Happy Monday! 

Hopefully, you found ways to take a break from your routines this past weekend. In usually sunny So CA, we had so much rain we thought we might float away. Don’t get me wrong, I love the rain, but the wind gales and noises were scary, and I found myself content to sit by the fire relaxing, keeping cozy, and pondering things I’d like to do in the future. Sometimes we need to sit and dream.

I know some of you understand. Big dreams require an extreme level of commitment. I’m referring to the kinds that become a burning desire, and so overtake us that the very idea of them hastens scary thoughts. Once we choose to pursue them, we devote our energies and resources to see our dreams come to fruition. You know what I’m talking about. That desire you have to branch out on your own or the longing you have to create a better protocol, product, or service.

It’s about the dream you had as a youngster that you finally have the means and knowledge to launch. It could be a new dream. You have reached the top of the food chain in your current career and want to challenge yourself to start something new. Sometimes dreams come from a need. Years ago, my Mom was so irritated that she and Pop got audited that she became a tax consultant upon retirement at 65. And then, she became disillusioned with that and decided to become a travel agent in her 70s.

The beauty of big, scary dreams is that nothing can really stop you when you’re determined to succeed. Crazy, challenging, nonsensical dreams are the most fun because they’re just outside the box enough to bring excitement. Of course, in some instances, it’s wise to do some groundwork and research to ensure you’re not seeking to do the impossible, but even then, who says a person can’t accomplish the impossible?

Scripture reminds us that:

“Then he dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.” Genesis 28:12 (NKJV)

“Joseph later had another dream, and he told his brothers, “Listen to what else I dreamed. The sun, the moon, and eleven stars bowed down to me.” Genesis 37:9 (CEV)

“Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Mark 9:23 (NKJV)

Here’s something I found that underscores the importance of big, scary dreams:

Photo by Nicolas Houdayer. No copyright infringement intended.

Following are additional quotes that speak to the power of dreams:

“A dream doesn’t become a reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work.” Colin Powell

“Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.” Langston Hughes

“Deep into the darkness peering, long I stood there, wondering, fearing, doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before.” Edgar Allan Poe

“Nothing happens unless first we dream.” Carl Sandburg

“Dream no small dreams for they have no power to move the hearts of men.” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

“So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable.” Christopher Reeve

“When you have a dream that you can’t let go of, trust your instincts and pursue it. But remember: Real dreams take work, they take patience, and sometimes they require you to dig down very deep. Be sure you’re willing to do that.” Harvey Mackay

The quotes above represent others’ dreams and help us to see both the possibilities and commitment needed to accomplish big things. If you’re a student, you know that if you make it through your coursework, you’ll be able to look at more options for your life. When we open our minds and free ourselves from limitations, creativity has a chance to blossom, and our projects have the potential to take on new life. Sometimes that means exciting new dimensions are added to our already big, scary dreams, which makes them less overwhelming and more easily accomplished.

What’s your big, scary dream? Are you willing to go the distance, forfeit the pseudo rules of being too old, young, inexperienced, overqualified, or any of the enoughs? I challenge you this week to think of yourself as limitless and let your mind overflow with possibilities. I’ve seen it in my life and know that your perceived limitations are often unfounded.

Have some fun and revisit those big, scary dreams this week. Or take some time to create new dreams. Who knows what amazing thoughts you’ll unlock!

Be Well & Be Blessed!

Lucinda