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WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH, THE TOUGH
go to the beach
Contributing Author: DANA BICKFORD
What do you do when your life unravels, everything begins
to fall apart and and you find yourself homeless?
You chase your dreams, thats what!
was extremely fortunate to have discovered
my purpose in life by my mid-thirties while
Ibuilding a successful Mary Kay business.
What did I discover?
I discovered my heart overflowed with joy when I
witnessed the transformation of the women whom
I had the privilege of working with. As I watched
them grow and succeed, I was often more excited
than they were at their successes. That’s when
I realized I was put on this earth to help people
discover who they are and what God had created
them for.
Living my purpose created a life I had dreamed of.
As a single mother of three children, my coaching
and training business helped me live a lifestyle that
allowed me to be there for them and not miss their
activities.
I cherished the experience of raising my children.
When the time came and they were grown, I was
also ready for the next chapter of my life. Ten years
ago, my life was the way I had pictured it would
be. I was ready to take my life and business to the
next level. I met a man, got engaged and began the
process of merging our businesses. Life was sweet.
Life was good.
Then…BOOM!!! Within four months my life
came unraveled. My engagement broke off, I
took custody of my 12-month-old grandson and
worst, found myself homeless. I had nowhere to
go, I was alone and I had so much unexpected
responsibility. I didn’t know what to do and I had
nowhere to turn.
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I have it all planned out -- plans
to take care of you, not abandon you,
Dana plans to give you the future you hope
for.
—jeremiah 29:11
PURPOSE THROUGH A BLUEPRINT
ith nothing else to lose and She told me her company was going to be Having The Blueprint for Success (BFS)
strong encouragement from my hiring a coach, and that she could see me Workshop in my toolbox continues to be
Wkids, I stepped out on complete providing coaching for them. She didn’t the most powerful tool I have to use with
faith to fulfill my lifelong dream of living on even know if that would be something I was my clients. I use it to guide them deeper in
the beach. interested in. The tears immediately began to discovering who they were created to be and
stream down my cheeks as I told her, “that’s encouraging them to live their purpose OUT
So, my odyssey began. With a friend for not just what I DO, that’s who I AM!” and LOUD and be ALL IN.
emotional support, an 18-month-old baby 17 months later, I joined their company as a
and little ‘ole me driving a 27-foot U-Haul coach. More important for me, is that it has been my
with my SUV in tow, the adventure began for I attended an event in Orlando and was compass and kept me in my heart. The vision
“Two Broads, a Baby and a Big Bad Truck”. introduced to Melissa West and Scott Faye. for my purpose is changing the trajectory of
They were running a workshop called my business, because I have now come full
We ventured off for the quaint little strip of Blueprint for Success. I attended their BFS circle. I began transitioning back home to
land known as Pass-A-Grille Beach, Florida, workshop thinking it would possibly be a tool Oklahoma 8 months ago and find myself in
leaving behind my (adult) children, what I could use with my clients. What actually a new city where I know no one.
was left of my business and my home state transpired was an extremely emotional and
of Oklahoma. This is how my new chapter completely transformational day for ME! “Not until we are lost do we begin to
began. In my early 50’s, with only a dream understand ourselves.”
to “live on the beach”. I was one lost gal! The clarity and affirmation I received
Needing a way to provide for myself and through The Blueprint for Success process on — Henry David Thoreau
Jaden, I pursued a career in real estate. The my life’s purpose, vision and plan for living it
day before I was scheduled to sit for my real was invaluable. I left that day with a plan to Without my Blueprint for Success, I would
estate exam, we visited a new church. I met take my life and business to greater heights once again be One Lost Gal! I am elated to
a wonderful lady and after we chatted for a than they had ever been. I began to create say, that is not the case! Instead, I am a gal
while she handed me her business card. It a plan for the next chapter of my journey. who knows her purpose and is excited to
turns out, she was a realtor! I told her about The clients in my business have received an have clarity for her vision. It’s all coming
my exam the next day, which sparked a even more authentic, purposeful coach and much quicker because of me knowing who I
different conversation. trainer. am and why God has me on this earth!
HOT PURSUIT NATION 15