The Cherry Blossom crew is proud to welcome teen author and philanthropist, Alyssa Antoci, as a regular contributor to our blog. Alyssa will be sharing in a diary format about common teen struggles, special events, and anything else that is on her heart. Alyssa is one of our Extraordinary You girls and has a lot to say about being a teen, today.
Let’s turn our blog over to our special guest. We’re so glad to have her!
Dreams and Goals, by Alyssa Antoci
Hello friends, my name is Alyssa Antoci and I am 14 years old and am an author of an anti-bullying children’s book called The Purple Marble, that I wrote when I was 8 years old. I also have a charity that is called Just a Little Cloth Children’s Charity, where we donate fancy dresses to underprivileged girls because every young girl deserves to feel beautiful. I also have my own business selling horse reins, wraps, and tail bags.
I’m so excited to start my blog on Cherry Blossom Chronicles. My first blog entry is about following your dreams and goals.
I believe that everyone has a purpose in life––a chance waiting to be taken, a goal they want to pursue that is pretty much a fantasy to them. But is it so hard to make that goal a reality, something that can change your life completely? It’s your choice, it’s your future. It takes a positive mind set. It takes courage, the ability to do something frightening. It takes determination and firmness of purpose.
I had a goal to publish my book. I thought it would never happen and I never thought that my children’s book––a small idea in my head––would be in over 100 schools all over the world. That proves dreams can come true. I like to tell kids that you are never too young or too old to pursue a dream. I feel I am living proof of that.
My goal right now is to get my new novel finished by the end of 2017. A lot of people think that writing just happens. But that is absolutely incorrect as it takes so much time and dedication to create the characters and the story plot. Also, life happens and gets in the way. But it should not stop you from reaching your goals. Even if you take baby steps you will get there! You might wonder how or where you should start. The choice is up to you. Start where you feel comfortable. Make small goals everyday to complete. It will bring you one step closer to reaching your dream goal. Don’t be afraid, because one day you will regret the chance you didn’t take.
- Thank you, Alyssa, for your inspiring advice today! Please follow Alyssa Antoci on Instagram at @alyssabantoci for more updates and photos.