We all find ourselves in moments of doubt; doubts so painful they cause us to begin to loose hope and soon our resolve and actions wain.

I know the process because I am living the process.  Recently, on one of my infamous morning walks, I was feeling ALL the feels.  I could detect my ugly cry coming on.   You know the one where your lip starts to quiver and your eyes sting and become bloodshot with tears.  And if that wasn’t enough, I was sweaty and oily, like bacon in a pan.  My eyes were crazy wide trying to hold back the flood gates.  I was already short of breath and now I’m choking on pent up emotions.  To make matters worse, I was  half a mile from home and all I wanted to do was run and hide.   I decided right then and there to stop fighting it and let the tears flow!  What the heck!  I fully let go and began walking, crying and sweating while gasping in between.  At that point I threw all dignity out the window and took off my scarf to blot my eyes with.  My hair would have given Einstein a run for his money. You are welcome for the clear and disturbing visual 🙂

Once I was all in and committed to my emotions,  I began to talk to myself- because, why not??   We are well past saving face!   My self talk went something like this:  “God why is this so hard?  I’m tired of working with no results!! Help me! – Please (Sob, sob…!)

Ya’ll in that moment, I just felt broken and utterly discouraged.  I was discouraged because I have been working hard to build a new career with little to no results.  Feeling defeated; I was ready to let my dreams and efforts fade into nothingness and allow my actions to slowly slip back into old patterns.  If there is one thing I know how to do, its to slowly ease back into familiar habits that sabotage any hopes for real change- I mean, who wants to keep pushing when what’s ahead requires so much effort and frustration?

Then it happened!  Shortly after praying and walking in semi-sobbing silence, these amazing thoughts rushed into my mind.  The kind of thoughts that feel like they belong to someone else smarter than me.  No! I am not crazy, but I do believe when that happens, it’s God speaking.  My mind hears, “You are immersed in blindness.  What you are believing for is growing “under ground” and you can’t see reality clearly.  Faith is your only guide through the blind part of this process.”

I realized that the blind phase is where most hopes and dreams die.   It’s hard to keep working at it when you see no return.

The core lesson in the blind phase applies to aspiring actors and addicts alike.  If you have hopes and dreams, you will not be spared.  At some point you’ll feel like quitting because you can’t see the changes happening.  Hang on with all you’ve got.  The blind phase is a necessary season but not the destination.

If you have given up on yourself, GET UP and jump right back in.  Forgive yourself and get back to work knowing there is more  to come.

These next four steps are helping me and I hope they encourage and support you!

1. Steel up for dark days:  Pray when you feel like quitting!  Talk to yourself ( -Yes literally!) and remind yourself  that you and your dreams are worth the effort.  I also set a timer on my phone to remind me to pray for my goals and the goals of others who are in the struggle.)  This keeps me focused and motivated.
2. Plan ways to remain inspired: Attend a conference, or workshop that will help inspire you and keep your dreams alive.
3. Commit for a full year! (or a timeline that works for you.)  Make yourself stick with it for the full amount of time you committed to.  I would encourage you to set a timeline beyond your comfort zone.  See the commitment as set in stone.  Share your commitment with someone you trust and make yourself accountable by checking in with them regularly .
4. Remember your why!!  You need a way to keep your goals at the forefront of your mind.  My friend hosted a vision board night where we got together and each brought supplies to make our vision boards.  I didn’t actually make a board.  I made a vision journal for my nightstand.  I added personal pictures, scriptures and brief  descriptions of my hearts desires, for my faith, family, finances and of course fun!  Make something that works for you.  It needs to be easily accessible and able to be modified as you dream bigger or accomplish them.

I hope these four steps help you in some way.  Let me know if you give them a try.  I would love to hear how you stay motivated to keep pursuing your dreams.  Leave a comment and keep the conversation lit!

As always, hold on tight to, unshakeable faith, wealth beyond measure and laughter ’til it hurts.

Love Kim J.

Yay!!!  The Unshakable faith t-shirt is now available! Order yours today and join the journey! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QH3GXN3

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