Imagine your deepest dreams coming true. The one you are afraid to say out loud. The ones you think can never happen.

Life hardships and self-doubt

Life hardships have a way of beating us down, often to the point where we no longer believe our dreams are within our reach. Especially as time slips away and I wonder am I too old? Is it too late for me? Will I ever be able to achieve my dreams? 

For so many years, my dreams were elusive. I learned from the culture that were supposed to have this big, important purpose and dream. I just didn’t. For too long I believed that meant I wasn’t important or what I wanted wasn’t worthy. How silly. Oh the damage and trauma we as women do to ourselves! 

Have you forgotten or suppressed your dreams because you didn’t feel like they were worthy or valuable enough to articulate? Do you believe it’s too late for you? Do you no longer believe it’s even possible? Do you even know what you want?

The connection between dreams and finances

Why am I talking about dreams when this blog is supposed to be about helping you organize your finances? I believe that to do the hard work and make the necessary changes to get your finances in order will require a big old powerful why. I don’t want you to only have a nice neat little spreadsheet and be tracking all your money when you are finished with this process. I want you to have financial peace. Peace-meaning lack of worry, regret, and anxiety. To get where you want to go will require money as do most things in this life. I want to encourage you to build a why so big that you will be motivated to do the hard work and align your money with your goals. 

Yes, I am a dreamer and a vision caster. But as John Lennon said, “I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us.”

I am suggesting a journey of rediscovery and self-exploration. I want you to know that the value and possibility of your dreams can be transformative. 

Question the Standard American Dream

I was taught that the Standard American Dream was my dream. Good provider husband, good college, good job, nice house, fancy car, keeping up with the Jones’, one big happy family, the whole nine. No one asked me if this was what I wanted. I never questioned this vision for my life I was indoctrinated with. The only time I questioned it was when I would cry and be distressed because my life wasn’t Instagram-worthy. Did that mean I was not worthy? 

Give yourself permission

What I realized through a lot of journaling and introspection, is what I really wanted in life has not changed since I was about 20 years old. No, it is not too late for me to have my dreams. The exact nature may have changed because time has closed some doors that can not be reopened. However, I can still have the essence of what I wanted all these years. I was waiting for someone, anyone, “them” to give me permission to go after what I wanted. “They” never did. Guess what? I give myself permission. I give you permission. Figure out your dreams while there is still time and go for it!

What is my dream? When I was in my early 20’s, I read “Your Money or Your Life” by Vicki Robin. This was my first exposure to her ideas of radical frugality and extreme early retirement. This sparked my interest that a different life was possible. That vision has never left me. I can still have the essence of it. For example, while I have passed the age for extreme early retirement, I still have a goal of early retirement. This gaol is my motivating reason “why” I have done this hard work of organizing my money and am committed to continuing the work. 

Your Turn

Are you ready to discover or rediscover your goals and dreams? After going through these prompts, you should have a clearer idea of what your why is. 

I suggest you start a journal that you will use throughout this process. Having fallen in love with journaling myself, of course, I recommend you get a nice one. However, don’t let getting the perfect journal stop or delay you though. Grab a notebook and start writing! 

Journaling Prompts

• Dreams and Desires:
  • What activities or pursuits make you lose track of time?
  • If money and fear were not a factor, what would you be doing with your life?
  • What have you always wanted to try but haven’t had the chance to do yet?
  • What are some recurring dreams or fantasies you have about your future?
• Goals:
  • What are some specific goals you would like to achieve in the next year? Five years? Ten years?
  • What steps can you take to move closer to these goals?
  • How will achieving these goals improve your life or the lives of others?
• Values and Priorities:
  • What principles or beliefs are most important to you?
  • What activities or experiences bring you the most fulfillment and joy?
  • How do you want to spend your time and energy on a daily basis?
  • What relationships or connections do you value the most?
• Passions and Interests:
  • What subjects or topics are you most passionate about?
  • What hobbies or activities do you enjoy in your free time?
  • Are there any causes or issues you feel strongly about and want to contribute to?
• Your Past:
  • What have been some of the most meaningful moments or experiences in your life so far?
  • What challenges have you overcome, and what did you learn from them?
  • What are you most proud of accomplishing in your life?
• Identify Barriers:
  • What barriers or obstacles prevented you from pursuing your dreams in the past? This could include self-doubt, fear of failure, or external pressures.
  • How has money or lack of money kept you from affording your dream?
  • What are you willing to give up or change to afford your dream?
• Overview:
  • Review your answers and determine what you want the course you want to pursue. It can be anything you want. It can be big or small. Its significance may be personal and unique to you alone.

It’s okay if your dreams have evolved or shifted over time. It’s not too late to pursue your goals. You may need to adapt and make some adjustments considering your current circumstances. Just focus on capturing the essence of your goals and go for it!”