Turning your dreams into reality

While you’re reading this I’m probably enjoying the sun in a Ghana getting ready to be a bridesmaid for my sister's wedding.

This month’s challenge has been all about making steps towards doing something you’ve always wanted or maybe only ever dreamed of. We often feel like we’ll never achieve our dreams or that they are the stuff that fairy tales are made of. But reality Is filled with stuff that at some point was simply a dream or idea.

Now just to clarify there have been some modern things that have been invented because of actual dreams – for example Google, the theory of relativity, Inception (the movie), the periodic table or even Terminator (the movie), have a bit of an internet search you’ll find loads. But I’m not talking about dreams you have at night. I’m talking about the things you long to do, achieve or accomplish.

I recently came across an article titled ‘what’s your dream’ that gave a really good definition of what a dream is.

A dream is an inspiring picture of the future that energizes your mind, will and emotions, empowering you to do everything you can to achieve it. A dream worth pursuing is a picture and blueprint of a person’s purpose and potential.

Well if you don’t already know in October I’m off on a little travel adventure starting off in south-east Asia. This is something that has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. But how did I end up here? Did I just wake up last week and decide this Is what I want to do and then turn up at the airport? NO, I didn’t there were lots of little things I had to do before even stepping on a plane.

1. Figure out what your dreams are – I think this is the hardest part. Dreams can come in all shapes and sizes for lots of different purposes. They can be personal challenges you want to overcome, things you want to achieve, the way you want to live. Dreams for others, for health, fitness, love, career etc.
   Four years ago, I started writing a bucket list, it currently has 101 items on it. I have completed 13 items so far and I’m working on lots of them. My list consists of places to travel, experiences, challenges I’ve set myself, things that help others, things that will help me develop and grow and of course food.

2. Do it at your own pace – stop comparing where you are at in your life to others. Wait you’re not a self-made trillionaire by age 5. Whatever have you been doing with yourself? We live in a time where we're often comparing our worst days to other people’s best. We each bring something different and unique to the world and therefore we can’t live according to someone else’s timeline. Harland Sanders better known as Colonel Saunders was 62 when he franchised Kentucky fried chicken in 1952. It’s never too late to follow your dream.

3. Do some research and make a plan – you have an idea of what you want to do, where you want to go or something you want to invent. Have a look and see what’s out there. How much does it cost? Does it exist? What can two things can you combine to make it work? Who do you need to get in contact with? What does it involve? What does it require from you? Weigh up the costs. What will you gain? What will you lose? How can I get there? Often when we have a dream the reason it feels like we are unable to accomplish it is because we have not had any ideas about what it entails. But if we break it down into smaller manageable pieces we will realise that it is easier than we initially thought. There will always be challenges but if we know what they are going to beforehand we can prepare for them.

4. Talk to someone, get some advice – sometimes it’s great to go off and do something crazy and exciting but so much better when we have talked to some about it beforehand. Find someone who has done what you want to do and ask them how it was and learn from them. Talk to those in your support network about what you want to do, choose someone older and wiser who can offer you sound advice.

5. At every stage Pray – I’m often plagued with thoughts about whether I’ve made the right decision or not. But praying and asking others to pray for me is the best way I know how to make sure I’m keeping focused and not allow negative thoughts to take over. Doing something new is always a little bit scary but you don't know how you feel about something unless you try first.

6. Be prepared to be challenged - Dreams cost. Dreams require sacrifice and sometimes people are unwilling to pay the price in order to have it. It will cost you your time, money and energy. It will require change.

Here are some interesting articles I’ve stumbled on all about turning your dreams into reality.
Questions to helping you find your dreams

Ways to turn dreams into reality

Make dreams real

If you’re interested in keeping up to date on what I’m doing and where I’m at you can check out - Ate Sasha.

This isn’t goodbye, just see you later