Dreams Are Coming True
One Little Moment At A Time
Have you ever had a dream that you dared to dream? One that you really wanted to come true, but if you were being honest with yourself, you doubted if it would ever truly become a reality?
It been hitting me lately, that one of those dreams is actually about to happen for me and I just cannot fathom that it's real. I feel like any moment now I am gonna wake up and it will all have been a magical illusion my brain cooked up while I slept.
But as far as I can tell, I am awake, it's real, it's happening. The Rainbow Tree, my first children's book is on the cusp of publishing. (SCREAMSSSSSSS in Celebratory tone.) I have learned so much about myself during this journey. I wanna share a bit of it here to encourage you as you seek to make your own dreams a reality.
1. Perfections is the enemy.
Many of us don't start things because we fear they won't be good enough. That is true. It won't be perfect. No one/nothing is. Knowing that, get started on whatever it is you dream about doing. Seriously, do it now. Knowing now that it won't be perfect should make you feel better to get going!
2. Procrastination is fear.
Every time I put off creating an illustration for the book, it was NOT because I didn't have time or resources to do so. I was scared to death. Scared that I couldn't create what I needed to. Scared it would look silly. Scared it wouldn't look “professional." Scared no one would take me seriously as an illustrator. Scared that all the art friends I have would mock it in secret. Sigh… I have been scared a lot so I put the work off for a few weeks while I found some courage. Don't worry, I found it and told procrastination to kiss my…
3. People will always laugh.
Everyday, everywhere, people are laughing and talking about somebody. Sometimes it's me they are talking about I am sure. I used to worry about this. Not much anymore. Of course there are moments, but for the most part I have learned to embrace their laughter and mockery. Why? It means I am doing something worth talking about. No one talks about those who are hiding in the background. Make you make. Let them laugh.
4. Process is messy
You are going to mess up. Many times. You may cry, you will definitely cuss, and you will have one million doubts. Please, I beg you…KEEP GOING! Whatever it is that you are dreaming, someone out there needs it to happen. Maybe it's something huge that the whole world needs, or maybe it's something huge that you need to push you forward in life. Get messy in the making, doing, creating. Wear an apron if you want to. :)
5. Patience is required.
Turning a dream into a reality does not happen overnight. I first dreamed of writing a children's book way back in 2003. I have read a gozillion of them. I have researched their authors, illustrators, publishers, etc. I have studied their techniques, their words, their processes. I didn't just wake up one day to this reality that is approaching. It took a minute.
6. Permission is needed.
I will say this first and foremost here…You do not need permission from ANYONE else to start this journey. It's ok for adults to lean into playful living, creative journeys, and making their dreams come true regardless of what the “grown ups” say. And even if it's not ok, do it anyway! Our lives are so short, “you are but a mist that appears for a little while, then vanishes.” Thanks, James. :) But, one person I did desire approval for this journey from was…myself. Please, I beg you, give yourself the permission you need here. As soon as you do, the dream is one BIG step closer.
If you don't believe in you, no one else will.