Five Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Give Up on Your Dreams (No Matter What Age You Are)
#PURPOSE-Issue #19
Welcome to the 19th issue of The Aim and Soar Life, a weekly Christian personal growth and lifestyle newsletter that provides actionable, relatable, biblically rooted content to help you live abundantly and GROW YOU. GOD’S WAY.
Hey Fam!
I pray you are enjoying your summer! I have been relaxing in between business planning (LOL)
Do You Still Dream?
Life slows down a little in the summer. Kids are out of school. You might plan vacations and visit family and friends more. But what do you do with your downtime?
Do you allow yourself to reassess your life and think about things you want to do or are you so consumed with the grind that you can’t fully enjoy your family time or alone time? Do you still dream?
I’m not talking about the state of rest some of us get at night (honey, these days my sleep patterns are all over the place!) I’m talking about the childlike hope for new opportunities. Bucket lists. The secret things you’ve thought about but may not have acted on due to being stuck in the routines of life.
What is it that you have a strong desire to do, but have never done?
What has kept you from chasing your dreams? Have you given up on your dream and relegated yourself to how your life is vs. how you’d love your life to be?
Chasing Dreams Isn’t Just for Kids
I was talking with a senior citizen this past week, who is in the process of reassessing his life, due to being a widower. He admitted that he felt unfulfilled and unsure of what he wanted to do with his time (He’s been alone for a few years). He’s in his early 70s and wanted to figure out a plan for the next few years of his life. I could tell this was a serious concern for him.
I’ve got helperism (Yup. I made that word up because it sounds good), so I automatically go into “coach mode” when people tell me they have a problem.
The first question I asked was, “What is it you’ve always wanted to do?”
Then I asked, “What are some things you want to learn or explore?”
He said he needed to give it some thought, so he couldn’t come up with anything during our conversation.
I wondered if somewhere along the way he had stopped dreaming. I let him know that dreams aren’t just for the young, they are for anyone who dares to do so. I threw out suggestions like starting a business, traveling, and trying a new hobby.
We all need to have purpose in our lives. Yes, we are here to serve God and share the Gospel message. God also wants us to live and enjoy life! He’s given you the resources to explore some of the things in your heart.
18 This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot. 19 Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them,to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God.20 They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart. Ecclesiastes 5:18-20
Giving up on your dreams is not an option.
Check out the reasons why:
1. Following Your Dreams is a Powerful Motivator
Having dreams and following them motivates you to wake up in the morning. Without motivation, you can easily get stuck in a rut and forget there is more to life than the hustle and grind. And even if you are on the hustle and grind track, working hard so you can achieve a dream, gives your work purpose outside of just earning money.
2. Following Your Dreams Keeps You Vibrant
The excitement of learning something new or mastering a new skill feels great. How wonderful is sharing your new “thing” with family and friends? Whether it’s a new pottery class or trying your hand at learning the piano, that “newness” keeps us young at heart and vibrant. What would happen if you took that vacation you’ve been talking about for years? Can you imagine the joy and satisfaction of finally doing something you’ve always wanted?
3. Following Your Dreams is Contagious
When your friends and relatives see you out here living your best life because you’ve decided to follow your dreams, they just may be inspired to pursue some dreams of their own. There is also a good chance that the story of you following your dreams will impact someone you don’t know. I have personally been inspired by Ms. Ernestine Shepherd, the world’s oldest bodybuilder. She reminds me that it’s never too late to get fit.
4. Following Your Dreams Keeps Your Mind Sharp
Indulging in a dream or hobby can help to keep your brain sharp. Research shows that being mentally, physically, and socially active can reduce your risk of dementia. This is a great reason to follow your dreams.
5. Following Your Dreams Increases Fulfillment
Doing something you love and that pleases you, helps you to feel more satisfied with your life. Your dream can be something as simple as cultivating a beautiful garden. The sense of fulfillment that comes with enjoying a task is an antidote to all the chaos of life. Enjoyment produces a happier mood. A recent study showed a correlation between mood and mortality rate.
There are many reasons why you shouldn’t give up on your dreams, but the most important one of all is that there are some dreams God places in your heart. God is into abundant living. Experience His rest and joy.
Meet on the web:
email: sherrhonda@sherrhondadenice.com
Until Next Time,
GROW YOU. GOD’S WAY.
Sherrhonda😍