Make it Happen

Most of you know I’m a big fan of Make it Happen.

And some of you know this phrase was one of my dad’s favorites.

He used to tell me, “Make it happen, Doll Babe!”

But sometimes I didn’t want to make it happen.

Sometimes I was nervous. Sometimes I was tired. Sometimes I was lazy.

When I wasn’t in the mood to make anything happen, I’d say, “Aw Dad, do I have to?”

Yeah, I had to.

Neglecting to use our gifts or settling for a mediocre life wasn’t an option in our house.

Sure, sometimes it felt like a lot of pressure.

But looking back, I’m glad my dad pushed us. I’m glad he encouraged us to dream big and shoot for the stars.

I’m glad he told us to, “Make it happen!”

And by the way, he wasn’t all that concerned about what “it” was. As long as we were busy doing meaningful work, helping others, or contributing to society in some way, he was good with it.

Yeah, maybe we were pushed a bit and there definitely were high expectations in our home.

But I’m thankful to have grown up in such an environment.

My parents’ high expectations communicated their belief in my abilities. I never doubted they believed in me—because if they hadn’t, my dad wouldn’t have been telling me to, “Make it happen” all the time!

So I learned to believe in myself.

I’m so very thankful he loved me enough to push me, expect a lot from me, and challenge me to “Make it happen!”

This week, in honor of Father’s Day, I’ll be sharing more of my dad’s philosophy in upcoming posts.

P.S. My brother gave me this journal. My dad was always on him to make it happen, too!