Start Dreaming Again

This message about how to start dreaming again isn’t about how to get a good night’s sleep (but it’s not a bad topic for another post!). Today I’m talking about getting excited about your future. If you’re reading this, you might be standing at the intersection of motherhood and personal growth, wondering how and when to let go and refocus on your desires. I’ll tell you that it’s not so much a milestone, but a gradual shift in where you spend your time.

For years, your life has revolved around ensuring the well-being of your children. From sleepless nights to cheering on the sidelines, you’ve been the constant force propelling your babies into teens and beyond. Yet, in the process, you may have placed your own dreams on standby. It’s a common dilemma – the art of balancing motherhood with individual aspirations. So how do you get back to that dreaming?

Start dreaming again by rethinking yourself

Have you ever been to one of those visioning workshops where you get excited about all the possibilities for your life and then nothing changes? Chances are you didn’t focus much on the person you need to become in order to achieve those goals. To make the shift you want, you need to start by reflecting on who you are and who you need to embody to make your dreams come true.

Begin by acknowledging that you are more than a mom. While this role is pivotal, as your adolescents mature and are exploring their unique paths, it serves both of you if you step back. Allow them to navigate their journey while you navigate yours. Stepping back doesn’t mean you cut them off or abandon them, but that you’re giving them the space to discover themselves and what they want. It’s a gesture of trust and an opportunity for them to embrace their independence. As you create space for their self-discovery, you, too, unlock the door to yours.

Reacquainting with your inner self

When was the last time you sat down and reflected on your passions, desires, and dreams? This process involves peeling back the layers accumulated over the years, unveiling the person you were before the role of a mom dominated your identity. Explore activities you once loved, or dare to delve into new interests. This is a journey of self-renewal, a chance to reconnect with the incredible individual within.

To truly start dreaming again, it’s imperative to understand your wants and needs. Not what or who you think your kids need, but what ignites your spirit? What brings a spark to your eyes? Reflect on your aspirations, both grand and modest. Whether it’s a professional shift, a long-forgotten hobby, or simply more time for self-care, identifying these desires lays the foundation for making your dreams come true.

It’s hard to dream when you’re running around out of control. Set aside time for yourself regularly to slow down reflect so that these ideas can come forward. Harness the power of visualization to manifest your dreams. Create a mental image of your aspirations and immerse yourself in the emotions associated with their realization. Visualization enhances motivation, aligns your actions with your desires, and acts as a powerful tool in making your dreams come true. Just don’t forget to visualize who you become in the process so that you can address your growth as you move forward.

Stop dreaming and start doing

“Stop dreaming and start doing” might seem harsh, look at it as a call to action. It’s a gentle reminder that dreams alone won’t materialize into accomplishments. Dreams will remain just dreams unless you take action. The key is to embrace growth. This will help you conquer self-doubt and make you less fearful to take tangible steps towards turning your dreams into reality.

Once you have your dreams in mind, the next step is setting your intention to go after them. You could set longer term goals or simply decide what the next right step is and do that. It could be as simple as allocating 30 minutes a week to research or an hour to try out a new hobby. Be deliberate about the steps you take, and you’ll find fulfillment not just in the outcome but in the transformative process.

Dreams can be intimidating, especially after a hiatus. That’s why it’s important to take small, consistent steps towards your future. By consistently taking action, you avoid losing sight of what you want and gradually build momentum as you enjoy the adventure. Each step provides more information that guides you down the path to your future.

Gathering support for your dreams

During this exploration, it’s essential to cultivate a supportive environment. Surround yourself with individuals who understand and encourage your aspirations. This might involve sharing your dreams with friends, joining communities of like-minded individuals, or seeking guidance from mentors. A supportive network can provide invaluable insights, motivation, and a shared sense of purpose.

Amidst the pursuit of your dreams, don’t forget to celebrate the small victories. Each step forward, no matter how small, is a triumph. Recognize and acknowledge your progress and share them with others. These celebrations serve as milestones, reminding you that you are actively shaping your destiny.

Life will offer growth opportunities

Life is unpredictable, and the path to realizing your dreams may not – actually, will not – be a straight line. Embrace adaptability and resilience. Challenges will arise both while executing on your dreams and and just as a part of life. Don’t let that discourage you, but view them as opportunities for growth. A detour doesn’t mean abandonment of your dreams, but a redirection towards a more fulfilling destination.

Cultivating a sense of mindfulness allows you to better handle the challenges and keeps you open to shifts that need your attention. Regularly connect with your inner self through practices like meditation, journaling, or simply taking moments of quiet reflection. These practices provide clarity, helping you stay attuned to your desires and maintaining focus on your dreams.

Continuously enrich your journey by incorporating learning. Whether through courses, books, or interactions with diverse perspectives, expanding your knowledge enhances your capabilities and fuels your aspirations. The more you learn, the more equipped you become to navigate the uneven terrain towards your dreams.

Trust the process

Nothing worth having happens overnight. Understand that significant transformations take time. Be patient with yourself, and relish in the gradual evolution. Trust the process, and remember that each step forward is a testament to your commitment, as well as, an opportunity to assess and adjust.

It’s important to periodically reflect on your progress and your direction. Are you moving towards your aspirations? Based on what you’ve learned and experienced so far, is your direction still reflective of what you want? What adjustments might be needed? This reflective practice allows you to course-correct when necessary and ensures that your actions align with your evolving dreams.

And be careful not to think of a course correction as a failure. If you’re no longer excited about your destination, you’re no longer going to prioritize it. And then you feel stuck. Adjust so that your direction feels good again and keep going!

Better together

If you’re seeking new, uncharted territories, consider seeking professional guidance. Whether through a coach, mentor, or counselor, tapping into the expertise of others can provide valuable insights and strategic advice. Professionals can offer guidance tailored to your specific goals, accelerating your journey towards dream realization.

As you embark on this transformative journey, consider how you can empower others, especially fellow moms facing similar challenges. Share your experiences, offer support, and be a source of inspiration. Creating a ripple effect of empowerment not only contributes to a collective sense of strength but also reinforces your commitment to living a purposeful life.

Conclusion

Going after your dreams can be scary, but also exhilarating! But it just doesn’t happen on it’s own. You have to be intentional if you want to start dreaming again and then prioritize time to move in the direction of the life you want. Amidst the pursuit of your dreams, don’t forget to cultivate gratitude. Acknowledge the blessings in your life, both big and small. Gratitude nourishes the soul, fosters a positive mindset, and serves as a reminder of the abundance surrounding you. A grateful heart is more receptive to the fulfillment of dreams.