October 28, 2013

IN NEED OF A DREAM.

clouddream
These past few days I've felt consumed and constricted by routine. As someone who craves routine, it's not a bad thing. But ever since I've fallen into the groove of things at work, I feel like I've lost a bit of myself. I feel like I've lost my dreams and ambitions.

I've been waking up, working, coming home and playing catch-up on blogs and Pinterest. I would be lying if I said working full-time is hard. I try to squeeze in a little down-time reading, writing, and watching TV, but that's about it. If I try to push myself to stay up any later, I either feel it the next day or I end up falling asleep trying to do to keep my eyes open.

I'm not saying I hate my job, because I love it. Instead, I'll say that I'm working on balance. Balancing work life with my life and trying to mesh the two together. I want to have dreams--both for work and for my personal life. Short-term goals and long-term goals. I want to create new dreams, write new to-do lists, and find that inner daydreamer in me again.

Dreams are a good thing. They let us express our creativity, create goals, and think new thoughts.

I want to dream again and I want to start now.

So I need your help brainstorming dreams. What are your dreams or goals right now? They could be dreams for today, dreams for tomorrow, or dreams for ten years for now. Let's cross off some dreams on our bucket lists, okay?

And to give you an idea of what I've been thinking, here are a few of mine:
  • Finally (and completely) organize the classroom.
  • Make homemade caramel corn.
  • Buy a chambray shirt.
  • Go on a blogging date.
  • Shoot a couple's or family photo session.
  • Paint my room.
  • Bake pumpkin bread.
  • Learn ASL.
  • Buy new glasses.

35 comments

  1. I am currently looking for a new job so that's my main goal I have been applying for different things - I was sadly rejected for two of them but I still have one open within my current office but a different department so fingers crossed for that.
    I also want to be able to run a 35 minute 5k I know that's slow to most people but I have been stuck at around 38 minutes for ages and not able to shift to a higher gear I think it's partly mental so I want to push through that barrier and my last dream is to get my blog self hosted and properly designed!
    Some fab dreams for you chick I am sure you will get all those ticked off very soon - I have to arrange some blog dates soon I have a few blog friends who live locally and we see each other at parkrun but never get time to sit down for coffee!
    x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry to hear about your job search so far. Job hunting is definitely hard and I know how discouraging it can be when you don't get them. I'll be praying that everything from here on out goes well with your applications and such! :)

      And that's not slow at all, girl! We all run at different paces and any running is good running in my book. Having the motivation and drive to run faster/farther is definitely a huge thing--I just noticed that this morning when I went running!

      Lastly, I also hope you get to go on a blog date! I've never been on one and am anxiously awaiting the day when I can finally make that dream come true. :)

      Delete
  2. Love your blog! I just found you this week from Today is My Favorite! Something I've been learning lately is contentment vs. striving to better yourself. I'm finishing up Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow (its kinda old but always good stuff to read!). So my deal right now is learning how to better myself without getting sucked into the "If Only" thoughts... I really love how you spoke about balance instead of just being bummed about a frustrating time you're having, that's really wise. Props! I would love to finish things on our "Do Now" To Do list from back in August when we bought our house. Ha! And a big one I'd like to do is figure out how I want to share my love of photography with more people. Happy Monday back at work!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Meg! I'm so glad we've now "met" via blogging! I love to hear from readers--new and old alike and can't wait to check out your blog.

      I love what you said about bettering yourself vs. contentment. I think you're absolutely right, bettering ourselves does not and should not include those "what if's" or "if only's." To be honest, I fall into that trap all the time. :)

      And I'd love to hear more about your dream of sharing your love of photography with others! As a fellow photography-lover, sharing my passion for photography is huge and would love to hear what you're thinking--if you're willing to share. :)

      Delete
  3. I think new jobs have a really sneaky way of building you up and then bringing you down by convincing you your life is forever owned by employment. I always feel that way when I start a new job.

    Once you're a couple of months in, I bet you'll find you're getting accustomed to the flow of things and you'll start to see pockets of time open up. It probably doesn't help that the holidays are just around the corner and "busy" is waiting to snare us all in her grasp.

    What color are you thinking to paint your room? I hope you try that stencil project you posted the other week. :)

    Lately, I've been dreaming of a two week vacation to the UK. Matt and I have been trying desperately to save up. We want to rent a cottage in the countryside and just live in a tiny village for a week in England and a week in Scotland.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh my goodness, Christina you wrote exactly how I feel. My new job definitely built me up but it was just this past week when I was feeling the effect of having the same routine over and over again. Like I said, I love it my job, I'm just trying to figure out how I can do both my job and work on myself personally. :) And I love what you said about getting pockets of time opening up. I'm really hoping that that's the case!

      As for my room, I'd love to paint it a light grey color. My room is on the small side so I don't want to paint it too dark of a color that it would make it look smaller or cave-like. And if I had more time and less textured walls, I would definitely think about stenciling! I've always loved the idea of stenciling walls. :)

      A vacation in the UK sounds good to me--especially with a cute countryside cottage. I've never left the country and haven't put much thought into going to Europe, but anything cottage-related I'm all for!

