Finding the Will to Dream
en·cour·age·ment
/inˈkərijm(ə)nt,enˈkərijm(ə)nt/
noun
the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope.
Sometimes, all it takes to motivate us are four simple words. “I’m proud of you.” There are even instances where the source of this encouragement matters not. To be proud of a person is a simple task. Just understanding that every human you interact with has faced many challenges and trials, that total to a unique experience to them that no one else can share, gives you more than enough reasons to have empathy. The more empathy that you have for a person allows, the less judgement you cast. The less you judge, the clearer your perspective. Eventually your mind will come to the conclusion, “Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future.” If you are breathing, you can put effort towards having a bright future. For that, I am proud of you.
dream
/drēm/
noun
1.
a series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person's mind during sleep.
"I had a recurrent dream about falling from great heights"
2.
a cherished aspiration, ambition, or ideal.
"I fulfilled a childhood dream when I became champion"
I once was teaching a small crowd and encouraging them to live a life where they aim to bring their dreams to reality. And a man said to me, “But what if my family discourages me?” This question haunts many and I fear it is only the beginning of the many obstacles you’ll face when aiming for your dream. Life is about perspective, so let’s begin to ask different questions. Let’s ask ourselves the following questions whenever we need to find the will to dream.
What am I proud of achieving recently? Remember, small wins matter too.
What strengths do I possess that can help me overcome current challenges? Sometimes we have the solution to our problems and we never use it.
What small step can I take today towards my larger goal? A small step in the right direction is still progress.
How have I successfully handled similar situations in the past? Although a different level, I like to believe it’s the same devil.
What is one positive thing I can focus on right now? “You survived 100% of your bad days.”
Who in my life supports and believes in me, and how can I reach out to them? If you cannot find external support, then try internal.
What am I grateful for today? “Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. But today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.”