Have you ever chased a dream – and then when you got there – it was not where you wanted to be?
As a young child, I found myself on a rare and exquisite trip to Jamaica with my family. This trip was my first taste of traveling abroad – the welcoming smiles of the Rastafarians, the liveliness of reggae music, and sliding down a waterfall in Dunn’s River Falls. This trip was also one of my last good memories of my father before his behavior became more unpredictable and violent due to his experience with schizophrenia.
The next twenty years of my life was filled with fear as we navigated a world unfamiliar and unsafe for us all. While my security was ripped from me, my joy of travel only deepened. I now realize in part, my passion to travel was because I was trying to escape the terror and feel all those good feelings from Jamaica. I made it my life’s mission to travel so it is only fitting I wanted a career in international business to do just that.
I chased my dream of working in international business for fifteen years and finally got there. Except when I got there, it wasn’t my dream anymore. I had built a vision in my head of what it would be like working in the romantic city of Paris meeting the love of my life. Instead, I was in small towns in Germany where everyone went home to their families for dinner and I was stuck in a hotel all alone.
I also conjured up a story that the only way to travel the world was through work since it was so foreign to me. In those fifteen years it took me to reach my dream, I discovered I could travel the world on my own – to cities I wanted to go to and do things I wanted to do.
In that time, I also reconnected with my father in a safe and healthy way and no longer needed to find that connection with him through my travels. I was connected to him in life.
Imagine my surprise having spent fifteen years going for something only to realize that is not where I wanted to be when I finally got there. The dream was not what I thought it was going to be. I also was not the same person as the one who dreamed the dream in the first place.
It took a lot of courage to change my life’s course after that. I was lost. I had no idea what I wanted because I no longer had the same driving forces. It took me slowing down, finding my voice, and tuning in to my heart to find my new path.
Now, THIS is what I get to help others do too!!! I guide them to get clear on what is real for them to ensure they are living the best life and take inspired action in the direction of their dreams.
How are you doing with your dreams? Here are some questions for you to consider…
What is the “why” of your dreams? (HINT: There is no wrong answer. It is just helpful to know what is influencing your decisions so can do so consciously.)
Is there another way to satisfy your “why”?
What do you WANT your “why” to be driving your dreams?
What dream(s) are you holding on to or pursing that are no longer relevant?
What dream(s) do you want to pursue now?
Sometimes on the way to a dream, you find a new one. I’d love to hear what yours is.
Also, if you want any support in uncovering your dream or finding the courage to go for it, I do this with clients privately OR you can join me for my coaching group that starts in October. It will be the most loving, supportive, and transformational community and experience you could ever dream of. Click below to learn more!!!