Creating Space for Your Dreams

I haven’t done a ton of writing this summer, but this week I attended a writing group with my friend, writing coach and author Marisa Goudy. I had spent more than a year writing with Marisa and other amazing women in her Sovereign Writers’ Circle, where she provided the space, the writing prompts and the time to reflect together.

When I left the group, I was sure I’d continue to make the time to write for pleasure, because it had become a part of my routine. Alas, life got in the way. That hour and a half I’d blocked on my schedule became filled with to-dos, distractions, my work, and life.

When I saw that she was offering a free gathering for new and old participants, I got excited. But I put off making the commitment to join until a few minutes before the session began. As much as I loved taking time to write for pleasure—for myself—a part of me wondered if I should be spending my time more “productively.”

For the recent gathering, Marisa’s three prompts raised the topic of dreams and dreaming. The first prompt was to create a story around an empty table with a linen tablecloth, set and ready for guests (Marisa’s dream), the second focused on our dreams, and the third asked what we had dreamed of for our summer and whether our dream had come to life now that we were past the midpoint.

Overall, what I wrote wasn’t anything spectacular. What did come through for me was how important it is to take the time and space for insight, for future creativity, and for reflection so that we flourish and grow.

Recognize the Need to Dream

How often do you take the time to follow a dream—either a daydream or your remembered dream when you wake up?

How often do you let yourself be creative, have truly free time, or read a book because you want to? 

Recognizing how hard it was for me to commit to taking the time to write allowed me to see the inner struggle I experience when deciding to take time—especially if it costs money—to do something solely for my own benefit. I think that a part of me that feels guilty or ashamed of wanting to spend money and time on myself, just for me—as if I’m not a worthy cause. I know that I’m not alone in this struggle. Deep Sigh…

Where Dreams Can Take You

Back to the writing prompts: For Marisa’s empty table I was reminded how wonderful it is to gather with my children or friends around a table with good food and drink. Time spent with family in friends around a table fills me up like nothing else.

In my favorite dream, I can swim and breathe under water. It’s recurred a few times over the years, but I haven’t had it in a long, long time. The memory of it stays with me and always leaves me feeling safe and peaceful.

The prompts also reaffirmed my dream of having more free time in my schedule this summer. Not just time spent on non-client work, but time where I wasn’t working, or thinking about working on my business. Allowing myself time for me to enjoy life, without feeling guilty or ashamed.

Let’s Explore Your Dreams Together!

I’d love to know what dreams you’d like to bring to life. What doors would you like to re-open? What shades would you draw back to let the light come in? What clutter or “shoulds” need clearing so there’s space for you to dream?

I’d love to help you open up to more experiences and invitations that bring you back to you. You at your core. Your most authentic self. To walk with you on the path back to you, the place that feels safe, light and filled with joy.

Let’s book your 90-minute Awaken Your Wise Woman session here.  Let’s honor you by listening and following your dreams back home to you.

Photo by @JaydenYoonZK—Unsplash