What Dreams Are Made Of

Sing to me Paolo...

I think anyone that grew up during the Lizzie McGuire movie era had the dream of flying to Italy, falling in love with an international pop star, and living happily ever after. Essentially having a “once in a lifetime” experience that was going to critically alter your life. Now I had the opportunity of traveling to Italy a few years ago and I even threw a coin in the Trevi fountain, but no pop singing sensation caught my attention that day. That trip did open my eyes though to how big the world really can be and all that we can do in this life.

However, I don’t really care for the phrase “once in a lifetime.” Sure, some experiences can be rare, but I want to step away from the notion that certain dreams and goals shouldn't be sought after. When I returned from Italy, I made note that if it was God’s plan that I made it back there, I would do everything in my power to make it happen! Now I am a HUGE dreamer so I have a lot of destinations on my list! God has given us such a beautiful world to explore and I don’t think he meant for us to explore it via tv shows or social media. I hear from so many people that they wish to travel but just don’t have the money or time or you name the excuse. Now don’t get me wrong some of these excuses may be true but why not do something to change that especially if you don’t like your current situation as is. Why not fix it? We have so many tools at our disposal to create more income, to help prioritize our schedules.

For myself I hate the feeling of being stuck, I have actually had to work on a lot of patience in the last few years as I am working towards goals and not quite hitting them yet. I want to be able to have more time than the typical two to three weeks of vacation allows, I want to be able to make more decisions based on the merit of the decision as opposed to the dollar sign attached. I am sure you have goals and aspirations that may seem so far away, I urge you to not let them go. As a society, I think we let go too soon, when something doesn't go our way the first time or when something gets hard, we stop or change the goal we once had to make it more convenient. Don't get me wrong I am guilty of this as well.

Why does this happen?

When do we stop dreaming in life?

Do we feel unworthy?

Do we feel fear?

For me it has been a little of both, fear of other's opinions, fear of failing, fear I won't actually be happy even if I accomplish my goals (this one makes me laugh because I have never been unhappy when reaching a goal, but it has been thought). I have also felt unworthy to have experiences or to get more out of life when others have much less. Yet by me not going for my goals, for me just sitting by watching life go by it doesn't give people more it doesn't change much of anything. Actually getting out there, living life, that is what can actually change the world!

Just like Lizzie faces her fear of being on stage alone in front of the crowd, let's face some of our fears too, break free a bit! Because on the other side of fear can either be regret (having not done it) or joy (accomplishing your goals) and the cool thing is you get to choose! Don't let go too soon, press on, choose to live on the other side of fear because I bet you will not regret your choice! Find those that can speak life into you when things start to get hard or seem impossible. Here are a few of the tricks/tips I have been using to start accomplishing my dreams:

1. Set the goal--include the date!

2. Print out some pictures and place them in various spots around your living space. My suggestion would be in places you don't look at every day so you don't start getting used to them.

3. Get accountable. Find a few people that can hold you accountable to achieving your goal or goals.

4. Do something small or large every day that is bringing you one step closer to your goal.

5. Tie some smaller rewards to the goal along the way. Example: One of our goals is to be debt-free by 30. So after each loan that we knock off, we celebrate instead of waiting until ALL the loans are gone. Keeps it exciting along the way!

6. Give yourself grace! Pray for patience in this journey because the BIG goals they are going to take some time.

Hopefully, this resonated with you on some level, I know it isn't some brand new theory or revelation but it doesn't hurt to have a few different reminders ;) I would love to hear what some of your goals may be that you are looking to accomplish in the next year or 5 or 10 years from now! Don't be afraid to dream, sure it isn't always easy, but it is worth it!