Red Hot Mamas In Charge of Change.
By: Red Hot Mamas
Published: April 15, 2020
Written by Sarah Kaminski-Guest Contributor
In fact – I’m not even sure when or why it has become customary to believe dreams should only be followed up to a certain age.
Youth is certainly a time when we can do so with more vigor, with less trepidation and more of that unbridled optimism we still retain in our twenties – but in no way does that mean that dreams are only for the young.
In fact, women all over the world and across so many different fields have started chasing their dreams in their 40s, 50s and 60s. Why would you be any different?
Let’s explore why you should be following your dreams no matter what stage of life you find yourself in, and how to do just that.
You’re not the same person you once were
Some dreams belong in the later stages of our lives. Some are meant to be chased after the kids have flown the nest, or after you have retired.
True, you will no longer want the same things you wanted to do when you were young, but who said you have to pick your dreams at 18 and never change them?
There may be something you have always wanted to do but never got around to. Traveled to a certain country, learned a new skill, and so on. If it seemed too time-consuming or intimidating a couple of years (or decades) ago, now that you have added experience under your belt, you know that fear should never hold you down. And you can start chasing your dreams again.
You don’t want to end up regretting anything
The simple fact is that people will tend to regret things they have not done, as opposed to things they have done. You can find countless stories about people well into their senior years taking on something they didn’t have the courage or nerve for when they were much younger.
The worst thing you can do to yourself is to prevent yourself from doing something you really want to do. Don’t get me wrong – it will be very hard, and you will most likely want to quit. But think of Cheryl Strayed and how she could have stopped walking the Pacific Crest Trail at any point. But she didn’t.
Chasing your dreams is a difficult thing to do, and it requires a lot of courage and a lot of work. But don’t prevent yourself from at least trying.
Progress is a state of mind
Chasing a dream can never be a bad thing. It can never be a step back. No matter what it is you’re trying to do, you will be making some sort of progress in the process: learning, adapting, changing – growing. And growth is always a step forward, always a great way to become an even better version of yourself than you already are.
Stepping out of your comfort zone will teach you a lot about yourself and who you can become. Take the examples of Agatha Christie or Michelle Obama – women who continued to strive to get to know themselves and become who they want to become throughout their lifetime.
How to start following a dream
To make your pursuit a bit easier, here are some of the steps you can take:
1. Determine what your dream is. Depending on what it is you are looking to achieve, you may be basing your decision on your head or your heart. Make sure you involve both in the process, and once you’re sure you want what you want, set your heart on it.
2. Visualize the outcome. This will help you feel at one with your goal.
3. Make a plan to get there. Plans are great because they allow you to set smaller tasks for yourself, and prevent you from feeling overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of your dream.
4. Take the first step. Whatever that step is, just do it, take it, make it happen.
5. Ask for support if you need it. Whether you just need to talk to someone or need actual help and guidance with achieving something, don’t be afraid to ask. You will most likely inspire others to do the same.
6. Celebrate your progress. Don’t forget that the journey is just as important as the destination. In other words, don’t wait to make your dream come true to celebrate the fact that you are working towards it.
Final thoughts
Chasing dreams is a mighty thing. It opens up your mind, your heart, and your soul. It turns you into a more positive person – one who is ready to take on the challenges to create the life they want for themselves. Don’t let the fear you’re naturally feeling hold you down. Overcoming that fear is one of the most precious parts of the journey.
Author Bio: Sarah is a life enjoyer, positivity seeker, and a curiosity enthusiast. She is passionate about an eco-friendly lifestyle and adores her cats. She is an avid reader who loves to travel when time allows.
