What's Stopping You From Dreaming Big

This was taken right around the time that my big dream to move to California was born. This was on a family trip to Disneyland & Universal Studios in California when I was 8 years old. At the time I was reading the Sweet Valley High books - remember those?! - where Jessica and Elizabeth lived in Malibu and drove around in a red convertible Fiat!! "THAT sounds amazing", I thought!!!

And so the dream was formed!

Funny enough my Mom found some of my old journals recently, where I had written down what I wanted to do when I grew up. Helping poor people and owning the Humane Society were written down. I was watching a TON of those commercials where the German Sheppard was basically crying, and they went on to tell us how much he'd been abused:(

I remember thinking that I was going to own all of the dogs in the world and live on a huge fenced in lot by the beach in Malibu, where people would have to be interviewed by me to see if they were fit to own a dog!

Some things never change. You can count on me to always let you know what is fair and what is not. I'm working on that...

What is that dream deep inside of you that's pulling at your heart strings? Read today's article below to learn where I landed on my dreams, what tends to get in the way of people making their dreams come true, and that it's absolutely okay to course correct along the way!

What's Stopping you from Dreaming Big?
See if you can tune into what you were wanting to do when you were little. I had the memory of California and the humane society, but I didn't realize I had also said that I wanted to help poor people! I remember saying in grade 6 (so age 11ish), that I wanted to either be a lawyer or a model, but not that part.

Well I definitely believe I'm doing my part to help poor people - I'm going to reframe that into helping people live abundant lives! - but the latter - the dog part - came about in a really interesting way!

And no, I don't own the humane society or all of the dogs in the world!

BUT I did work with a client once who is a K9 trainer who helps medics around the world care for the dogs who are on the job. Think guys jumping out of helicopters and landing on jet skis - she helps those types of handlers! Her training has helped to save countless animals, and as we worked on growing her business she was able to help even more dogs and people. When I was working with her awhile back, the realization set in that I was actually helping to make a difference in dogs' lives. It was a cool realization.

Throughout my childhood, whenever I felt "sad" I would think of going "home", which to me was palm trees, sunshine and the ocean. I'm not sure where this came from, but it was there. Like a knowing.

And being able to manifest something like that - that was such a big dream for me - has truly become my purpose - showing others we absolutely can be, do and have anything in life! We truly are limitless!

So what gets in the way?

Well a couple of things.

I do remember dating someone once and I shared with his parents that I wanted to help animals. I was pretty much shamed because they said there were so many people to help and why would I help animals instead?

Hmmm...

Insert doubt. I pretty much felt like a bad person for wanting to do that.

How often do we listen to other people and then talk ourselves right out of something as a result?

Don't get me wrong, feedback and validation are important, but not when it works against our dreams! Not when it talks us out of going after what lies in our hearts.

Our desires are given to us for a reason. It's how we know what our purpose is.

Most people spend tons of time and money trying to figure out their purpose, but we already have the answer inside of us if we would listen. It's our heart's desires, it's what makes us happy and what brings us joy. All we need to do is follow that and let it the rest unfold.

Which brings me to another reason people don't follow their dreams. They can't see "how" their dreams will happen and so they give up. This is one of the biggest areas to let go of in order to use the law of attraction to manifest our dreams and desires. It's not up to us! Look at the K9 medic story! I never could have dreamt that up in a million years!

Which leads me to it being okay to course correct. Our childhood and adulthood desires might look a little different, and that's okay.

I remember a friend saying to me once that I didn't actually make it to Malibu, but I was close! At least that's how I heard her say it anyway.

If we're being that knit picky we've lost sight of the whole thing. The dream was palm trees and the ocean in California, to which I achieved. I consciously chose which area I wanted to be in after living in California for 4 years. We visited San Diego a few times and absolutely loved it and the more laid-back lifestyle. It's what worked for us (insert also thinking about husbands and kids too - which I definitely didn't have at 8 years old;-)

It's absolutely okay to course correct and adapt your dreams as you go. I never would have thought I would be paid to be a speaker or start a second business in real estate investing when I first started my entrepreneurial efforts!

If we're shown the entire picture all at once it would be wayyy too overwhelming to bring to fruition anyway. But if we keep saying yes, one step at a time, to what brings us joy and what we're interested in, we will always be on track with creating a happy and purposeful life!

We just have to go for it!

xoxo

P.S. I don't know about you, but I have been so tired these last few days. I think something to do with a full moon?? Anyway, as I was sitting down to write this article it felt like pulling teeth. I didn't know how I was going to do it. But as I got started, I was reenergized writing about this topic. I got so excited writing about manifesting our dreams that I got a total energy burst! Another sure sign that we're on track with doing what we love ?

