Many years ago, my teenage son, Kasey, gave me a Christmas gift that I’ve cherished ever since. It wasn’t expensive or elaborate—a simple black frame containing an image of a worn nub of a yellow #2 pencil. Its point was carved roughly with a pen knife, its pink eraser worn, and its surface visibly chewed.
Beneath the image was a single word: Persistence, followed by the quote:
“Now that we have exhausted all possibilities…Let’s get started.”
That gift has stayed with me as a reminder of the relentless drive required to achieve our dreams, especially when the path feels impossibly hard.
Recently, I was speaking with a client whose big dream had just come true after 11 years of persistence. In a whirlwind of two short, unexpected weeks filled with possibilities and negotiations, the pieces fell into place. Their vision was finally realized, reminding me that dreams often materialize in ways we don’t anticipate, but only if we remain steadfast in our pursuit.
Facing Challenges: Discouragement Disguised
Discouragement comes in many disguises. It can the be seen on the faces of friends losing interest in the dream, an unexpected family crisis, or financial setbacks that make progress seem unattainable. Over the past few years, challenges like these have tested so many of us.
It’s in these moments that persistence, passion, and courage become our strongest allies. These qualities are the wild guardians of our dreams, the forces that enable us to push forward when the path ahead feels unclear.
Be a dream protector and warrior. Stand strong and never let anyone—or anything—take your dream away. Because the pursuit of a dream doesn’t just change your world; it has the power to transform the world around you.
Preparing for 2025: New Challenges, New Opportunities
As we approach the new year, the importance of persistence is as relevant as ever. In 2025, we’ll face changes in the Colorado state budget and potential federal policy shifts that may impact services and opportunities for those we serve.
Colorado Budget Adjustments
The state budget is likely to bring changes that could affect disability programs and human services. It’s crucial to stay informed and prepared to adapt to new funding allocations and priorities. These adjustments may challenge us to rethink workflows and innovate to ensure we continue supporting inclusion and accessibility.
Federal Policy Shifts
Potential federal changes could introduce both challenges and opportunities, from adjustments to funding streams to evolving program guidelines. We must be proactive in advocating policies that prioritize inclusion and stand firm in protecting the progress we’ve made.
Protecting the Dream of Inclusion
The work of inclusion is not easy. It demands persistence, creativity, and resilience. But at its heart it is the belief that every individual deserves a place in the world, where their value is recognized and celebrated.
Kasey’s gift reminds me that even when we’ve tried every avenue, we must keep going. Dreams may take years to achieve, but persistence and passion create space where change happens. The dream of inclusion requires all of us to be warriors—not just for ourselves, but for the people and communities we serve.
A Call to Action
As we step into 2025, let’s carry forward the lessons of persistence and passion. Let’s prepare for the challenges ahead but also embrace the possibilities that come with them. Whether we’re navigating budget changes or advocating for inclusive policies, our commitment to this dream can and will make a difference.
So, let’s get started. Together, we can continue the work of changing not just individual lives but the world itself. Your “to do” is to make those calls to your state and federal legislators and tell them you story. Be bigger than the self-interested lobbyist grabbing their attention. They must hear from you.