It’s been said that a dream deferred dies. Can you honestly and whole-heartily say you are living your dreams? Are you doing the things that once brought you great joy and fulfillment? There are many reasons why one may answer no to this question. No matter what those reasons may be, I’m here to let you know…it’s NOT too late!
Here are 5 things you can do TODAY to begin living your dreams and Get Your Dreams off Lay-Away!
- Get Crystal Clear about who you are, Unapologetically!
Authenticity is one of the first major steps towards living a more abundant life…thus living the life of your dreams. What is your authentic expression? What is your purpose on the planet? What is it that you and only you can offer the world? If you can’t answer these questions, you’re likely not living the life of your dreams. Most people begin the journey of self-discovery once they leave their primary home or the place they were raised, and set out to explore the great unknown. That’s exactly how it happened for me, and it was quite a journey! I didn’t realize it would be so painful, and that I would have to un-learn a lot of negative and unhelpful behaviors that were inadvertently passed on to me. I was unapologetic about wanting more in and from my life, even if it meant standing alone. Get clear about who you are.
- Establish and Maintain Rich and Nourishing Relationships!
How rich are your relationships? Do you have a tribe that includes family, friends, mentors, and/or colleagues? You may be asking, what does this have to do with figuring out how to live your dreams? The answer is A LOT, it’s all a part of the puzzle. You see, relationships…negative or positive have a lasting impact on us. They help shape and mold us to be the person we will ultimately become. It is for this reason we must use careful consideration when determining whom we allow into our circle of influence. Since none of us are an island by ourselves, we need to nurture and foster healthy relationships along our journey.
- Develop the Love it or Leave it mentality:
Now that you’ve become crystal clear about who you are and started fostering rich, nourishing relationships…your tribe, it’s time to LET GO of the things that no longer serve you. This part of the journey is about making bold declarations, living what you are feelings, speaking your truth…straight with no chaser! If you don’t like the work you’re doing, the people you’re surrounded by, your current relationship status stop complaining and get in Action! Find the work and do the things that are going to challenge you, propel and energize you to excellence. Living the Love it or Leave It way empowers you walk your talk, this will move you in the direction for your to live your dreams instead of in the direction of mediocrity. Simply put, Love it…or Stop Doing it!
- Put the Old You to Rest!
You’ve done a lot of work to get to this place, don’t let the old you creep in and sabotage your growth…protect your progress! Keep shutting your old self down when you see him/her begins to rise up and remind you how comfortable things were before. This will take time and must be a deliberate action you practice minute-by-minute until it gets easier and easier for you. After a while, the new you is stronger than the old you and POOF…the old you has been put to rest! Don’t get me wrong, there are some tools in your box that have served you well over the years, maybe even saved your life. However, the next level in your life requires a different set of tools, so you must surrender the old and pick up the new to move forward.
- Be in a relentless state of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness!
I once thought happiness was over rated. I used to think it was an unachievable state of being, I didn’t know it was a vital part of achieving my dreams! After I became clear about who I was, changed my circle of influence, let go of the things that no longer served me, and put the old me to rest…I realized what I was left with was HAPPINESS! Wow, just like that…I could actually see the hard work starting to pay off and happiness emerging, how LIBERATING! If what you are currently doing, thinking, producing is not giving you LIFE, FREEDOM, and JOY…go back to step One! View everyday as another opportunity to get it right, start over if you have to. It’s never too late to make a different decision and choose another path. Yes, there will be challenges, there will be setbacks, it will require sacrifice, but it will be worth it! When the day comes that you can say PAID IN FULL, it will have all been worth the struggle!
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Next, check out this piece on Military Marriage as one spouse shares her struggles.
