Courage to dream again is possible.

 “The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark.” Michelangelo 

 

Every single person is born with gifts and talents. As a result, this unique combination is not only your contribution to this world but also a clue to what makes you come alive. Imagine what you can do? These seeds of potential lie dormant until cultivated, but our lives often head in a direction where we find these seeds hidden so deep inside that all seems lost.

I feel lost and don’t know where to start

“I have absolutely no idea what to think about or dream about.” Does this sound like you? If it does, take courage, you are not alone, and I hope that this post will inject you with a glimmer of hope to begin to dream again.

In Courage in the Fire, I wrote: “Inside of every one of us, from the time of conception, God planted seeds of purpose. These are seeds of promise, hope and potential. In Christ Jesus, healed from the crippling effects of fear, we can let those seeds grow and blossom into what He has prepared for us to do. 

Many people live merely to exist, and they die with the seeds of potential buried deep within. The lonely graveyards scattered across the continents are often the wealthiest places on our planet. Why? Well, many people died and were buried with the dreams still lying dormant inside of them: dreams that could transform society, ideas to cure diseases, businesses to become established, children to be loved, songs composed and paintings created. These are now lying amongst the dust and cobwebs in these desolate graveyards.” 

 
Courage to dream again?
 
Firstly, practice kindness towards yourself and others.

“Self-compassion is simply giving the same kindness to ourselves that we would give to others.” Christopher Germer 

Moreover, self-care involves keeping your body, soul and spirit healthy. The reason is that thereby you can stay not only motivated and function effectively but also be able to help others positively.

 
Secondly, ask questions.

Think about what makes you mad, sad and glad? In addition to these questions, ask yourself if you couldn’t fail, what would you do or initiate? After that, take stock of how you are feeling. While you are doing this, you begin to open your heart to fresh opportunities.  Thus, you now have a clue to what stirs your heart.

 
Thirdly, cultivate self-awareness.

Similarly, think way back to when you were a young child. What did you want to become and why? Consider taking some personality assessments, chat to a coach or mentor. Above all, figure out why you do some of the things you do. What makes you come alive? What drains your energy?

 
Fourthly, what about forgiveness?

Do you need to offer or receive forgiveness? The reason I write that is that forgiveness is often a key to unlocking healing and freedom in our hearts. When we become locked in, we unintentionally lock so much out.

 
Fifth, what words have you spoken?

Have you made any inner vows or promises? For example, I will never succeed, or I can’t do this, I’m not good enough. Think about that for a bit and pray through what comes up.

 
Finally, give yourself room.

Give yourself the gift of permission to dream again or to begin dreaming about what stirs your heart. Certainly, begin to think bigger than you have ever done before.

“Great, you might say. Easier said than done. I don’t even know what my dream or purpose is in life?”

I had to figure it out too. For instance, a while back, I spent over 30 minutes writing out 100 statements linked to my purpose. I was trying to refine what I’m called to do and focus on it. Consequently, I wrote and wrote, but what emerged was helpful and insightful. Give it go. Keep working at it. Look at what you search? What you post on social media, create a vision board. But start somewhere.

 
 
What can you do to build the courage to pursue your dream?

Real courage is the ability to overcome fear. It’s not the absence of fear but rather taking the first step despite what you are afraid of. Courage is the ability to do something that frightens one, which then begs the next question, “How do I build courage in my life to pursue my dreams?”

Make a list of what you are afraid of at the moment. This might be difficult, but it’s a worthwhile exercise.
Think about how you can practice courage in small things. Courage becomes a habit, and the more you practice it, the more it grows.
Do you have allies in your life? Is there someone you can chat to about your fears, dreams and hopes? Think about the direction you want your life to take, then adjust your focus.
Start small. Take one step today. Perhaps print this post out and begin answering some of these questions. Or, you could simply sit with a cup of coffee in your hand and think about what you’ve just read.
Courage can grow, but it takes time to build that muscle.

 
Read these words out loud to encourage you.

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise— in God, I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (Psalm 56:3-4)

“They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD.” (Psalm 112:7)

“Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened.” ~ Billy Graham

In conclusion, let me know if this has been helpful and how I can support you on your journey to living courageously and with purpose.

 

Follow me on Instagram or Facebook. Check out my books or some of my other free resources here . 

Mandi Hart

I’m passionate about inspiring people to live courageously. As a speaker, mentor and author, I work with families and women around the globe to help pursue their dreams and raise children with love and courage. As a mother of two, I long to see families restored and equipped. I serve locally in our communities and regularly speak on the radio on Courageous Living. Read more about my latest book here.

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