Everyone should have something or someone that gives them a sense of SPARK and ENERGY to BE and DO better than what they have thought possible. My life has been blessed with many people who have done just that. One in particular has been my cousin Alan Thavisouk. He has this dream that he shared with me, it’s a BIG dream and one that left me pondering, how on Earth will he accomplish this because it is nearly impossible!
“I dream of one day being able to go back to Laos and help raise at least one million children out of poverty. It has been one of my dreams since I was a youth. As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to help the people of Laos.” – Alan Thavisouk
It shocked me in a good way, made me wonder how will he achieve this?! “A million children? REALLY?! But Alan..you live in America..Laos is like on the other side of the World!” I said to him, dumbfound, confused and totally in awe of his energy and drive. He lovingly laughs at my responses as he tries to explain and snap me out of my awed and confused state. He calls it his “Impossible Dream” and breaks it down for me. Then he essentially tells me, “I don’t know how I’ll achieve this, but I know I’m heading in the right direction..” (Please read about his impossible dream here) http://www.laoyouthleaders.com/2011/01/25/dreams/
Listening to him talk and feeling his energy, I was inspired by his passion and drive to help others. He not only shared his hopes and dreams with me, but listened to mine as well and encouraged me, motivated me, helped me set goals to achieve my dreams. Gave me tools and shared his knowledge with me. You are looking at one of my dreams now; it’s blogging, writing about life, sharing my passions and letting others know about it. I know it may not seem big, but as Alan reminds me, it’s one that will get me closer to my bigger dreams in life, whatever that may be and open doors to new experiences I may encounter along the way. I’ve always felt like I never really had a voice growing up, like I couldn’t speak my mind and that little ol me will not change a thing in this World. I’ve learned through time that one voice can make a difference, and if I’ve made just one person happy, helped just one person today..it’s worth all my time and effort.
Thank you Alan for all your love and support in making this little dream of mine happen and being the key to jump start my blog engine..LOOK! My blog! I Have a BLOG!!! Now I’ll take your wise words and use it for the good..to educate, enlighten, empower, and inspire others just like you have and still are inspiring me. I hope I’ve made you proud..and I promise, the recipes WILL come..soon. 
“One of my goals is to inspire people to be all that they can be and, hopefully, be a good example and teach some useful, interesting principles. Perhaps I can be the key that turns on the engine in their life, and then they can take their car where they want.”
–Mark Victor Hansen
“Do more than exist, live.
Do more than touch, feel.
Do more than look, observe.
Do more than read, absorb.
Do more than hear, listen.
Do more than listen, understand.
Do more than think, ponder.
Do more than talk, say something.”
– John H. Rhoades
Thippi! You are an inspiration that sparks and ignites others. Thank you so much for your kind words. You are truly a blessing and I look forward on following you every inch of the way! Bless you!
Alan, it seems like I always need a box of kleenex every time I hear from you…I’m either crying or laughing to death, most of the time it’s both
You ROCK! Thanks for being my inspiration.
What a breath of fresh air to read your blog. I too have a love for food, family, and life. It’s so great to be reminded that there are so many dreamers out there. From reading this, I know you are a gentle soul and just so glad that Alan shared this. I will definitely follow your journey. You never know, I am already inspired by you to start a blog of my own.
Awe, thanks Phensy! You made me smile a real big, cheesy and happy like smile =) Let me know when you do start your own blog, I’d love to read it. I’ll be posting about what I’ve learned while blogging and resources that have helped me soon so come on back. Can’t believe I haven’t heard about blogging until this year (where was I??) Thank goodness for Alan! reading his blogs really inspired me to have my own and I’m glad your finding mine to be helpful as well. It’s definitely a good way to express oneself, share thoughts and ideas, and learn new things along the way.