Power of Dreaming

   Most of us know what we DON’T want. We are brought up by parents who say things like “don’t walk there, you could twist an ankle!” As a former news writer I used to wonder, why is most news negative? Bad news sells! Partly it’s human nature. Seeing a fiery plane crash is much more dramatic than reporting on how many flights safely reach their destination every year.  

There is value in knowing what you don’t want. When it comes to your fitness you don’t want to go backwards and that can give momentum to prevent backsliding.   But the real power lies in knowing what we DO want. If you first can’t see yourself as content, as feeling well, as someone who enjoys eating healthy foods, it can be hard to create it.    

Often we don’t even allow ourselves to dream. There could be underlying thoughts- what if I fail? Who am I to deserve to be fit and full of energy?   That voice is the inner critic that would rather have you stay small. We all have it. You can listen to that voice, but gently put it aside.

Dreaming can be a useful tool to help create a vision of what you DO want.

1. First, give yourself permission to dream. 2. Dreaming can be as simple as taking a few moments to get quiet. 3. Have a paper and pen nearby. Remember a time when you were really happy. Perhaps it was a time when you laughed really hard or you felt at home and content. What made you smile? Once you feel into any happy memory, let yourself dream about what you would like for your fitness. Would you like to feel more energy? Be stronger? 4. Write down whatever comes up.    

Dreaming is a very personal process. No one can dream for you. Only you have the keys to create what your heart desires.    

Good health is about so much more than a number on the scale. Your body is a remarkable machine that contains an innate wisdom. Instead of thinking of all the things that can go wrong, allow yourself to think of all the things that can go right.    

Next time co-workers notice how you’ve changed-  “What, YOU- with fresh fruit on your desk?” You can smile and say, “yes, me. I’ve started dreaming.” Remember if you see it, you can be it.

Kelley Colihan Robertson, CHWC