I had all these dreams as a child. Somewhere along the way, though, I stopped.
I stopped doing the things that brought me joy and stopped believing in all the possibilities the world offered. I can pinpoint some specific instances, but mostly it was a slow drift away from joy toward complacency. Unfortunately, I’m telling a story that belongs to many of us.
2008 was a big year for me…lots of turmoil and drama. But on the other side of that turmoil and drama, I was able to start dreaming again. Those dreams led me down a path I hadn’t imagined possible.
I’m grateful that since then, I haven’t stopped dreaming. I developed a practice of setting intentions and working with the world to make sure I had a life I enjoyed living. I wanted to make certain that my dreams were honored. I worked hard to show up and be open to whatever was needed to turn those dreams into reality.
A few years ago, I learned to teach yoga. I approached teacher training as a study opportunity to deepen my own personal practice; I had no desire at the time to ever teach yoga. Truly…you can ask Lydie if you don’t believe me. Even though teaching wasn’t my dream at the time, it didn’t take long for me to shift my dreams to accommodate my practice. Then, I was able to keep dreaming of ways to share my practice and its gifts with others.
I’d wanted to host a retreat for several years, so I decided that January 2016 was it.
I look back on that action now as one of the best I’ve made. I spent a weekend in early August surrounded by some amazing women UNPLUGGING from the day-to-day, finding space and nurturing self.
Recently, I made the decision to go back to school to become a massage therapist. At first, I didn’t share it with anyone. I took a few days to just think. I floated it out to my Mom. She immediately responded that I’d been talking about it for years. Her reply reminded me of the first time I brought it up in conversation…22 years ago. So I’m typing this on a study break from preparing for my first anatomy and physiology.
When is the last time you dreamed about something you wanted to do?
Did you take action? I ask because this is the lesson I’ve learned: dreaming is not enough. It’s fine to dream those great big dreams…but then you have to get off your ass and get to work.
Those dreams I listed didn’t just magically appear because I did a vision board, hung it on my wall, and stared at it for a few months. (I do love vision boards. They are an effective tool, but not all alone.) Those dreams came to fruition after months (sometimes years) of study, planning, writing, and taking the other actions necessary.
I think the Universe (or Source, God, Creator, Goddess…whatever your choice) meets us in the middle. But you have to step up and have some skin in the game. That’s where the work comes in. I don’t mean back-breaking, I’m-dying-over-here work. I mean persistent work toward your dream, no matter what it is by having a positive attitude as we step into that work. This is often where we get sideways. We go full-force and hit a snag…oops, there’s the end of that. We make the wrong assumption that if it’s so hard, maybe we shouldn’t be doing it. We drop the ball, and maybe never pick it back up. So the Universe sees that as a lack of commitment from us. And it is. Perseverance is an underrated trait these days, but it’s a dream driver.
What’s your dream?
Write it down. Now, write down a list of what you have to do for that dream to come true. See…you have a starting point. What’s your next move? The Universe is waiting…
Back to my dream now…Namaste.
Melissa makes her home in Northeast Tennessee and wears many hats! She’s a creative writer, a fantastic artist, a kick-ass jewelry creator, an incredible massage therapist, and a college professor. She is also a certified yoga instructor and uses creativity to reconnect us with the long-lost parts of ourselves. You can find Melissa on her website or on social media by clicking below.
Dreams are good guidance to reach our goal. Of course we have to work hard to achieve our dream. But never stop dreaming. Its beautiful and makes us motivated.
I totally agree. I am a dreamer myself and often have my head in the clouds longer than I should! Thanks for commenting!
Awwww glad to hear you followed your dream!!! I try to follow my dreams. I want to live the best and happiest life possible
Thanks so much for commenting, Courtney! 🙂
MY pleasure, indeed!
Glad you followed through on your dream! Dreams are just dreams until we do something about it.
Thanks so much for commenting on Truly Madly Sassy! Stop in anytime 🙂
I am Cameroonian and sometimes dreaming in Africa can be just a fantasy because it can be beyond reach. What we mostly do is try to fit in where others seem to find life a little slow going, such as looking for a job. Unfortunately, that doesn’t happen for everyone. I decided to blog just as a way to express myself on my experiences and never knew it would take me to connect with some amazing people. I always try to replace dreaming with staying positive and being hopeful that one day, things will be better than today and yesterday. Thanks a lot for sharing.
Hi! Thank you so much for sharing your perspective. It never occurred to me how different each culture defines the word ‘dream’, so I found your comment to be very thought-provoking. As far as the blogging world, you are so right! This medium leads all of us writers to people who are truly awesome! Thanks for taking the time to read and comment!
I still dream to this day. I dream about my near perfect life and career. I visualize it every day and it keeps me going. I work every day to same day make those dreams come through.
Visualizing what you’re striving for goes a long way from what I’m told. Sounds like you’ve got that part down pat! Thanks so much for commenting!
Blogging was a dream that I have finally actualized …. now I am onto the next and it is to start my own NGO for kids someday.
Blogging has opened many a door for all of us. Best wishes for that next goal! Come back and tell me you did it 🙂
My dream is publish my book that I have been writing for the last couple of years.
Let me know when it’s done so I can read it 🙂
I am a big dreamer and I really loved reading your post. Dreaming helps me have goals and ambitions and follow my heart.
Melissa is a great writer! Thanks for commenting on Truly Madly Sassy!
Well done on pursuing your goals, totally agree that it takes action for things to get done – bravo!
Actions speak louder words, yes?! Thanks for commenting!
Great post. The universe is waiting to make our dreams come true. We just need to take those steps.
1000% agreed! Thanks for your comment!
I am thinking in terms of some similar plans. I am really excited about these next steps that I am taking. I believe that I am on the way to some really great stuff.
I have absolutely no doubt about that, Dr. Ho! Looking forward to chatting with you tomorrow. Thanks for commenting on Truly Madly Sassy!
I agree that it’s very important to know our next move and not just wait for things to happen,
Thanks so much for commenting, Tasheena!! Always glad to see you pop up on TMS!
Dreams can come through with hard work and studying. I don’t know the last time I had a dream but I am heading back to work for the first time in years and from that I will be making dreams come true.
That’s awesome news, Rose! Best of luck to you on your new adventure! Thanks for commenting on Truly Madly Sassy!