How do you feel about dreaming big? Are you comfortable thinking big and reaching for what you really want? These things have been on my mind since Monday when I met with my blogging friend Monica Lee – in real life (gasp!) – and as usual, we got to talking about our plans for our businesses and hopes and ideas for the future. It seems to me that for many women, it’s all too easy for us to settle for a smaller dream than we might really hold dear in our hearts. Is this ringing true for you – or remind you of friends you know? If so, read on and let’s discuss…plus there is some fantastic encouraging art below, so you won’t want to miss that, either! ;)
D R E A M . B I G G E R .
Often what seems to happen is that the initial dream gets downgraded and analyzed to death and eventually we get so discouraged it just seems like, oh well, what’s the point? And we go on with our daily lives and day jobs and let the dream settle back into the background of our lives. I for one am hoping to buck this trend and continue to steadily follow my passions and explore these little threads of creative ideas that can be so very fragile in the beginning. I think we can all use a little extra encouragement from one another – and from ourselves – in this area, whether you are dreaming of leaving your current career for a creative field, or simple wishing you could find a bit of time to pick up all of those half-finished craft projects laying around your apartment. Right?
One thing that has worked for me to keep my spirits high when doubt creeps in is to repeat a mantra, or basically, say something true and encouraging to myself, something that reminds me why I am doing this. And I love the idea of keeping encouraging words visible, around the house – which is why I was super excited to see Jess LC’s new graphic prints, shown in this post.”Dream Bigger” to me means not just follow your dreams, but also to ask for what you are worth. This part is something I am still working on. After attending ALT earlier this year, Monica shared something one of the presenters said that really stuck with me: for women entrepreneurs (especially) you know you are asking for a fair price for your product or service if it makes your stomach hurt a little bit. That really got my attention. I think as women, we are raised to be “nice”, which is great, don’t get me wrong!! But unfortunately, that can also at times mean undervaluing ourselves to the point where a business that might have been profitable and successful, fails, because we didn’t ask for what we were worth. A lot to think about, right?
B E . P R E S E N T .
Another of Jess’s new prints that caught me eye is “Be Present”. As the mother of a two year old, I am constantly being reminded by my little sidekick to be present and pay attention to what is going on right in front of me. Kids are kind of like little Zen Masters in that way, ha! But there are still plenty of times I find myself trying to do multiple things at once, and none of them very well – one hand typing, the other handing out crayons and googly eyes – and at times like this, when I am driving myself crazy yet satisfying no one, it pays to remember the power of unitasking. I kind of feel like I should have this tattooed on my arm! ;)
B E . B R A V E .
Finally, two words of wisdom I think we can all use: be brave! It’s not easy trying to read that inner compass, and staying tuned to it over the long haul is even harder. It takes guts and courage and yes, bravery, to make a leap into the unknown, to take a risk. But so worth it for something you love. I know I’ve rambled on and on in this post, so THANK YOU to those of you who’ve made it to the end! Ha!
I’m really curious to know what you make of all this – have any of these topics been on your mind lately as well? Are you in the midst of hatching any new plans (I am, but I’m not quite ready to share yet!)? I’d love to hear all about it in the comments – or, if you just want to leave a few words of encouragement yourself, I’m sure we could all use it! Oh, and don’t forget – you can find all of Jess’s new prints in her shop, right here! xoxo Laura
