When it comes to the fulfillment of our dreams, it is a task accomplished by few.
We embark on seemingly endless schooling, work ourselves to the bone for fleeting recognition, and focus steadfastly on a life trajectory that only rewards us with happiness after a long list of agonizing requirements has been fulfilled. When a milestone finally occurs, any celebration is brief before a new and more lofty goal quickly steps in to begin the cycle again: years of work for momentary relaxation and enjoyment.
Why? Who came up with this fragmented rhythm?
Is a life of practicality, safety, and predictability the only way?
Imagine your dream life, then go live it.
I’m not suggesting that hedonism, wanderlust, and irresponsibility are the better alternative, but there is another way, a middle way. One that allows you to unleash your true desires and follow your heart while navigating the “real world.”
Yes, it will involve taking risks, letting go of some control, having patience, and even enduring the doubtful criticism of others. You will have to embody bravery and fearlessness in the face of obstacles. You will have to leave some things behind.
It will take the conscious recognition of the life you have now and the life you want, then gradually tipping the balance in the right direction.
It won’t happen overnight, but it will happen in a way that flows with your current circumstances rather than resisting them.
Here are a few ways to help you do it.
Surround yourself with inspiration.
Want to be a chef? Watch the cooking channel, go to farmer’s market, hang out with people who work in the restaurant business. Want to move to California? Have a picture of the beach at your work desk and read California travel blogs. These are small things that help your mind move in the direction of your desired reality.
Make a plan and stick to it.
You’ll need to do more than fantasize to manifest your vision. Make a real plan with a timeline, then leave no room for changing that timeline. Even if realistically you can’t make any changes for 2 years, then 2 years it is and tomorrow it will be 1 year and 364 days so hey you’re moving in the right direction!
Take gradual steps.
Whatever your timeline, there is probably something you can do today to get closer to your heart’s desire. Perhaps it’s as simple as researching courses, prices, or locations, or maybe you need to submit an application for something. Whatever it is be sure to break up your big goal into small actionable steps you can begin now and take them.
Share your vision.
This is HUGE. Don’t be afraid to tell people what you want! Keeping it a secret because you’re scared they’ll judge you if you fail will only keep you at a standstill. Tell your friends, family, acquaintances, and even strangers what you’re working towards because the more you voice that dream the more energy and momentum it will gather. If someone doesn’t support you then brush it off and move on, there are probably plenty of others who will not only be happy for you but who could actually help you.
What is your dream?
A little backstory:
For a long time I dreamed of leaving the hustle and bustle of New York City for the greener pastures of western Massachusetts. Not only was it risky to leave the security of the city I knew and the benefits of ample job opportunities, but I also had to convince my husband to do the same, impose a big change on my children, and say goodbye to some close family and friends. I did not have a job waiting, an exact location picked out, or any of the details really filled in, but I knew in my heart that this would be for the best for all of us and that we’d be able to figure it out.
I followed the steps above and my vision gradually gained momentum, making plans and saving money, talking about it like there was no doubt that it would happen, and going to sleep with visions of being surrounded by nature and other elements of the scenery and style in the place I felt I belonged. The move itself was the hardest part but now we are here and we are all very happy. It really happened, my humble dream came true and yours can too.