Does that quote strike a nerve in you? I had to ask what it meant to me. What kind of dreams do I have, what kind of life do I want to lead? If I look back through my old journals, over and over again I said I want to be married – that was my biggest dream. But I also (very tentatively) would have said I want to be a photographer. While I’m at it – I want to be a writer, a good friend, well-dressed, a speaker, a teacher, a tea-drinker (I try so hard to like it, but I just don’t), a painter, a photographer, an avid reader. Can all of those count as dreams? Yes. Do I have to choose one? No.
In my experience, as long as you are willing to knock and have an earnest heart, God will be there to open a door. I went from a dazed college student not knowing what I wanted to do, to being married and starting a business and I can say with absolute certainty it looked nothing like I thought it would. Dreams have a way of winding around and around, but one day you look up and realize the small steps and the perseverance got you to a place better than you could have pictured a year, 5 years, 10 years ago. Here are some practical steps you can take -
#1: Take 10 minutes and think.
Think and don’t interrupt yourself with thoughts of what you could be doing, what you have to do tomorrow, or what strange noise is coming from your engine. Think about your dreams. Big or small. For you or others. Need help thinking of some? Pray about it. Pray about your strengths. Ask close friends. What do you love to do? What energizes you? What makes you feel like you’re doing something worthwhile?
#2: Write them down.
Whatever it is – silly sounding, huge, small (God can make incredible things from what we dismiss), impossible…write it down. You could make a dream board – a cork board with pictures cluttered on it; magazine and personal pictures that depict what your dreams are – big or small. Make the board, put it somewhere you will see it often, and challenge yourself every day to do something to get closer to one thing on there. Simple or complex. Easy or hard.
#3: Tell someone.
After you’re thought about, written down, and/or made a board about what you may want to do or get better at – tell someone. Surround yourself with the people who believe in your dreams. Encouragement from others is huge, and they can keep you on track.
#4: Find someone already doing it.
How valuable in my life have I found people who have walked a path before me and are willing to share their experience? It’s absolutely priceless. If you want to be a mom/photographer/blogger, then find someone already doing that. If you want to be a personal trainer/watercolor artist/triathlete, I’m sure you can find someone that is already on that mission. If you want to be an astronaut/foster mom/doctor/dog walker…well, I’m sure you can find someone doing at least one of those things. Just find someone willing to invest in you and it’ll be worth the step out to ask.
#5: It’s scary, but don’t be afraid.
People fail. It’s a way of life – we aren’t perfect, therefore why should we expect ourselves to be? Jump in. Some dreams aren’t for right now, so be patient. However, there are some that are for now but in your mind “it still isn’t the right time” because you may be scared.
Jasmine Star, a photographer & blogger, said to ask yourself – what’s the worst thing that could happen if this doesn’t work? If you’re okay with that worst case scenario, then what do you have to lose?
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10
words by Ariel Kuhn
