I feel like I’ve been talking a lot about dreams lately, but to be honest, that’s just kinda where I am. I’m in the middle of forcing myself to dream BIG.
And it scares me to death.
Dreaming big is scary and painful and thrilling all at the same time. I don’t recommend it for the faint of heart, and that’s exactly who I am. The faint hearted. I have this overly rational mind that takes pessimism to a whole new level. When it comes to big dreams, the glass is always half empty. With a huge crack in it. And it’s filled with bacteria infested irrigation water.
See? Serious pessimism issues.
So Jeff has been challenging me to dream big lately. I mean bigger than big. I mean, if all of my dreams could come true, what would life look like? How would I live my days? What would I do with our business? What would I have for lunch next week? So with this Big Dream Challenge in full effect, I’ve had to set aside my knee jerk skeptic tendencies and allow my head to go down that road. The one I don’t want to ever entertain because I don’t want to be disappointed. Or be a disappointment.
See? Again. I’ve got some serious confidence issues to work out here, and you, dear bloggy blog, get to witness them.
To feel a little inspired, and to keep my chin picked up, I’ve been listening to a lot of Jem lately. This one in particular, helps. Does anyone else have any pessimism-related coping skills I can borrow?
Hugs,
Erin
12 comments
Ginger*Murray - I think that simply recognizing is the first step, and as soon as you realize you just said or thought something with a debbie downer attitude, recognize it, and maybe declare a better way to say it– with positive energy and enthusiasm.
mom - “And it’s filled with bacteria infested irrigation water.”
Spoken like a true country girl raised on dirt and taters. Go get ‘em!
Jenn Gaudreau - Erin, thank you for this. It takes a lot of courage to share your heart. Your honesty is a gift. You are not alone- so much of what you said resonates with me as well as challenges me. It reminds me of my recent thoughts on dreaming. A line from Mumford and Sons “The Cave,” has been a huge source of strength lately- “I know my call despite my faults and despite my growing fears.” I know there are BIG things in store for you and Jeff, and I am excited about what the future holds for you both.
HUGS!
Jen Disney - Erin, thank you for your honesty and for being so vulnerable. I needed that challenge myself. My dreams are WAY too small. I’m inspired by your courage and am so proud of you and Jeff. You guys have accomplished so much and I can’t wait to see what God has in store for you!
Karen Stott - Erin you are so so brave. I completely hear you and agree wholeheartedly. I was once told to think God sized, not me sized, and it has been such a huge challenge to walk it out. Think bigger. Yikes. You can so have those huge dreams. I believe it. Keep stepping forward. It wil happen.
Tina - When I dream BIG and I mean BIG… I dream of living YOUR life! Having YOUR success. Just giving you a little perspective. So many people look up to you Erin… just the way you are… glass half empty or not. I’m a glass half empty myself so I understand exactly how you feel… the fear, the feeling of letting yourself down. Just know that people on the outside see you as a huge SUCCESS already! The rest of the dreams you dare to dream is just the icing on your already fabulous cake!
Carrie - From one Idaho Christian girl to another (I just found that out from your site). I just want to encourage you….Jesus says in Mt.12:34 “Out of the abundance of your heart, the mouth speaks”. Pessimism is a heart issue…BUT, you know the ONE who changes hearts! And it’s always a loving process when you ask Him. Remember that death and life are in the power of the tongue. (Pr.18:21). May I encourage you though, that you being an open book, you are also a beautiful witness….just being real! I love it! You and Jeff are the most amazingly gifted photogs, I am soooo inspired by you. Jesus has bigger dreams still for you, Yep! Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor has it entered into the heart of (wo)man the things that He has prepared for you. And He is your biggest fan! Speak life, not death…You go girl!
annie - Pessimism is habit that can be broken. It takes a lot of work, but you can do it. Somewhere it happened, but you (and I) made the agreement with yourself that it’s safer to be pessimistic. That instead of taking the risk, feeling the fear, you will find a reason to not try. This can become so ingrained in one’s belief system. So, to cope, make a new agreement with yourself. xoxo
Hoiyin Ip - Your glass is amazingly half empty.
You have inspired me so times that I actually often think of you…
amy.lashelle - I happen to be listening to chris tomlin when I read this… “not because of who I am, but because of who you are.”
and I always told my clients, do one thing every day that scares you. but I’m still scratching around for skills myself
Wendy - I don’t have any skills to offer, but this song always inspires me. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeGOddmMm3E When you remember who you’re working for, it’s easier to focus on those big dreams and not on our own insecurities. Blessings to you
Kat - I have the same problem a lot of the time. I just keep telling myself that failing gloriously is better than never trying. If we’ve got one shot, we’d better make the most of it. And it’s all a grand adventure!