      Delete
    2. I'm hoping it's the case for you too! And perhaps this charming little Scottish rental will convince you to travel outside the country? :) http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p448917

      Also, I didn't get a little email update that you replied to my comment. Am I doing something wrong? Is google+ being a jerk face again?

      Delete
    3. Oh my goodness, that house is so adorable! I love the little loft area and the yard/exterior is exactly the kind of place I'd love to stay at. Girl, you've got me convinced. :)

      And I think Google+ is being a jerk face again. I noticed that I couldn't email reply to your comment--did you get it fixed?

      Delete
  4. This was so great! I love Christina's thoughts too! New jobs can feel like they take all your time. But you're so proactive with your dreams, which is awesome! Oh goodness, sometimes I feel like my dream / to do list just keeps getting longer...

    I have it in the back of my mind to learn Dreamweaver and to learn how to paint in Photoshop and Illustrator. Those are probably really big ones right now. Learning too cook different things is also a constant. And then pushing myself as a photographer is big too. I also have a goal to learn how to life draw and paint.... I slightly feel overwhelmed now that I listed all of that... Don't use me as an example when making a to do list... :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree with you--Christina is such a wise gal (as are you!). :) As much as I love my job, I do feel like it's almost taken over my life. And I've been feeling consumed by it, I guess--especially since it's full-time. And even though I've written my dreams down, I definitely know what it feels to have an ever-growing to-do list. That is so me right now!

      What's Dreamweaver? I've always wanted to try Photoshop and Illustrator and learning to paint on those programs sounds great to me. You'll have to tell me/blog about it if/when that happens!

      Lastly, I so know what you mean about being overwhelmed by lists. That happens to me all the time as well. :)

      Delete
  5. A know what you mean.. o many of u feel the same way.. stuck in the vicious cycle.. which while we don't hate and often crave.. we still wish there was more

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad you agree, girl! It's definitely a balancing act--but knowing that you know how it feels is definitely a comfort. :) I really and truly (and really and truly) love my job so now that I've gotten used to the schedule and routine of it all, I feel like I finally have time/energy to work on other personal goals of mine, too. Now I just have to get some things done!

      Delete
  6. I've felt the same thing lately. I love routine, but sometimes I feel stuck in it. Like my life is just an endless cycle of work, eating, sleeping- repeat.

    I really want to invest more in photography. I need to get a website going, but I still feel very intimidated by making it something official. I just need to get over it though:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, yes, yes, and yes (and I'm glad you know how I feel!). Routine is definitely great but I've been feeling a little stuck lately. So here's to the both of us getting some dreams going! :)

      Speaking of which, I love your dreams of photography! Honestly, I think your photography has seriously evolved as of late and I've loved seeing each and every photo of yours. I looked through your blog earlier today and was amazed at all of the amazing shots you captured and how Pinterest/professional each one was. :) I would/will so support this dream of yours--even if we live miles away! I say go for it, girl. I mean, you've already got the photography part down!

      Delete
  7. I would SO go on a blogging date with you. Wish we lived closer!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Same!!! If only we lived closer. :) And I sooo need to catch up on your blog, girl! I've seen your tweets/instagram photos about your 31 days series but am so behind on reading the posts!

      Delete
  8. Blogging date??? You know, there is an awesome blogger who lives up in Portland. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Really? And who would that awesome blogger be, I wonder? :) We have got to make it happen someday!

      Delete
  9. Yes. Blogging date, with you!! Needs to happen :) I so wish we lived closer! AHH! Maybe we could meet via skype or something.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I feel the same, girl! It's so sad that we can connect so easily online and yet hundreds of miles still separate us. :) My computer doesn't like Skype all that much but that still sounds good to me!

      Delete
    2. So true! One day we will meet in person :)
      Yeah sometimes skype doesn't work too good on mine either. But we can try. :)

      Delete
  10. Ah! Did my comment not get posted?? I don't know what happened!! And I'm too tired to write it all again. Which was basically what my first comment was. I just started working again and I didn't realize how exhausting it can be. I come home, catch up on blogs, maybe watch a tv show, and then go straight to bed. There are so many things I want to do: read/finish some books, continue my study in Hebrews, write some letters, decorate for Halloween (better late than never)...but, really I just want to lay in my bed and sleep. haha

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me neither! But Blogger's been doing some odd things lately for me, so no worries. :)

      I smiled while reading your post because I feel the same exact way! Right before working, I felt like I had all this extra energy that wasn't being used well--now, let's just say I wish I could have banked some of that energy! I have lots of things on my to-do list, too (two of which are writing letters and reading books) but never enough energy to do them.

      So here's to more sleep and more energy, girl! How's the new job? You're working at a coffee shop, right?

      Delete
  11. um please can we go on a blogging date?!?!?!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Um, YES please! We so need to meet in real life--visiting Colorado is definitely on my bucket list, now! :)

      Delete
  12. also, working full time. i hear you girl. wake up, go to work, work, leave work, stop at the store (or attempt to run errands), throw something together for dinner, go off to some weeknight event, computer time, bed. rinse and repeat. but i so agree with you! look for the little joys in all those moments and enjoy the adventure. and remember how bored you were before you got a job ;)

    xoxoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad you understand what it's like working full-time. You pretty much described my exact schedule except I don't have to make dinner since I live at home and am spoiled. :) But seriously, I now understand when people say there aren't enough hours in the day (or energy, for the matter).