Chris Atley is an award winning coach, speaker and bestselling author. She has been featured on various media outlets such as Bloomberg Radio, Fox, ABC and the Manhattan Neighborhood Network.

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How Are You Coping As Lockdown Restrictions Ease?

How have you found these past few weeks of lockdown? It may be that the weeks have seemed like a lifetime and many of us have been finding the loneliness and isolation a real struggle.

Without our normal daily distractions we may have started to realise that we live quite an isolated way of life, going to work then home, perhaps looking after children, maintaining our homes, maybe running a homebased business. Omit human interaction and socialising and it can be quite a lonely way of life.

It's only when something like a global pandemic occurs that we realise how important the incidentials like office banter, coffee mornings, gyms and quiz nights really are. They're not just places we pass through; they provide opportunities to catch up, socialise, discuss problems and enhance relationships.

Now that those restrictions are easing how are you coping with lockdown? Are you ready to revert back to 'normal' or do you need a little time to decide what you want, to readjust and regain your trust in the outside world?

At a time like this it's important to look after yourself, your mental health and do things that invest in a positive mindset, support your wellbeing and make you feel good.

- How comfortable is your home? As we've been spending more time there it's important to continue ensuring that it's a welcome place to return to. We may have used the time well and expended effort in tidying, cleaning and maybe introducing some brightness and colour by way of fabrics or pictures on the walls. All ways that have made your home feel good to come back to. Fresh bedding or a relaxing bath rather than a shower can be ways to treat yourself with more kindness. It's still tough at the moment, so be gentle with yourself. parents or children can become a little fraught if there's no respite and still no clear end to lockdown in sight.

- How have your relationships been at home? Living in each other's pockets, being full-on with a partner, Good manners, consideration and a sense of humour are especially important during these exceptional times. Continue planning constructive ways to spend your time together. Even if you're tired and don't particularly feel like making an effort, remember, home is not only about you. Maybe get the board games out, kick a ball around outside, revisit your music collection or old photograph albums. You may find these times become treasured moments where you enhance your family connection.

- Pay especial attention to mealtimes. Rather than simply grab food on the go or eat whatever's around, instead commit to making more of a feature of your meals, as they may well be the most important part of each day. Ensure that you're eating enjoyable, healthy, nutritious food and look after yourself. And these good habits can continue long after lockdown is over.

- Be wary of drowning your sorrows! Alcohol is actually a depressant and when we overindulge we consume an excess of toxins, hence becoming intoxicated. This then requires our body to work extra hard to clear those toxins out, so causing dehydration, headaches and low mood.

- Have you internet access? Keeping in touch with colleagues, family, friends and social groups online can be a great way of maintaining connections, discussing concerns and minimising loneliness. Many people enjoy skype and zoom calls, sharing photos, tips, support and advice, all valuable ways to feel less alone, especially in lockdown. And it's interesting to see how successful some people have become when they've moved their business to an online offering. Workshops, classes, delicious foods and clothing have adapted well to a home-delivery service.

- Plan for your down time. If you live alone, still plan your reading and TV viewing in advance. It's good to have something to look forward to. Make the most of an evening phone call by settling down with a brew for a leisurely chat with a friend. Treat yourself extra well; those little touches can make all the difference to how well you cope.

- Keeping a journal might be another way to find comfort and support. Record how you're feeling, the thoughts you're experiencing. Note a daily success or achievement and start to remind yourself of your value, worth and accomplishments. Focus on the good things you encounter, the beautiful sunrise, an unexpected kindness and stop discounting or taking these things for granted. It can take a little discipline to incorporate this routine into your daily life, but your journal may gradually start to include photos, pictures and other mementoes, so becoming a friend and making the entries more special.

Remember that everyone's been touched by this unprecedented pandemic. No one's been exempt. Whilst some will been more affected by it than others it's important to be kind both to yourself and to those in your life. Be mutually supportive and as we come out of lockdown appreciate what really matters to you. These tough times can bring with them great insights and inner peace.

Susan Leigh, counsellor, hypnotherapist, relationship counsellor, writer & media contributor offers help with relationship issues, stress management, assertiveness and confidence. She works with individual clients, couples and provides corporate workshops and support.

She's author of 3 books, 'Dealing with Stress, Managing its Impact', '101 Days of Inspiration #tipoftheday' and 'Dealing with Death, Coping with the Pain', all on Amazon & with easy to read sections, tips and ideas to help you feel more positive about your life.

To order a copy or for more information, help and free articles visit http://www.lifestyletherapy.net

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