Am I Dreaming Big Enough?

Feature photo by CandyPrincess4

Cat photo by J.a.x.

One thing we can likely all relate to is that our beliefs about what is possible (our dreams) get stuck sometimes.  What do they get stuck in or on?  Well, my beliefs about myself and my potential have been, at times, stuck in the worst quicksand-ish, mucky mud, stench-filled mind traps you could ever imagine.  These prison-like places have kept me from dreaming big at times. How about you?  This place I’ve described, though only a fictional scene to paint a picture, can be just as dangerous to your future as if you were actually waist deep in a bog.  Our minds have the capacity to make things real…all things, serving and non-serving.  That said, Don’t you think if you expanded your mind a little where your dreams are concerned, you just might see some amazing things happen for real? I challenge you. I challenge me.

The fact is, we tend to focus our lives on what we know, what we’ve experienced and use these templates as an outline for future endeavors.  Don’t we?  Why?  Because it’s safe.  We’ve been there before.  But, guess what?  It’s a slimy, wasteland bog, devouring our purpose and potential.  Truthfully, we are all much stronger, smarter, wiser, and capable than we give ourselves credit for.  Our dreams are proof that we are here for a reason, that we do have the ability to make them come to pass.  We wouldn’t even come up with the ideas in the first place if that were not so.  Do you believe that?

Clean Up the Bog

Yes, it can be done.  Focus. Action. Time. Clarify.  Acceptance. Treat.  I just noticed the acronym spells FAT CAT…yes, I’m laughing at myself.  It does sort of go with what I’m saying though.  Fat cat’s are usually happy, well fed, have leisure time to spend napping and playing; they get lots of attention; they enjoy life more than most.  Sign me up!  So, let’s go through each of these FAT CAT steps and get our minds out of the stink zone, shall we?

Focus – Sometimes things aren’t always what they seem to be.  Often we have to focus a little harder to see details in order to gain understanding.  This is the beginning of the journey to anywhere new.  Focusing on the present environment, knowing where you are is the only way to get to where it is you want to be.  Look and see what surrounds you (people, skills, resources, tools, weapons, talents, etc.) and then assign them a purpose or simply throw them out.  And, don’t forget to write this all down in your journal.

Action – The realization of all that you have, all who you are presently is the first step to cleaning things up.  The second is putting those ideas into action.  Yes, it’s the work part.  Remember up in the previous section where I said to “throw them out?”  Digging crap up and heaving it out of your life will take some emotional and physical energy and consistency.  Obviously, getting rid of the old is necessary before anything new can enter into the picture.  Not doing this first is one of the reasons women fail at implementing change and dream plans.  Once you get this icky part complete, you can then assign your assets to innovative projects and plans.

Time – Give yourself time to make changes.  And, give yourself time to rest.  There is no rush to making your dreams come true.  It is a journey, remember?  Enjoy the time you have on the journey and in every situation you find yourself. It’s your life.  Your dream.  Don’t let anyone tell you that you’ve missed the boat or failed in some in-retractable way.  It’s never too late to dream bigger and live those dreams.

Clarify – This is the time to make sure you haven’t wandered off course and that what you’ve set out to do is what you really…no, I mean REALLY want.  Course corrections will be much easier at this early stage than they would be later in the process.  Habits are harder to break when they’ve been entertained for long periods of time.  That’s really how we get stuck in the BOG in the first place.

Acceptance – Respect yourself for who and  where you are.  Accept that you have limitations, that things go awry but also accept that there is always a way to overcome them.  Accept that your limitations could be a clue you need others in your life to help you.  Ask for help when you need it!

Treat – For the love of God, give yourself a pat on the back (or a big chocolate bar) when you reach a goal or milestone.  Most people love rewards for a job well done.  Giving yourself a treat for accomplishing a goal causes a memory recall type of process in your brain.  It remembers how pleasant doing well is and wants to feel that bliss again…and again.

So, there you go – a simple outline for digging out of the mind bog and dreaming a little bigger.  You can be the FAT CAT woman you’re meant to be in every area of your life with a little work and patience.  We’d love to hear about your plans to dream bigger in this new year.  Tell us just one thing you plan to accomplish.

Be YOU!

Do Something More by Karin Rochelle

What Is Hope? by Kellie R. Stone