Growing up in a home where my Dad was a professional speaker and my Mom worked in his office, our home was known for motivational themes. Our family vacations were to the National Speakers Association Annual Convention and I learn from some of the best motivational speakers in the world, how to dream big and set goals and the positive impact this can have in a person’s life! There is much research and many books published about how goal setting and dreaming helps a person live a truly happy and fulfilled life! Wow….doesn’t that sound good?
This has stayed with me, although life as a Mom has distracted me a bit from dreaming big. As you can relate, I am sure…we just don’t have the time! And some times, I think….I am a Mom….I don’t have a lot of choices in what I can do! (i.e. I have to be home for the kids, bring home X amount of income, keep my schedule, etc.) Let’s try to step outside of that just for a moment and let that all go! (I mean, how often do we really let ourselves do this? Humor me…)
Years ago, as a college student, I had the fortunate experience of obtaining a job where I had to sit at a receptionist desk, in the slow season of a civic center in Dubuque, Iowa. It was a GREAT gig for college student during summer vacation. Because it was not busy, I was told that I could occupy myself until the phone rang or someone entered the center. I found a lot of time for reading and writing that summer. Given my motivationally themed foundation, I had a lot of time to dream that summer. I would type up the most far fetched dreams and goals that I wanted to pursue. Today, as I started working on my business plan, I realized…I have not typed up my goals in a LONG time. Why? I’ve been busy, being a Mom. Well, I am done with using “mommy hood” as an excuse. Because as much as I love my kids…I will be nothing but a washed up, over tired, stressed out, unhappy woman if I can’t do something that my heart and soul is trying to pursue!
So regardless what is brewing in your mind or where you are in this process of exploring your life’s goals/ dreams, set aside some brain space this week (it can even be while you are doing something else like driving to/from work, vacuuming, during lunch break, nap time or at night when kids are in bed) to make a quick list (even in your head) of what you would do if you had NO limitations on your time, energy or finances. They can be as ridiculous as you want or as realistic as you want. If you feel compelled to write them down, PLEASE do so. Let’s not let ‘Mommy hood’ get in the way of dreaming big! Moms can dream too!
(If you care to share, feel free to post your dreams in the comment section below.)
