GIVING NEW LIFE TO OLD DREAMS
“Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there, wondering, fearing, doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before.” ~ Edgar Allan Poe
• What are your dreams? What were your dreams? Did you dream of continuing school, starting up a business, running a half marathon, writing a book or having a successful career? Life has a way of distracting people from ever getting around to the things that would truly make them happy with their life.
• Did you shelve your dreams and what did it cost you? Do you feel tired and burned out? Are you mentally and emotionally older than you should be? Are your days dull and too routine? People without goals and dreams are more prone to depression.
• What has killed your dreams? My friend, Matt Franklin of Matt’s Elite Fitness says that most people never achieve their dreams because they give up too easily. He says people typically have no specific plan or if they do; their plan is unrealistic. He goes on to say, that not managing your time and trying to reach your goals by going it alone are other common mistakes that end in under achievement.
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” ~Eleanor Roosevelt
Here are 7 Secrets That Will Reawaken Your Dreams:
1) Ask “What if…?”
“What if…?” is a great question to get your imagination stirred up. Ask yourself, “If I pursued my dreams, how would my days be happier and more energized?” Imagine the possibilities of prioritizing your life to where there was room for your interests and doing what makes you happy, as well as participating in the interests of those around you. Many people never get around to fulfilling their personal dreams because they are too busy taking care of everybody else. There is room to do all of it and you will be more stable if you seek balance in all things.
2) Ask “What Can I Do Now?”
If you want to write a book; get out some paper and start writing. If you want to compete in an Ironman competition; put on your running shoes and head out the door. Do what you can. Something is better than nothing.
“A dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world.” ~ Oscar Wilde
3) Who Needs To Come and Who Needs To Go?
Do you have people in your life who are negative and unmotivated that just seem to suck the life out of you? Maybe it’s time to let these “friends” go. Do you engage in activities that waste a lot of your time, like gaming or lying around the house watching too much television? Do you spend too much time on social media outlets? Do you need to find the assistance of an expert that could re-activate your dreams? An expert example could be a personal trainer to help you get ready for that marathon or work with a writing coach who could speed up the process of completing your book. If you want to reawaken your dreams then you need to associate with people who are going in the same direction you are or they are already there.
4) Seek Sources Of Inspiration.
Surround yourself with motivational quotes. Words that can get you going and keep you focused. The internet is a great resource for motivational quotes. You may want to write down the words spoken by someone who once said that you would never amount to anything. Let their negative words light a fire of burning desire within you so you can one day show them that they were wrong. Be deliberate in your choice of movies that will inspire you and read books with stories of people who overcame the odds in pursuit of their dreams. Positive music is inspirational and when it plays in the background of your day, it is subtly influencing you with the positive message, even when you aren’t paying 100% attention to the words.
“Nothing happens unless first we dream.” ~ Carl Sandburg
5) Make Reminder Notes.
Place post-it notes around your house, office and car with your goals and dreams written on them. These notes will inspire you when you may be tired or on the verge of losing focus.
6) Write A Letter To Yourself.
Step into the future twenty five years from now. What would the older and wiser version of you say to the present day you? I imagine the older version of you would tell you to be bolder and more courageous. Imagine one day you look back and realize you can’t climb those hills or dance because of medical issues. Your memories of those pursuits that gave you joy is your balm to chase away the regrets of “I wish I had done that.” The message the future you would give to the present you would encourage fearlessness and reject the notion of timidity. I strongly encourage you to write this letter. It may be quite life-changing for you. After you write it, place it somewhere that you may not see for a while. One day, you may come across it and hopefully, you’ve gotten started on the things you wrote in the letter. If time goes by and you remember the letter, go back and re-read it; hopefully this will continue to inspire you to keep reaching up!
7) Make A Vow To Yourself.
Make a total commitment to yourself that you will see your dream through to the end. Making your dreams a reality usually requires a lot of hard work, sweat and unwavering determination. The strength of your commitment will help you stay focused and will fill each day with excitement.
“If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.” ~ Henry David Thoreau
Mark Webb is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice at South Georgia Psychiatric and Counseling Center in Valdosta. He is the author of How To Be A Great Partner. Mark has been in the field of helping individuals and couples since 1986. He has a vast amount of experience and he can have a very positive impact on your life and your relationship.
If you are looking for individual or marriage counseling, please call his office in Valdosta, Georgia and his staff will help you set up an appointment.
South Georgia Psychiatric and Counseling Center
2704 N. Oak St. Blg B-3
Valdosta, Georgia 31602
229-257-0100
