Last updated on January 22nd, 2019 at 01:50 pm
It’s funny how your big dream will change over the years.
When I was six-years-old, my first big dream was to become a brain surgeon. I would check out a book from the library that felt like it weighed as much as me, and I would read all about the intricate workings of the brain. I retained almost none of the information, it was infinite grade levels above my reading level, but I was determined that being able to do intricate work on the brain would be my contribution to the world.
Thankfully, I did not become a brain surgeon.
As I grew through my teenage years and into adulthood, the dreams continued evolving and included everything from judge to Broadway star to teacher to youth pastor.
I wanted to be able to help people, but I didn’t really know how.
My current dream is to write encouraging content and build businesses that provide solutions to problems. But the best part of the dream is my plan to live out strategic philanthropy. Though all of it isn’t a reality right now, on my business cards and website I have written “Author | Business Builder | Philanthropist” because I believe it’s going to happen.
Right now the amount in my bank account is less than impressive, my author title applies to two devotionals and a ton of blog posts, and I’ve helped a few friends build businesses but for next to no compensation.
But that doesn’t stop me.
A common question I ask myself is: “How will I act when I’m a __________?” and I fill in the blank with the career that I long to hold in my life.
Then I follow it up with “How does that differ from how I’m acting now?”
If, when I’m a best-selling author, I imagine myself not getting beat down by rejection, I want to begin cultivating that habit now.
If, when I’m a successful entrepreneur, I imagine myself training and empowering those around me, why wouldn’t I begin doing that now?
If, when I’m a philanthropist, I imagine myself giving strategically and intentionally, I aim to do that in small ways today.
For years, I made the mistake of thinking that one day my dream would magically happen and life would be good and perfect. I would have everything I needed for the season I was in. But that’s not the case. I get to begin living today as if my big dream is a reality. I can be more generous, more empowering, more resilient, more innovative, and more gracious now because I want to be those things in my future.
I can begin living my dream in small ways today, knowing that one day my big dream will come.
I used to get impatient because my big dream wasn’t here. I would beat myself up because I hadn’t achieved everything I wanted in life. But now I’m learning to give myself some grace. I am thankful for the opportunity to grow, learn, and work so that my dream can one day become a reality.
I dream of helping others and making the world a better place; the great news is that I can do that in little ways today. Because, if I can’t do it in the little moments, how can I expect to show up in the big moments?
Sarah J. Callen
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Sarah J. Callen is an entrepreneur and published author, currently living in Dallas, Texas. Her dreams include founding businesses, giving strategically, and sharing art with the world. Her life motto is:
“Every number has a name, every name has a story, and every story is worthy of being shared.”
You can find more of her writing at multipotentialitelife.org or connect with her on social media @sarahjcallen.
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