• LAUNCH YOUR DREAM
  • BE A MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER
  • STARTING OVER MIDLIFE
  • HAPPINESS THROUGH ACTIVISM
  • TRAVEL THE WORLD
  • GET HEALTHY & FIT
  • BUILD SELF-CONFIDENCE
  • BRAVE LIVING
  • WRITE WITH US

8WomenDream

Dream Big Stories

  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • CONNECT
You Are Here Home » BRAVE LIVING » 5 Signs That Your Dream Is Becoming Real

in BRAVE LIVING

5 Signs That Your Dream Is Becoming Real

Last updated on June 19th, 2024 at 12:05 pm

The Toxic Mom Toolkit Book Research QuestionnaireEarlier this week, I created a 30-plus-page book proposal and sent it to a literary agency. Sounds simple enough, right? After all, I’ve been a journalist for decades, writing this book for months and months.

I’ve been collecting toxic mom stories from strangers via a questionnaire and turning those into short narrative chapters.

I’ve been blessed with a great chapter editor (thank you, Terry N.) and nothing but support from my spouse and family. I’ve been inspired by everyone who submits dream stories to 8womendream, and every single supportive comment left by readers on social media has moved me forward. I’ve got so much support, and I appreciate it very much. So, why did I have to suffer a complete freak-out, spazzy, dork-athon melt-down when I actually hit the send button?

It certainly didn’t help that as I composed possibly the single most important email of my life, suddenly, my screen moved left, tearing down my entire email platform in the blink of an eye—TWICE! (Would there be anything worse than to email an agent without the attachment?)

My heart started racing, but I didn’t scream. Well, I didn’t scream out loud. No doubt my recent near-death panic attack is just part of the entire follow-your-dream experience.

I’m a huge proponent of baby steps when pursuing a dream. First, I go to the stationery store to buy pretty-colored folders and pens. I have a special pale green Bakelite egg cup that holds my pencils and rubber erasers, and it must be placed just so to the left of my laptop. I have a little saucer to the right on which my iced tea glass sits.

I sort of sneak up on any big writing project. I write in steady, short bursts. Over time, the pages add up. I’m about 75 percent done with the book, so it was time to start looking for an agent.

Apparently, the agent part is the point where I totally freak out. Who knew?

But the meltdown episode also taught me something. I learned what I can put myself through when making my dreams come true, and I want to share my thoughts about that with you.

5 ways (I know) when a dream is becoming real:

1.  You declare your dream and develop a plan to achieve it.
2.  You stick to your plan despite obstacles (including your own doubtful thoughts).
3.  Suddenly, nothing makes more sense than asking for help and welcoming input.
4.  At big milestones, you stare down your own fears.
5.  At points when there is no forward movement, you keep the faith.

Writing a book proposal is much harder than writing a really, really difficult book report. It took me about a week to complete it—just choosing which chapters to include gave me nightmares. As I cross my fingers and search for an agent and publisher, I will undoubtedly need to focus like crazy to stay true to my dream of getting my book “Toxic Mom Toolkit” on bookstore shelves.

Never mind that extended focus is not my strong suit (my gym called today to remind me that I have a membership), but I vow to do my best.

The good news is I’m doing what I set out to do. I’m on track and accountable. And I’m happy despite shaking in my boots a bit.

Related Stories:

  • 5 Tips To Keep Your Dream Business From Becoming A Nightmare
    5 Tips To Keep Your Dream Business From Becoming A Nightmare
  • 3 Warning Signs Your Photography Dreams Are Frozen
    3 Warning Signs Your Photography Dreams Are Frozen
  • Time to launch your dream
    5 Warning Signs It's Time to Do What You Dream in Life
  • Heather Montgomery body before and after becoming a triathlete
    8 Reasons to be Thankful for the Dream of Becoming a…
rayne wolfe
Rayne Wolfe

Rayne Wolfe is a versatile and accomplished writer, author, writing coach, and freelancer. Her notable work includes ‘Toxic Mom Toolkit,’ a memoir that not only shares her personal journey but also features mini-stories from women around the globe who, despite facing the challenges of a toxic mother, have grown into resilient adults. As a seasoned journalist, Rayne has served as a former business columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle/Examiner Sunday and the Seattle Times, showcasing her ability to distill complex topics into engaging narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.

Note: Articles by Rayne may contain affiliate links and may be compensated if you purchase after clicking on an affiliate link.

Filed Under: BRAVE LIVING

Some of the posts on 8WD contain affiliate links or links to purchase products or programs from 8WD contributors. This means 8WD or the contributor may make a small commission if you make a purchase. The 8WD affiliate links help offset the cost of hosting this website and the contributor links help support the dreams of the contributor. Please check out the 8WD Legal Page for more details.

Thank you for your continued support!

« 8 Books to Help You Find Your Dream Partner
Cafes of Gratitude To Frank Ferrante For Sharing His Dream »

Check it out

  • LAUNCH YOUR DREAM
  • BE A MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER
  • STARTING OVER MIDLIFE
  • HAPPINESS THROUGH ACTIVISM
  • TRAVEL THE WORLD
  • GET HEALTHY & FIT
  • BUILD SELF-CONFIDENCE
  • BRAVE LIVING
  • WRITE WITH US


The 8WomenDream Dream Tote Bag

About the 8WomenDream Tote Bag
US – 10oz Cotton
Dimensions (External Dimensions)
• Height – 18″ (45.72cm or 457.2mm)
• Width – 15″ (38.1cm or 381mm)
Handle Dimensions (Internal Dimensions)
• Length – 29″ (73.7cm or 736.6mm)

Recent Dream Stories

  • 8 Solstice Traditions for Focusing on Your Big Dream this Year
  • Winter Solstice: What Will You Do With 1 Minute More?
  • Why Halloween Costumes Can Help Discover Your Big Dream
  • How the Equinox Can be a Catalyst for Change
  • 5 Strategies to Live Your Wildest Dreams
  • Starting Over as a Single Mom Wasn’t My Big Dream
  • Warning: Big Dream to Be a Motivational Speaker Won’t Always Obey Your Plans
  • Dance to Relieve Stress to Focus on Your Big Dream

Inspiration

More About 8WD

WE BELIEVE EVERYONE HAS THE POWER TO ACHIEVE BIG DREAMS.
 
IT IS OUR SINCEREST WISH THROUGH THE SHARING OF PERSONAL STORIES ABOUT WHAT IT’S LIKE TO TRY TO ACHIEVE A BIG DREAM THAT WE WILL INSPIRE YOU GO AFTER A BIG DREAM TOO.
 
YOU CAN FIND OUT MORE ABOUT 8WOMENDREAM, HERE.

8 WOMEN DREAM | COPYRIGHT All RIGHTS RESERVED © 2025 · LEGAL

Welcome to 8WomenDream Where Big Dreams Are Shared
The 8WomenDream website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're OK with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. ACCEPT REJECT READ MORE
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT