Do you allow yourself to dream big?
I mean really dream, conjuring an image of something or someone that you wish to be part of your life? An image so vivid that you can see, hear and feel it? I'm inspired by athletes, artists and others who say they pictured their "moment" over and over until it became reality.
Dreams are fragile, yet passionate utterances (if we even say them out loud ...) that deserve to be breathed into life. And of course, they come in all shapes, sizes and time-frames.
Maybe you long to live in Italy, or master the cello, or pen a song, or own a fabulous apartment in NYC. Maybe you’ll do one or all of those things. Maybe instead, you explore a three-month exchange to Tuscany, or start cello lessons, or brainstorm one verse, or challenge yourself to research ten things about the Manhattan property market.
Lately I notice people belittling their dreams, deriding them as implausible, or childish and not worthwhile. Says who? Yes, pay the rent first. But allow yourself to dream—and nurture it, defend it, work toward it, pray for it. Okay, if you yearn to be president, that's uphill, but there are elements within your dreams that you can define in achievable steps. Do you want to lead, inspire, or agitate for change? Your canvas is wide open.
The first step is to define your dream. Then claim it, truly own it. And take that first step. I’ll be cheering you on.
What’s your dream? Or dreams?
I think to have a dream, whatever that may be is extremely important. Without something to reach for we are almost hollow inside. A few years ago I went through a bout of depression and when that hits you can’t see a way forward. When that happens, start small but still have that dream. Instead of going straight to Johnny Depp as your neighbour maybe start off with Jason Donovan perhaps. Just never stop dreaming
Megan, what you say resonates. “Hope springs eternal.” – it’s like we’re hardwired to dream of better circumstances, whether that means a happier relationship, a more satisfying job or a simple but potent reminder that yes, things *will* turn a corner. You make a good point, when things are bleak, to start small and nurture that hope for incremental change. I am so glad you came throught that time.
Thanks for sharing this.
Alicia
Dreams can be very powerful and sometimes prophetic. My mother told me about a dream she had about some numbers that she saw in a dream and the amount that she was going to win.The dream was very specific. Although I was some what skeptical, I gave her 50cents and told her to put the numbers on for me. Sure enough not only did the numbers she dreamt of come in but also the exact amount of money.
Sandy, that’s incredible!
To think that your mother’s dream was so specific in itself -and then to come true like that! What an experience.
I have vivid dreams; quite often I’m flying, but nothing like lottery numbers!
Thanks for sharing this, always lovely to see your name pop up.
Alicia
My big dreams include stepping up “my game” all across the board. I have found this to be a great strategy (for me) for enhancing the quality of my life and increasing my happiness. By stepping up my game all across the board I mean that I am mindful in all that I do and put more attention and vigor into everything in order to enhance the overall quality of my experience. I ask myself, “What could I do to make this shopping trip, party, hair style, cleaning process, or whatever it is better?” “What polish or touch-up could I add?” Sometimes it’s the littlest thing that significantly enhances my experience. Taking the time to help someone or to arrange some flowers just right–these little acts add up to a joyful, rich life filled with ever-expanding dreams!
Hello Jean, I like your approach!
A tweak to our mindset that spills across different areas of our lives seems like a really worthwhile strategy. And the nudge to stay mindful is always a good one.
Thanks for stopping by, Alicia
My dream was simple, but always the same. That a knight (who loves books, travel and chocolate) in shining armour would come into my life, and he did! Did not happen overnight, but it did happen! When don’t I dream, and the bigger the better I say! The anticipation and almost child-like belief that *something amazing* is coming my way has really sustained me through some very difficult times in my life, well that and some incredible friends :) And it was during these times I would doubt everything and just want to give up, but there was always a teeny tiny part of me that would not let the *dreams* go. And I’m so glad I didn’t, for in some shape or form, they do come true, and that child-like belief comes rushing back stronger than ever. Next on my dream list is to have our own little castle with Johnny Depp as my….er…our neighbour. You never know…..
Hi Christina, thanks for sharing this. Your story is a lesson in synchronicity for me: the way you speak about your dreams and your belief in them no matter what…. until one day when the universe brings together the right people amid the right circumstances.
Just this week I came across a poem by the poet Rumi: “Lovers don’t finally meet somewhere. They’re in each other all along.”
Not sure if he was referring to movie-star neighbours in that, but hey, it’s a nice thought!
Cheers,
Alicia
My dreams are big for me, even if they seem little to someone else. Too often we talk ourselves out of our dreams, hopes or the life we want to be living. Instead we are focused on all the reasons we can’t do what our hearts tells us to do.
Eleanor Roosevelt said it right with the words, “You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face … Do the thing you think you cannot do.
Several years ago, I made a big decision to quit my job and live/work overseas. As a result, I met my now husband who shares the same love for travel. It was a big risk, but was worth it. There have been many dreams fulfilled since then … completing a marathon and triathlon. Tiny accomplishments for some but not for me, considering I was told I had asthma and didn’t know how to swim. Both of which I overcame to cross the finish line.
My most recent dream … having a family. Again, maybe not a big deal for some, but it is for me. And one day I will be able to tell my kids, dream BIG – or find the size that is perfect for you just like Mama. It is never to late to live your dreams.
Hello Terry Ann,
I admire that you took the leap of faith and followed your heart. You knew what you wanted and you went for it!
And a marathon, among all else? Wow, that is inspiring. I run 8mph/12kmph on the treadmill (just short spurts) and I thought – how do people do this for 26.2 miles?!
Your little ones will have a great role model in following their own dreams.
Please stop by any time!
– Alicia
PS: I love Eleanor Roosevelt quote, her words always resonate.
I am starting to research walking the camino de santiago, the pilgrim’s walk to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. I am so unfit at the moment, so I am going to spend the year getting fit, researching the walk and learning spanish. Breaking it down makes the dream more achievable and less daunting!
Jenna, your post made me sit up -less than an hour ago, I was editing something on that very trail!
It’s said to be to be a beautiful and uplifting journey. And I like the “two-fer” aspect, the way your dream/goal involves both fitness and Spanish!
I get more out of language classes when I know I’ll be using it soon.
Good on you!
Alicia