3/13/2025
Dr. Allana Da Graca
I don’t have 10,000 years to make my dreams happen. None of us do. Over the past eight days, I traveled to Sweden and Portugal, and in the midst of these journeys, I had to say goodbye to my father-in-law. It was a sobering experience.
Dad Miguel, as I affectionately called him, was a man of wisdom and grace. During his annual visits, we’d take long walks, discussing the highs and lows of my career as a teacher and entrepreneur. Even during our nine-month stay in Portugal, he reassured me, “Even if you return to the States, this experience will be useful for you.” His words always carried weight, but he never imposed—he simply guided, offering wisdom with the understanding that decisions ultimately belonged to me. His perspective, shaped by years of working with the UN and living in a global world, was awe-inspiring.
Our journey to say our final goodbyes took five planes and two train rides. Through the exhaustion and grief, I heard a deep inner nudge: There is a song in me that has not yet been sung. The realization struck me with clarity—I had spent too much time looking to others, believing they were better suited for the dreams I longed to fulfill. But in that moment, standing in the depth of grief, I knew I had been given a choice: to step fully into my potential or to continue waiting for a permission slip that would never come.
At his funeral, I sang You Raise Me Up and felt the weight of his legacy settle in my soul. Our loved ones leave us with memories, lessons, and reminders to tap into our inner strength. In that moment, I freed myself from the fear of doubters, the opinions of people who don’t understand my journey, and most importantly, the barriers I had placed on myself.
The Regret of Waiting
Reflecting on life’s brevity, I’ve read countless accounts of people’s deepest regrets. Two themes stand out:
Procrastination holds people back more than failure ever could.
Many never truly say what they mean or embrace their full potential.
It’s easy to get caught up in external expectations. But letting go is essential for growth. As I work with my clients, I see firsthand the beauty in every stage of transformation—from the supportive role to the season of letting go and stepping into something new.
Find Freshness in Change
If you’re feeling stagnant, consider this:
Be willing to change the game. Your path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.
Prioritize your actions. Small, consistent steps matter more than occasional leaps.
Dedicate yourself weekly to one area of growth. Progress compounds over time.
Even in financial challenges, you may need to do things you don’t love just to pay the bills. But remember—you still have 24 hours in a day. Prioritize your time and energy in ways that move you beyond an eight-hour work window. Living vibrantly means investing in what fuels your soul.
You Don’t Have 10,000 Years
Whether you’re 22, 30, 64, or 80, find a way to do what you love. Let go of rigid expectations about how success should look, and embrace the adventure of becoming. It has to feel right for you—not for the world’s definition of achievement.
Work on Your Change
Change begins in the mind first. Make conscious decisions that align with your growth. I know this firsthand—I’ve let imposter syndrome hold me back from fully embracing my artistic gifts. For years, I didn’t invest in my singing, telling myself I wasn’t ready. But this season shifted the game. I’m finally taking the leap—working with a vocal coach, collaborating with a performing arts center, and surrounding myself with other creatives to elevate my craft.
The time is now. Not in ten years. Not when it’s convenient. Now.
So I ask you—what is the song inside of you that has yet to be sung? And when will you finally give yourself permission to sing it?
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