      But like you said, we have to find the joys and count our blessings. And you are so right--I was definitely bored before I got this job! :)

      p.s. I think you might be no-reply commenter now! I've noticed it happens when people switch their Blogger profiles to their Google+ profiles--just thought I'd let you know. :) I think Susannah from Simple Moments Stick wrote a post on how to fix that if you want!

      Delete
  13. just like everyone else has said - I want a blogging date too! haha
    girl I work full time as well...so I feel your pain. I am a receptionist so it allows me to catch up on some blog reading when I have downtime. (like now ha).
    also...ASL sign language for the win! I know a few things and have a book, but I want to become fluent in it. it's come in handy a few times for me. ;)
    and dreams...mine are dead right now. lol that's just being honest.
    i'm not sure what dreams I have - that could actually come into fruition.
    if money wasn't an issue (ha!) - I would open up a coffee house+ (the + is because it would be more than a coffee house). butttt I doubt that will ever happen.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Girl, you're definitely on my top ten list of bloggers I HAVE to meet someday. So yes, a blogging date sounds splendid to me! Someday you'll just have to come visit the PNW so I can take you to the coast.

      And I wish I had more down time! My lunch breaks have been for checking emails and such but since it's a down time between one class ending and one class starting, there's a lot of prep/clean-up that has to be done and that I often get caught up in. But I digress (and will stop venting). :)

      And I had no idea you knew some ASL! I have a children's book and have always dreamed of taking a class, but there aren't any nearby where I live. I think motivation-wise, taking a class would not only be good but more fun, too.

      I get what you mean about dreams. It really stinks that money often plays into dreams these days. If only money and finances weren't issues when it comes to letting dreams come true. I love the idea of a coffee house, though! Even though I don't drink coffee, I love the atmosphere of coffee shops, all of the conversation, the warmth, and the yummy baked goods, too. Can you tell I'm a carboholic? :)

      Maybe you should just move out here so we can open a coffee shop together and have all the blogging dates that we'd like.

      Delete
  14. hey dear!

    i LOVE this post and your thoughts on dreaming!! not sure how i found your blog, but i'm glad i did! maybe via twitter now that i think about it.

    this season of life has been so much about dreaming! and it's been fun to see some of them happening and more in the works. a big dream i've had for a while is to open a handmade business. The Parcel Post Company JUST launched last friday! it feels so surreal and exciting and vulnerable all at the same time!!

    another few of my big dreams right now: continue to grow my online community, look into adoption, get some house projects completed, pay off some debt, AND get a plan for better time management in my life.

    big hugs to you as you pursue your dreams today, my friend!

    xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Nicole!

      I am so excited that you stopped by my blog! When I first read your comment in my email inbox, I was so shocked to see that you read/commented on it. This sounds super duper cheesy, but I have so loved and admired your blog and while I don't comment too often (my bad!), I've never not enjoyed reading your honest thoughts and love for community and Jesus Christ. Can you tell I'm a bit of a fan of your blog? :)

      Anyway, I looove your dreams of the Parcel Post! I read about it on your blog and on Elizabeth's blog (Oak and Oats) and loved the story and passion behind it. It is such a cool project and I'm excited to see where it takes you! I, for one, love the idea of getting cute little packages in the mail--especially handmade + adorable goodies!

      And those other dreams are dreams of mine, too! I've always wanted to adopt and I loved reading your posts on visiting China and working with the orphans there (did I get that right?). I also love your dream of growing an online community. I think you're doing a wonderful job doing that and that is definitely a dream of mine as well.

      Here's to making some more dreams come true! :)

      Delete
  15. I know how you feel girl. With classes and homework I feel in a bit of a rut and routine, and it's starting to weigh on me! Little dreams and goals really help with that and give you something fun to work towards. This is a great idea and I may actually make a post of my little dreams right now, too! Also,I say YES to the pumpkin bread and blogger date! We should probably eat some if (most likely "when") I come this summer :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Exactly! I definitely felt like I was getting into a rut with the same routine each and everyday. I guess you could say I was seriously missing my super long summer. :)

      But like you said, little goals and dreams are good and a great way to lift your spirits and shake things up a bit. I'd love to read your dream list! A pumpkin bread blogger date sounds wonderful.

      And we will eat so much good food if--scratch that--when you come!!

      Delete
  16. I feel ya girl. Sometimes life can be so constant that we forget to live it!! I have been feeling overworked and exhausted lately--I need some inspiration too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Exactly. I love what you said about living life--that's something I've been trying to put into practice. It's been so easy for me to get caught up in the everyday and the routine that I forget about little goals that I can make, little dreams I can dream, and little blessings that I all too often forget.

      Here's to finding inspiration!! :)

      Delete

© IN ITS TIMEMaira Gall