“We always have visions, before a thing is made real. God gives us the vision, then he takes us down to the valley to batter us into the shape of the vision, and it is in the valley that so many of us faint and give way. Every vision will be made real if we have patience. Don’t lose heart in the process.” – Oswald Chambers

 

 

I think it’s fair to say that 2016 kind of kicked my butt.

Between my surgery, continuing to wait for certain things I’m hoping for and the world craziness as a whole, last year left me feeling somewhat confused and depleted.

I feel guilty for saying that because I have a truly amazing life. I have countless blessings and things I’m grateful for. I have an amazing husband and daughter, a home I love, friends who support me and far away family who do everything they can to travel to see us.

I have a roof over my head, food on my table and I don’t have to walk 10 miles for fresh water every day. That is so much more than many people in this world, and I never forget that.

Yet, even after the gratitude and the goal setting and the vision boarding, I have times I feel sad. Tired. Confused.

There are times my heart aches for this world and I just don’t know what to do about it. It can honestly overwhelm me.

There are times my dreams seem like they are taking so long to come to pass that I start to doubt if they will happen.

I don’t know why I’m writing this except maybe to say if you are in this same boat, it’s ok.

It’s ok to sometimes question where you are and what you are doing. It’s ok to question yourself, or feel sorry for yourself, or be selfish. It’s ok to occasionally lose faith.

The key is NOT TO STAY THERE.

It might seem strange that I’m writing this at the end of our goal setting series, but I think it’s an important time to hear it.

I’ve seen and felt myself the new year excitement of goals start to wear off. I know the feeling of wondering if you will ever get those things you are hoping for, believing for, dreaming for.

Promise yourself that you will hang on to your dreams.

It can sometimes be easier to let them go. I know from experience that there can be pain and questioning when we have a deep vision and dream in our souls that doesn’t seem to be coming to pass.

It’s hard work to be a dream believer.

And we need more of them.

It won’t be easy. It might mean stretching yourself, stepping out of your comfort zone and questioning things you’ve done out of habit.

For me it’s been a lesson in patience and letting go of control and being ok with the outcome, no matter what it is.

I’m still learning and re-learning every day.

That’s ok.

You are ok. I’m ok. We are ok.

When you look forward to 2017 and what you want to accomplish, do it with love and grace. If things become hard – especially if they are hard – say “thank you” for lessons learned and that you are still here.

Remember that sadness can intermingle with gratitude, and it’s ok to cry a little if need be when saying your thank you’s.

Then wipe away the tears, stand up and take the next step.

I mentioned that, looking back over the past year, it doesn’t seem like I’m closer to my dreams than I was a year ago.

But I know that’s wrong.

Whether we feel it or not, see it or not, things are happening all around us every second that are propelling us forwards. If a dream is in your heart, it is meant to be there. Believe that.

Here’s to all of us dream catchers. Don’t stop believing. If you won’t, I won’t.