Can you remember what you used to dream of becoming when you grew up? Perhaps it was a doctor or a teacher? What about a superhero, a singer, or a fireman? Maybe on any given day, you alternated between what struck your fancy. I must admit Superdog sounds good to me today… I wonder if it ever even entered your young mind that any of those dreams might not be possible. Sometimes, our dreams appear to fall by the wayside. What may have changed for this to occur? I believe that it is still possible to fulfill those childhood dreams today, or perhaps altered versions, and for you to feel now just as you did back when you thought anything was possible.

Think back, can you remember if there was a time your beliefs about your possibilities changed, or when you placed limits on what may lie ahead for you? One day recently, my family and I were out hiking, and I leapt up the side of an embankment by a stream. My momma commented to my dad that she couldn’t believe I had made that high of a jump. I never thought twice about making that leap! It doesn’t enter my brain that something is impossible. How could your life and your world look different right now if you maintained the view, as I do, that nothing is impossible? What about taking it a step further, and adopting an attitude of what is possible? Most importantly, how would you feel if you carried that way of thinking with you day by day.  

When I have a bone, I chew it as hard as I can. I concentrate intently, hold it with both hands (well, my paws), and I won’t give it up easily. In fact, you’d better watch your fingers! I’m not trying to be mean about it, I’m just determined, determined to chew that bone. Think about that. I wonder what might occur in your life if you worked as hard for yourself and rediscovering your dreams as I do with my bone. What I am saying is becoming an advocate for your own life, pursuing what makes you fulfilled. For you, this might look like being resolved to stay the course, not willing to easily let go of what is important to you. Concentrating on what you’d like to do with your life, or maybe just your next step. Not being mean to others about it, just determined to make your goals a priority. Like I do with my bone.  

Sometimes, bumps in the road come along that cause a dream to be put on the shelf. A dream may stay just an idea for any number of reasons, such as being afraid to start or maybe scared to fail. Perhaps you thought it seemed silly or it felt outside of your comfort zone. You may have worried that people would not like your idea. I say, so what? Only you need to like it. This adventure is a perfect example! My momma had many of these same fears as we began sharing our journey, and I had to remind her that not everyone will like our ideas all of the time. That’s okay.

Consider this: how do you feel when you think about your dream? Does it make you feel excited, happy, hopeful, exhilarated? Maybe it is way outside of your comfort zone, outside of your normal activities. Even when you may feel scared, I encourage you to take that step. You can get over any hurdles, any fears, one step at a time. Don’t give up, keep at it. I know you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. It may take time, take effort, take patience. If you get knocked down, stand up, dust yourself off and try a different angle. Sometimes I like my humans to hold onto my bone for me while I chew it. Find that supportive person in your life that will help you to hold on to your dream if need be. 

Life may look different today than the thoughts and possibilities you created as a child. But how you feel about yourself and all that is possible can be the same right now. Remember how your early days of dreaming made you feel. Once you’ve recaptured those feelings, think about one thing you can do to reignite those dreams. Like a dog with a bone, don’t stop pursuing your dreams. Now, just take one small step.

Come walk with me, if you’d like.