My friends, I'm writing from a retreat home on St.
George Island, which is part of the Forgotten Coast in Florida. The home is situated in such a way that the horizon isn't a line but a semi-circle, which enables a direct view of both the sunrise in the mornings, and in the evenings, the sunset---from the same beach in front of the house.
For those closest to me, and for those who love sunrises and sunsets as much as I do, I'm sure you can imagine how magical this has been during my stay. I still can't believe it! I didn't know that was even possible, though it makes sense now that I see how that can me true. This reminds me of how dreams can seem impossible, until doors open and the way shows up.
I had a different topic written out for you today, but I need to bump that to next week and share what I hope will encourage you to dream BIG.
A year or so ago, I began implementing what I now call my four key practices for time, and essentially, dream management, which I've been excited to share with the participants of Micro
Magic. At that time, I began to vocalize and nurture a dream where I could spend more time at the ocean for rejuvenation: spiritually, physically and emotionally.
I was open to how that could be
funded financially by my work endeavors, or perhaps a real estate venture, though my funds seemed to be inadequate after a little research. I didn't know how it was going to happen, and really, I didn't care. I simply wanted to be at the ocean more often and needed a way to pay for that.
My husband and I planned an anniversary vacation in the 30A area of Florida, the Emerald Coast between Destin and Panama City as a dual purpose trip. While he golfed, I visited numerous art galleries, boutiques, interior design and furniture stores exploring where my art would fit. That search inadvertently led to placing my book in two bookstores, Sundog Books and The Hidden Lantern. That was exciting, but book sales wouldn't cover gas for return trips.
I kept trying to find an art connection to justify a return for book-signing events at both places, but nothing materialized. I almost didn't come back, but then I remembered one of the book stores said I could display art. I decided perhaps that would be how I could fund the trip, but I would have to go on faith.
This could be a long story so let me get to the juicy stuff! On that trip, I sold books and some art at the book signings and was also fortunate to follow up on and partner with The Blue Giraffe, Art + Gifts with Heart. How perfect is that boutique description? They stocked my books and a few smaller pieces of art. Fast forward three months, they had sold one painting and were ready for more of everything. And if that wasn't already enough to say grace over...
Why am I in a retreat home on St. George Island? I'm so glad you asked! Because another dream I have is to paint at the beach in between hours of sun and fun. "Paint, Paddle and Play" is the phrase that comes to mind. I have also considered hosting a Finding the Gift retreat on the beach, which among other things, would embrace the mindful process of making art using an introduction to abstract
painting.
Over the last year, I looked for vacation homes with art-making capabilities and hadn't found anything. A beautiful connection led me to a sampler retreat weekend for facilitators with Mother Ocean Retreats, which allowed me to experience their incredible home firsthand. I give it a big thumbs up and can't wait to host my first retreat. (Did I mention this home has sunrise and sunset from the same deck?!)
All of this happened as a result of the thoughts and dreams I allowed myself to cultivate over the last year, despite not knowing how it could happen and honestly, while wondering if I was dreaming a little too big, a little too far from home. (Pardon me as I look over my shoulder to the vast ocean I'm surrounded by. Yes, I just pinched myself
again.)
Our dreams and the words we express to support them are powerful. We don't have to know the HOW. Our job is to identify the WHAT and be willing to admit it to ourselves AND say it out loud to others.
To believe it's possible.
To be open to surprises.
To trust.
To surrender.
To not quit when we face what seems like obstacles and closed doors.
To bravely take the action steps that are ours to take.
To know that if it's good for me in the big picture, and good for others, there is every reason to dream BIG.
How free are you to dream? When you were young, were you allowed to dream, or were you told to be realistic?
What does that even mean?
Realistic: a practical way for things to
be achieved Practical: an idea or method that is likely to succeed
Likely: an idea or event that is probable or promising
Promising: showing signs of future
success; to announce as being expected to happen; to assure and declare; to give good grounds for something to happen; to contemplate the pleasant expectation of something
Finally, some words we can work with!
What are you willing to believe in and take action on so that it becomes promising in your life?
What are you willing to declare to yourself and to others about your dreams?
If exciting things can happen for others, are you willing to accept and agree that they can happen for you too?
Jack Canfield has a saying you may have heard me share before. I speak about it a
lot. It's called the big ASK. (Make sure you pronounce the K really loud or you may surprise someone.)
Ask something ludicrous every single day because occasionally, someone will say YES.
I am sitting in this gorgeous beach home because of repetitive asks and actions, some little, some big.
AND several someones had to be willing to help me. We need each other. Countless people have helped me over the years. I share with you what I know and how I approach things. You can help someone else using your knowledge and gifts, and on and on it goes. We each have skills, resources and connections that can help someone along
their journey to a dream. And they can help you transform a dream into a promising reality.
What dream are you willing to ignite with a promising string of declarations and actions? Do the thing today that in ten years,
you'll wish you had done.
When someone asks you for help, say YES as often as possible. Contributing even in a small way to the needs of others can yield big results for them, while generating more positive energy for
your next move.
The world is a gift exchange and there's enough for everyone to have their fill! Stop waiting for tomorrow. Start today, right here, right now.
