When Someone Tries to Crush Your Dreams

Has anyone ever hinted that what you want to accomplish is stupid? Or impossible? Perhaps they’ve given you a “look” or said just enough to let you know they question your sanity. It can feel like they don’t want it to happen or they think it can’t happen.

How do we handle situations that feel like someone is out to crush our dreams? Not only ours, but those instilled in us by God?

Maybe we start by understanding why someone might swing an invisible—but still dangerous—sledge hammer at us.

Some people look at the future through negative circumstances: therefore, they begin to believe that dreams aren’t possible. So, they may encourage us to look at what they think we can handle financially, physically, or emotionally.

Laziness and not wanting to be inconvenienced can influence people to be less than supportive. Concern that they’ll be asked to sacrifice their own time or money may hinder them from becoming cheerleaders for others.

Fearing change and how they’ll be affected if we reach our goals might cause some people to become dream crushers.

Jealousy can play a big part in someone trying to stop another person from growing and experiencing success.

I believe some people may not support our dreams out of protectiveness. They don’t want to encourage false hope and then see us disappointed or hurt. 

So what can we do?

Instead of embracing doubt and listening to it won’t work or you’ll never … we need to focus on what if?

Remember that “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26 NIV). When we box ourselves in and always play it safe, we don’t allow God to move in the way he wants to and can. We limit God the Almighty. If he gave us the yearning—the dream—the heart’s desire in the first place, we’re not alone in our pursuits.

God is on our team. We can’t lose!

Have you ever had someone try to crush your dream? How did you handle it? What suggestions would you give to someone who’s experiencing a dream crusher in her life?

Dawn

Meme – Inspirational Quote on Not Failing

I hope you enjoy this week’s meme. You’re welcome to share it with friends and on your social media sites: Facebook, Pinterest, Google+, Instagram, and Pinterest.

To save it to your computer, right click your mouse (if you’re using one) and “save as.”

Yearning for Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Every once in a while a musical piece is written that creates a stirring and an emotion that rises from the depths of our hearts. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” has been that kind of song.

The first time I heard the tune, I was dressed in my pajamas and sitting in front of a very small black and white TV watching The Wizard of Oz starring Judy Garland. The movie was first shown in theaters 1939, but it was first telecast on television on Saturday, November 3, 1956—a month before I was born. That’s right! The movie and song have been around for a loooong time!

“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” captured my imagination then, and it still does. For years, I sang the soothing melody to my daughters after they crawled into bed at night. Now, whenever I care for my grandson, he snuggles in and listens to those magical words as he settles down for his nap.

Why has one song made such an impact in our lives? Why has it been sung publicly and recorded countless times?

“Somewhere over the rainbow skies are blue,

And the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true.”

How many of us have dreams? How many of us are struggling to make them happen?

“Somewhere over the rainbow bluebirds fly.

Birds fly over the rainbow. Why then, oh, why can’t I?”

Those two lines could be viewed or heard as a lament. They could also be embraced as encouragement.

Why not you? Why not me?

We can follow our dreams, even if the journey sometimes feels like we have to travel as far as the other side of the rainbow. The destination is worth it!

Go on … start heading down the yellow brick road.

What’s stopping you?

Dawn

Music is a big part of my life. It moves me emotionally, physically, and spiritually. So, I want to share Josh Groban’s latest rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” It’s one of the most beautiful I’ve heard. Enjoy! 

Meme – Inspirational Quote on Destination

I hope you enjoy this week’s meme. You’re welcome to share it with friends and on your social media sites: Facebook, Pinterest, Google+, Instagram, and Pinterest.

To save it to your computer, right click your mouse (if you’re using one) and “save as.”

How the Absence of Purpose Can Hurt Relationships

Wow! The title sounds pretty serious, doesn’t it?

I believe—and it’s been my observation— that without feeling a sense of purpose in one’s life, a relationship can suffer.

Friendships may become strained without even understanding the cause. If one person is bored or feeling empty inside, he/she may end up fighting resentment or envy toward a friend who seems to be living a joyful and fulfilling life.

I think spouses need to be especially in tune to each other. Feeling like your only purpose is to cook, clean, and drive the car pool—or to bring home the paycheck that provides opportunities for the rest of the family—can lead to feeling unappreciated and depression.

I’m not saying those things aren’t good and necessary! I’m also not saying there isn’t cause to take pride and a sense of great accomplishment in them. I was privileged to be a stay-at-home mom for some years, and I wouldn’t give up that precious time with my daughters for anything.

But what happens when a spouse is experiencing success in a career, consumed by hobbies or volunteer responsibilities, or just busy with the family? The other person in the marriage may start to feel less and less—overshadowed.

Without purpose—without a sense of personal fulfillment—it becomes harder to resist temptation. We’ve all seen it many times. In order to eliminate the emptiness inside, people crave something to fill it. Some may expect more attention from a spouse or friend than one could possibly give. Others may look to food, drugs, or alcohol; others have affairs. Any of those can be destructive in relationships with friends, family members, or spouses. It can happen to anyone, even Christians with strong faith.

However, when someone feels a sense of purpose, it’s easier to handle difficult situations. It can also feel rewarding to cheer others on when our own self-esteem is in a good place.

What can we do to help protect our relationships?

First, it’s important that we’re aware of times when we feel a lack of purpose and how it may be affecting us and those around us, as well as times when loved ones are feeling a little lost in that area.

Second, pray for direction. Take time to explore some interests and don’t be afraid to try something different. Look for opportunities that will make other people’s lives better. Give it some time. The rewards will come, but probably not overnight.

Third, support our friends and loved ones if they’re seeking something new in their lives, and don’t downplay the frustrations they may express along the way. Pray for them—encourage them.

Please share any other suggestions. How have you dealt with situations where a lack of purpose and/or low self-esteem has threatened to harm a relationship?

Dawn