Big or small, dreams provide inspiration and hope of what can be.
I’ve always had a dream that I would do fulling work. It didn’t have be flashy, pay well or make me famous. All I wanted was something that would make me feel good at the end of the day. To me, that’s the stuff dreams are made of.
I’d also hoped I would live out that dream in good health, being able to enjoy every minute of feeling the contentment and freedom that came with fulfilling work, while having a body that could support my efforts. As a health coach, I think found the answer to both of those desires.
Now, I know what you’re thinking, fulling work doesn’t always pay that well, and you’re right. In making the decision to do work that impacts people who need support, you give up a lot. If you’re lucky, your efforts reward with you with monetary benefits as your experience grows. But that comes second. The dream comes first.
I didn’t run into this “pursuit” of dreams with reckless abandon as many of you know from my story, and I did meet with some resistance though, both internally and externally.
Internally, I questioned what the heck was I thinking?! I told myself, “Just give to charities, volunteer, and know that in some small way you have done your part.” This could have worked but the internal pull to be involved everyday was just too strong.
On the flip side, external forces and resources told me, “I can’t believe you are doing this,” and “There’s no way I would take that chance!” That frightened me and it could have stopped me in my tracks. Many days, I thought it would. What did they know that I didn’t know? So, I would say to myself, “Just keep doing what you’re doing, follow your dream on the side, and play it safe. There’s no reason to go all in.”
But there was good reason to go “all in.” When I thought about it, it was more about taking a chance on something I believed in rather than staying comfortable and secure. It was pushing the limits of my comfort zone and working my way through that discomfort.
Hearing some say that I was crazy or that I’d regret my decision was a little hard to handle as well. Most comments were coming from a good place, real concern. However, the delivery was, jarring. I was able to sift through the meaning of most of this well meaning advice and stay focused but some days were harder than others.
Then, I started to think about whether in my past, I had deterred someone from pursuing their dreams due to my well meaning but projected fears or lack of support. Had I somehow dampened the enthusiasm of someone who could have done a lot of good in the world had it not been for my restrictive words and limited mindset?
I certainly hoped not but having embraced this adventurous mindset later in life, only after I had slayed my own fears, it’s likely that I had. And that got me thinking. Even though you may not understand or support someone’s dreams, it’s not your job to crush them.
Just think of all the great concepts, advancements, and innovations in the world that may not have come to light if those dreamers had listened to the naysayers.
Yes, limits are needed, some planning, maybe even some prayers, but big or small, dreams provide inspiration and hope of what can be.
So, it’s very important to have dreamers in the world. Additionally, those dreamers need support to keep going.
As a dreamer here are the steps you can take to make your dreams a reality:
Be realistic and stay optimistic. Remember that dreams take time.
Accept help from those that offer it. The alternative is going it alone.
Plan if you can. Putting a foundation in place as well as a financial plan can relieve a lot of stress.
Research your ideas and identify your allies early. Surrounding yourself with knowledge and positive people will keep you motivated and supported.
Celebrate the wins, big and small. Dreams don't come true every day so every step counts!
As a supporter, here’s what you can do to help someone fulfill their dreams:
Offer help and encouragement to someone that shares their dreams with you. While it may not be for you, do everything you can to help them achieve their dream.
If you have resources to help, make sure to connect your dreamer with those that can help guide them. Teachers and mentors are vital to watering the seeds of progress for dreamers.
Support them through word of mouth and social media. They can build it, but no one will come if they don't know about it. Give a dreamer a boost by spreading the word about their venture.
Celebrate their wins, big and small. The days will be long and tough. Hearing a supportive word or two from someone in their corner makes it worth continuing on.
As a business owner, there are days when I still can’t believe I took this leap and I know there are still those that can’t believe it either. More often than not, folks say, “I think what you’re doing is great and it’s so brave of you to do this.” That statement is born out of optimism but still contains an element of fear. It's a dreamer's unique gift to understand this and still keep moving forward. We’ll talk about bravery next week.
Dreams give us hope, meaning, and purpose. Protect and nurture your dreams so you can live the life you were meant to have. Know someone with big dreams? Be the person that cheers them on in good times and in their struggles.
Hesitant to take that first step toward your dreams? Book a complimentary consultation call now to start building your vision and living a life that will be Better4U and Better4All!
Have you reached your dreams against all odds? What did you do to prioritize your quest?
Leave a comment and share your journey to help support others on the path to their next adventure.
Sweet dreams.
Take care and be well,
Courtney
