When working for a dream, Joel Osteen, an American motivational speaker, shared with Oprah that it's more important to look back at how far you've come rather than focusing on how farther you have to go with your dreams. Gratitude is also essential in dreaming something big, and it is done through recognition of the blessings that come.
I'm sharing my thoughts on several questions on working with 'Dreaming a Big Life.'
Everything is possible to acquire or achieve if I have strong willpower and then follow my actions. I have proven that whatever I want to achieve, I have to ask for it, believe it will happen, and then celebrate the achievement.
2. Are you wishing or dreaming for something to happen? How can you change your wish so that it becomes a dream?
To wish or to dream could be synonymous. Wishful thinking is creating thoughts to produce future results, while dreaming is a goal waiting to materialize at any time. More important is to conceive ideas through a wish or a dream, have the will to achieve it, and reap the rewards afterward.
3. Things don't happen overnight. What do you wholeheartedly believe you're meant to do?
Success in any endeavor is a cumulative effect of constant positive actions. What I do presently will predict who I am and what I will be destined to become. The present time is the key to the future. I may never know the lot, but I am determined to achieve my desires.
4. What is your heart's dream (not material stuff like making money or getting a fancy car)? What truly fulfills you?
Material things are not my ultimate source of joy, although it makes me feel good. Success is short-lived, but to become fulfilled leaves a lasting bliss. What I can offer to my family and others fulfills me. Fulfillment is not based on age nor a destination, but a deeper and constant emotion of something achieved no matter what status you hold and whatever adversities will come.
Whatever I do is the result of my personal choice. I have the freedom to follow what I want to become. However, I need people to guide me on where I am heading. I still follow my life mentor, spiritual teachers, and even advice from family and friends. They all have a big part and contribution to my life and the achievement of my dreams.
6. Instead of looking at the road ahead, Joel Osteen says, you sometimes need to look back and be grateful for what you already have. What are you most thankful for? What goodness has been brought into your life already?
It is essential to look at what lies ahead; that is vision. Nevertheless, looking back could lead to being stuck in the past, especially if there's an intense emotional attachment to specific events. I believe in being grateful for the blessings that have happened, whether from the past or present. Gratitude makes us open to more benefits that will come our way. In my life, I am grateful for having a supportive family and my unique skills/talents. It gives me joy and the feeling of prosperity--that life is abundant with blessings once recognized.
7. Has anyone told you that your dream isn't possible? How will you use your energy to believe and not worry if you're feeling negative or discouraged?
There were moments from the past when I have been told, 'I can't make it' or 'I'm not that good,' followed by facial grimaces and derogatory statements. However, I choose to be optimistic rather than being affected. I know my capabilities and my limitations. I'm not easily discouraged and don't give up despite hindrances. Some people fear you will make it and would rather criticize than support you.
In my blog post, "Following Our Heart's Desire, " I've shared my thoughts that we can achieve everything we want"Following Our Heart's Desire,," I've shared my thoughts that we can achieve everything we wanted if we genuinely aspire and need it. Otherwise, some will think our dreams are only possible once it is done.
8. Every time a negative thought comes into your mind, replace it with a positive one. Do this for an entire day. Then, rate your day. Did it feel life-changing?
Sometimes it works, but it is also good not to block it immediately; I have to feel and understand it. It only means that my instincts are working and would depend on the proper judgment. If I've made the right decision and judgment, that's the time I feel inner peace and contentment.
9. Is there an example of a time a door closed in your life--and a door to something even better opened? Can you see now why the first door was completed on purpose?
There were instances when I needed to get what I wanted. There were unanswered wishes and dreams or still working in progress, but I believe it happens for a reason. I realized that I was not ready to receive the blessings. Whenever I get something unexpected and opposite to what I've wished for, that's the right opportunity for me.
10. Do you expect good things in your life? What do you expect now? Or what will you start expecting?
I see the bright side of life and that good things are about to happen anytime soon or soon. I don't want to expect it because it means I am very sure of what lies ahead, but I believe in myself that something good is already happening.
© 2012 Del Cusay
