“Your dreams are there to help you. They're there to guide you, to inspire you. And to show you that: YES, there is something more in store for you.” - Mel Robbins

Dreams Matter: Here's Mine!

Hey friend. Did you know that my true authentic dream -- my scary, big, crazy dream -- is to be an author?

You probably didn't know. Because I NEVER tell people.

Only my very closest friends know that. And even to them, I rarely discuss it.

Every time I start thinking about being an author the excuses come:

• It seems so far away... I've got so much to learn. So much to do.

• I am an OK writer but not a great writer. I can write marketing copy, but can I really write a book?

• I need to DO something with my life before I can start writing.

• There's no way I can support myself as an author.

• Since I started my business, there's no time to think about it let alone write!

But first, we have to FIND them!

Who do YOU wish to be? What are YOUR dreams.

Let's explore this topic, and learn why your dreams matter to your business, too!

3 Ways to Rediscover + Start PursuingYour DREAMS + How Dreaming can Explode Your Business 👊

1. What does your childhood self have to say about your dreams?

STORY TIME: When I was a youngster, I used to go into the bathroom and hide in the small vanity cupboard (I know, but I was like 4 so give me a break).

I had 6 siblings, so it was one of the only quiet places in the house.

I'd take out the big stuff like towels and cleaning supplies and shut myself into the cabinet.

Once inside, my skinny little hands could dig through the contents of the side drawers from inside the cabinet. I often stashed food, my journal and pens in the drawers.

Once I was comfortable and had taken a few bites of my treats, I'd find my journal and pens.

I stayed in that cramped little space for what seemed like HOURS (was probably more like 20 minutes), making up stories in a languages only I could read.

I didn't know letters or words yet but that didn't stop me - I used my imagination to scribble out the stories.

Curled up in the dark, quiet, safe place... this is what I did. And I did this as often as I could.

Throughout elementary school and middle school, I always wrote in little journals.

In Highschool I filled up binders of thoughts and experiences and feelings.

And even before the age when I could write, I was going after my dream - making up scribbled stories.

What is my childhood self telling me about my dreams? Well, that's obvious.

But the thing is, These memories only recently came back to me when I started asking myself these questions:

• What were my favorite childhood memories & why?

• What were the things I did when I was totally alone?

• What are some habits, routines or activities I did consistently throughout my childhood?

What does your childhood self have to say about your dreams?

2. Are your dreams still alive?

Mel Robbins describes this 'pull' towards your dreams.

This could look like: Anger, Resentment, Jealousy, Insecurity, Inferiority.

It could feel like: Desire, Draw, Longing, Fear

You notice other people who are pursuing your dream & want to be like them.

I can TOTALLY relate to these feelings...

Did you know I started a blog a few years ago?

It was called 'Dear Journal', and I spent hours writing about my thoughts, my day, my experiences, my feelings...

Everything from food blogs, blogs about mental health, blogs about my past experiences.

Guess who I sent them to? My mom, my sisters. Occasionally my friends. That's it!

Most of the time I'd get about 2 views on my blog before TAKING THEM DOWN because I was so afraid of what people would think of me.

THIS is EVIDENCE that I:

A. Have a dream inside of me, and

B. My dream is still alive - even if I'm too afraid to pursue it!

So where do you feel that pull? If you don't already know, try to notice this week, as you observe the people around you. When jealousy, anger, insecurity or longing come up - what are those things trying to tell you?

3. What I'm doing to LIVE my dream of being an Author

After rediscovering my dream, and noticing that it is still alive in me, I realized I needed to again start pursuing this dream.

I have a tendency to NOT do things unless I KNOW I'll succeed.

Instead of letting my FEAR stop me from starting, I'm going to do 3 things every week:

1. I decided to take a page from baby Brooklyn's book (pun intended), and find a safe place to write.

I'm too big for a cupboard these days. Instead I find the quietest, safest place in my house and curl up with a notebook or my laptop and write once a week.

Sometimes I write memories, other times I write stories.

I don't share these with anyone yet, but writing is the creative outlet I've been missing for years.

2. I'm starting up my blog again.

My biggest fear is SHARING my thoughts with the world, and not being accepted by the world.

These insecurities have kept me from my dreams for too long, so I'm going to ACT instead of WAIT.

I'm hoping to post every week.

3. I'm writing down my and speaking my dreams out loud every single day.

Without a filter or fear, without judgement or speculation. I'm write down my goals and dreams every single day.

To remind me that I have dreams, and that they matter!

DYK: Your Dreams can EXPLODE Your Business

Studies have shown that people who DREAM are MORE SUCCESSFUL in life and business.

How does that work?

When we are actively recognizing and pursuing our dreams, it brings us an energy and confidence in ourselves and in our purpose.

Even if they're not directly related to your business, that energy translates into optimism, confidence and success on a professional level. And can create momentum in your life and business.

Small business owners know that the daily grind can sometimes zap your energy...

But dreaming can spark energy inside you to keep you moving forward.

here's the truth:

Your business can help you reach your dreams.

Your dreams WILL help your business thrive.

To find the greatest success in life and business, you both are important.

Both are a part of who you are.

So tell me, what are YOUR dreams they? If you're up to sharing, I'd love to know.

lots of love, BK

This post was inspired by the Mel Robbins Podcast.