3 Reasons Why Sharing Your Dreams With Nonbelievers Will Motivate You
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do.
It’s not just some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give permission for others to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Do you remember this extraordinary speech from "Coach Carter"?
It gives me tingles, every time. It reminds me why I proudly declare my dreams, and it should reinforce yours, too.
Since I was a child, I have known I am meant to somehow leave my imprint on the world. When that dream sparked, I felt like an unstoppable blaze of fire and began talking to people about my ideas.
For the most part, the outcome has been nothing short of amazing, but I’ve lost count of the many times I felt disempowered by people around me when I shared my colossal dreams and deepest desires with them.
The hardest part of this is dealing with the rejection people cast on your dreams. It can be heartbreaking, especially if it’s coming from a person whose opinion matters to you — usually someone very close. If you can relate, I completely sympathize with you, but do not allow this to dishearten you.
Never stop sharing your dreams.
The pros outweigh the cons and you’ll never know the significant impact and ripple effect you could leave on the world from one conversation. Conversations are powerful. Conversations shift perspectives. Conversations can empower. Conversations change lives.
I’ve learned through my period of contemplation that when people shut down your dreams, it generates a great response. Here are three reasons why:
1. Intimidation
Some people are afraid of your success or the idea that you could excel in the world while they are trapped in the same place. When you share your dreams — and do so powerfully — insecure people interpret it as you becoming better than them.
People who are in positions of power may see your newfound passion as a threat to their abilities to manipulate or undermine you. Most of the time, this is just the ego speaking, so don’t take offense.
2. Narrow-mindedness
Some people live in a bubble; these people need to open their eyes and lighten up. Do you really want to live by the opinions that people who have such constrained and rigid views of the world hold to be true?
3. Love
The people who love you should support your dreams — and most will — but there will always a handful of people who will oppose you. As bizarre as it seems, this is a repercussion of love.
For instance, your family will want what they think is “best” for you (which is often the safest option) or they love you so much that they do not want you to leave and chase your dreams. They fear that your dreams coming true will come at the expense of losing you.
Disappointing those close to you or not living up to expectations is often a major setback to pursuing your dreams. Resistance may even cause you to bury those dreams in deep ravines in fear of rejection, which is a shame.
Remember this is all a matter of choice. You could take opposition as defeat or you could see it as a test to how passionate you are about what you want. When you are passionate, the world will respond to you in unfathomable ways.
Sharing, for me, is not about showing off, but rather, a divine experience that opens doors for others to engage in similar life-changing conversations. Through the transfer of ideas and dreams, you bring a positive energy and enthusiasm to those around you.
When you open their eyes to the world of dreams and lifted spirits, others feel enlivened by your presence and may even realize their own dreams and desires in the process. They will open up to you because you have been so open with them. Your listening and encouragement will inspire them to take action regarding their own dreams.
I never regret sharing my dreams because each time, I learn something new about myself and about others. Everyone has potential for greatness and everyone’s dreams are significant, no matter how big or small. It could be something as simple as being loved or being more content with who they are in their own skin.
Every time I think about the text messages and emails I receive after conversations, I can’t help but smile. When my sharing has helped another realize his or her dreams, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for staying true to my beliefs.
One time, someone I thought to be very important told me to stop talking about myself. My intentions had never been selfish, so I was taken aback for I had been nothing but open to this person’s dreams and ideas.
Then I thought of this Lady Gaga quote,“Don’t you ever let another soul in the world tell you that you can’t be exactly who you are.”
I looked this person in the face, smiled and said, “No.”
And I’m glad. If I had listened, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Keep sharing your positive energy and vibrations, and you’ll see your world begin to evolve. You’ll attract more of what you want into your life and people who have similar goals and ambitions.
Playing it small in the world is simply not enough for me, and it shouldn’t be for you, either.
Photo credit: Warner Bros.
