmitt Smith—an icon, a legend, and one of my favorite football players—was an unforgettable experience, the real twist is that I almost fumbled the entire opportunity.

Because of fear. Surprising, unexpected, and entirely out of character for me… FEAR.

Let me explain. I’m someone who faces challenges head-on. Fear, uncertainty, discomfort? Bring it. In the fight, flight, or freeze model, I’m 100% a “fight” person, ready to tackle life’s unknowns with confidence and resolve. So imagine my shock when, standing on the brink of meeting Emmitt, I suddenly froze.

What made this even more surprising was that this wasn’t new to me. Over the years, I’ve met several famous people, largely by taking risks and seizing the moment. Back in college, when Billy Joel came to my university, I lingered outside the event hall, fully aware I wasn’t "on the list." But I told myself, “No one knows that, so why not act like I am?” It worked! I slipped backstage, exchanged a few words with Billy, and even snagged his autograph. Similarly, years later, determined to reconnect with a childhood classmate who’d made it big, I confidently roamed the New Haven Coliseum, chatting up wrestlers and employees alike until Dwayne arrived. That day, we caught up, exchanged life updates, and I even got his autograph for my boss.

Yet today, I felt an unsettling pang of hesitation. Why was I feeling this way? Where was my usual “take-charge” attitude? Why was I, someone who typically thrives on confidence, suddenly feeling held back?

Professionally, I’ve grown accustomed to being the woman at the table in a male-dominated industry, where I’ve worked hard, earned my place, and thrived. I’ve faced down situations that could intimidate anyone, asserting my presence in rooms dominated by men with confidence and resilience. But today felt different. Standing on the brink of this dream, I faced an unexpected wave of fear and doubt. Was I afraid of rejection or embarrassment? I wondered if I would be seen as a serious sports fan. Or if I’d be seen at all. Why were the men so readily stepping forward for this opportunity while I stood frozen? Was my hesitation a product of my environment? Or was it a reminder of barriers I thought I’d already broken through?

Then, something remarkable happened. Another woman, noticing the spark in my eyes dimming, saw my passion and stepped in without hesitation. With a few simple but powerful words, she said, “I’m going to help you make this happen.” Her support was a lifeline, pulling me back from the edge of self-doubt and reigniting the fire within me. It reminded me of the strength we gain from supporting one another.

For all the times I’ve jumped in to help others, to be their supporter, their advocate, I was humbled to experience that same encouragement. It reinforced the idea that even the most confident among us can be blindsided by unexpected fears. We all need someone in our corner, someone who sees our dreams as vividly as we do and won’t let us let them slip away.

Here’s to acknowledging our surprising fears, finding strength in each other, and bravely fighting for our dreams—together.

And, to the woman who helped make this dream come true - Kristy Puckett "KP"

THANK YOU!!!