Nurturing Your Dreams

Up until I read Millionaire Success Habits, by Dean Graziosi, an underlying belief I carried was that that life constantly fought against me. Since reading his book, and taking the above quote to heart, the tumblers of life have begun falling into place more and more.

Since changing circles of influence several times over the years, I now rub elbows with more visionary people who would rather hang onto their dreams, believing that they are one more day closer to achieving them. They don’t let setbacks shake them, they persevere. And when that one comes true, they have another one cued up. They have lots of dreams.

My dad used to tell a funny story when I was a kid, it was kind of poking fun at quitters. “I invented 1-Up, 2-Up, 3-Up, 4-Up, 5-Up, 6-Up. They all failed. Then I gave up. How did I know I should have gone one more  step?” My dad was never a clear soft-drink beverage creator, but the story always got a few laughs and imparted a golden nugget that I’ve remembered for decades. It’s about hanging in there when it looks like no ground is being gained.

Years later, while living in North Carolina, I drove from Charlotte to the country to visit my sister in her new Windy Hill home which I had never seen. I drove for miles and it seemed like hours. At the time I had no GPS, no cell phone and no real directions. If I got lost, I’d have to backtrack because I couldn’t even call to see where I was.

After driving on the country roads for what seemed far too long, I began convincing myself that I was lost. Feeling frustrated, and maybe a little concerned I’d missed a turn, I was considering turning around and heading home when I noticed a man standing in his yard.

Pulling my little car into his driveway, I asked if he knew the address of my destination in my most polite voice. And I have never forgotten what he said.

“Well, don’t give up now. You’re almost there!” He pointed in the direction I had been traveling. My sister’s place was at the top of the hill.

How did he know I was ready to give up? It was as though he appeared just to help me along. I never forgot him or how close I was to reaching my destination or turning back. Since then, I determined to be a finisher.

What does this mean for you?

How are you doing with the dreams you have? Has there been progress? Are you seeing them come to pass? Maybe you’ve been hit with setbacks or delays. You didn’t throw the dream away, right?

This month two invitations to go to the beach have come up. If you’ve been following me you know that is one of my positivity goals this summer. Did I want to go? Of course, I did. The first one didn’t work out, but the person who offered is willing to plan a girls trip (in January!)

The second offer is still in play, a beach on the Great Lakes. With almost 2 months left until the official end of summer, I’m still holding onto my dream of sticking my toes in the ocean.  I can hear the salty thundering sea,  feel the warm granules of sand on the palms of my feet, the breeze and sun, hear the gulls and the shells… I can see it, feel it, hear it, smell it.

My husband fed the dream when he bought me a beach wall covering for my office. My bathing suit and cover-up are packed. I’m saving for a few souvenirs. With each passing day, I’m one more day closer to my goal.

Whatever you’re dreaming of, don’t just daydream, do something concrete. Do something that tells your subconscious you expect this to happen–like packing a swimsuit. Write out affirmations, save for it, print off a picture and hang it where you’ll see it every day to remind you that this is no idle goal.

It doesn’t matter the setbacks, or how impossible it looks today. It doesn’t matter if you know how it will happen. Hold onto that dream. Think about it until it feels real to you.

Feel like you’re going out on a limb? Share it with us and we’ll cheer you on!