Dreaming BIG with Justin Palazzo-Orr
Justin is part of the team at the Happy Paws Happy Hearts Foundation, a non traditional animal therapy service facilitating group programs within a rescue shelter. Through this animal therapy model, Happy Paws Happy Hearts Foundation work with more people and the thousands of animals waiting to find new homes. Justin joined us at our Toowoomba Altitude Day Roadshow, bringing positive light to the many qualities and leadership styles students could identify with.
We asked Justin a few questions about what it takes to dream BIG:
What was a dream you had in high school (or Year 9 specifically)?
I wanted to be a doctor, a lawyer, a marine biologist, and an entertainer. So… I trained to be an actor so I could be all of these things and more.
Can you share with us a goal that you have achieved and what it meant to you to achieve it?
Making a positive change in the world has long been a major goal in my life. Working at Happy Paws Happy Hearts is a fantastic way for me to achieve this on a regular basis. Everyday I get to see the positive impact I have on the lives of the humans and animals I work with always makes my heart soar!
Justin Palazzo Orr, Happy Paws Happy Hearts Foundation
Justin Palazzo Orr, Happy Paws Happy Hearts Foundation
While chasing dreams there are moments of highs and lows (mountain tops and valleys if you will)… what motivates you to continue chasing that dream when you’re in the valley?
In my lowest of low valleys I focus on “what can I do right now that will make a positive impact on the world, no matter how small.” Having a strong motivation to create positive change in the world has gotten me through some challenging times. Some days, the answer to “what can I do right now?” is finding the smallest opportunity in what seems to be an insurmountable challenge, sometimes the answer is breathe in…breathe out…repeat, sometimes the answer is reach out for support.
What piece of practical advice would you give to young people who want to start, or are in the process of chasing a dream?
Like any adventure, have an idea of what the overall journey is. Map it out, get your resources together, invite helpful and fun people to join you, take it one step at a time and enjoy the struggle and the view along the way.
Adventures aren’t memorable because they are easy. They are memorable for the times that we overcome challenges, when we adapt to the unexpected, and how we get ourselves back on track to our destination… or discover a destination we didn’t even know existed.
All dreams, big and small, are valuable. What are 5 dreams you are currently chasing?
Five dreams I’m currently chasing are:
- Completing this questionnaire.
- Learning more to do better.
- Empower our team to support our participants at Happy Paws Happy Hearts in making positive changes in their lives.
- Assisting Happy Paws Happy Hearts in growing a national profile.
- Travelling around Australia with my family – we all need down-time, fun, and connection in our lives.
