As a new blogger, I’ve been thinking a lot about… blogging. I’ve also been thinking about all my blog currently is and all I hope it to be. Currently they aren’t matching up and it can be discouraging.
To be quite honest, I have big dreams. Some that I am almost too afraid to admit. I feel sheepish even writing it down, but I do it in hopes that someone will not feel alone in their dreams.
I have dreams of being an influential person in the world. Dreams of having content on my blog that encourages and uplifts. Dreams of initiating helpful conversations on the internet. Dreams of friendships that support one another from states away.
It is hard when those dreams feel so out of reach and far away. It is difficult when I feel completely insignificant. There is this nagging voice in the back of my head, that says I have nothing to offer a world with 152 million blogs. But I keep pushing the voice away, because I read your blogs and they uplift me. Each individual voice adds something unique and teaches me something; something only you could teach me. And I’m grateful for that.
As I was listening to music today while cleaning the house, the song “Hall of Fame” by The Script came on. I love that song. I was listening to the lyrics when I realized how powerful the words were. The theme of the song is this–YOU can be a champion. You can conquer the challenges ahead. You have to give your dreams a fighting chance, because you’ll never know if you don’t give it a good try.
“Giving up is the only sure way to fail.”-Gena Showalter
My boy, Parker, who inspires me to keep trying.
So whatever it is that you dream about, keep at it. You’ll never know if you might be great, unless you give it a good chance. A creative mom, a talented cook, an inspirational blogger, a supportive sister, the greatest exercise guru–whatever it is! We are much more powerful and equal to the task than we realize.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?… As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same.” —Marianne Williamson
What are your dreams? How do you stay motivated to do what you love?
A Pendulum World 
I can understand exactly where you are coming from. I am feeling the same way. I do have big dreams as well in hopes to making a difference in the world someday. At times I get discouraged and feel that these dreams are unrealistic. But I know that gods plans for us are always so much more amazing than anything we plan for ourselves. So I’ll keep reaching a working toward that ultimate goal that seems so far away. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this!
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I’m so glad it resonated with you! I love how you said that “Gods plans for us are always so much more amazing than anything we plan for ourselves.” I think you are so right about that. He has a way of guiding us to find a much better life than we would have planned for ourselves. But, in the meantime I agree, we can continue working on our goals and dreams together, while finding happiness along the way! We got this 🙂 Thank you for sharing your thoughts- if definitely helped me feel understood.
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One of the biggest issues I face in myself is that I have had to learn to start small. I always want to jump right in the deep end and get that end result. It’s been alot of time in my life learning that in order to get the prize, I do have to hold back, do the baby steps, and keep on working (sometimes for a very long time) before I get where I originally intended I would. One of the things that has helped (and that I’m still working on) was to set my parameters lower on the big goals. Not that I gave up on the goal in any way, but only in that when I had to work on the baby steps and doing the work, I didn’t let myself look so far ahead…..I pulled the blinds down a bit and only looked directly in front of me or around me…not at all the steps I still had to do or all the distance still left between me and my goal. Doesn’t mean I’m not still walking down the same road,…..only means I’m protecting my mind from overloading on stress seeing how much is left to go…much better to see how much I’ve already done, you know? Not always easy and occasionally we do have to take a peep up ahead, but all in all, I think a narrow focus works best for me. Take pride in the accomplishments you have made, no matter how small….they all matter and you have to keep yourself positive so that you can continue to progress. It’s not about the end result, you know….it’s all about the trip……
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Oh my, Torrie, you are filled with so much wisdom! You hit the nail on the head for me. I keep looking at the distant dream instead of just enjoying what is right in front of me. Your analogy with the blinds really helped, as well. Sometimes it is as if we are in a house and all we do is longingly look out the window. When really, there is so much to be enjoyed right inside; right where I am on the journey. I appreciate you taking the time to share you thoughts with me. They mean so much and helped me to understand where to put my focus. Thank you!! 🙂
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🙂 (p.s. That word ‘wisdom’ makes me feel so old! I tried to change it in my head to ‘life experience’ but I still felt old. Maybe I’m old and just looking too far back on the road to realize it?) 🙂
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Haha! I in no way meant to make you feel old. Mostly just that you are very wise! And in my book you can totally be young AND wise! 🙂
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Hey, Marla. I just wanted to touch base and “introduce” you to a different blogger who has a very cool blog I think goes right along with this post of yours about moving forward and putting plans into action. I just found him myself but today’s post brought your post here immediately to mind. Check him out. http://tonningsen.wordpress.com/ (if you haven’t found him already)
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Thank you, Torrie! You are so great at connecting bloggers. I looked at his post and enjoyed it! Thank you! 🙂
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Yes, this is a very strange thing. It’s only been the last couple days that I’ve done this and each time you were involved. Must be something about you, huh? Anyway, I just found Eric and I think his blog is awesome. He just MAKES SENSE or something you know?
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I can relate! But aww, don’t be discouraged! You should be proud of your wonderful blog. I enjoy your stories and love that you want to uplift people w/ your words. That to me is beautiful and modest and super genuine. 🙂 I think you are doing a great job and there is no need to compare with the 152 million others because as you said, each voice is unique! There is something God has given you … and only you!! Thank you for reminding us that dreams are still worth dreaming!
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Thank you so much, Kim! I still feel so silly posting about how I feel vulnerable about my blog, but I appreciate your genuine encouraging words. They really lifted me up! You are right, each of us has something wonderfully unique to offer the world. I’ll try to put the 152 million blogs out of my mind 😉 And in the meantime, I’ll keep enjoying YOUR blog, because I really do love it. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
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Oh Marla, I just treasure your beauty and honesty! You are one a million, Sam got so lucky when he married you! I guess the only thing I have to say is you can always post knowing that you are touching at least one person (ME!) every time. If you only influence one person in this world for good, that’s enough! But I can guarantee you are doing a whole lot more than that!
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Brooke, you always know how to boost my confidence and help me feel great! Thanks for being one of my biggest fans 🙂 but really, you are right, inspiring or influencing one person is reason enough to keep going! Thank you for your blog, that I always look forward to and love reading! I hope you have a great weekend!
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I couldn’t agree with you any more! That’s what I have found to love the most about the blogging experience-the amazing and inspiring people here just like yourself! Keep writing momma! Your son is absolutely adorable 🙂 dream big!
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I agree, the people are also my favorite part about blogging! There are so many down to earth, thoughtful, kind, and hilarious people I have gotten in contact with. They seem to turn into such great friendships, too! Thank you for your encouragement and for sharing your experience. And I have to agree that I think the world of my little boy! 🙂 Thank you again!
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It is my pleasure! I really have enjoyed following your blog. Looking forward to sharing this journey alongside you!
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Thank you so much! I have thoroughly enjoyed yours, as well! I can’t wait to read more. 🙂
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Marla, I just love your blog! I’ve been thinking a lot about this too. Maybe it’s something we all face, wanting to be influential and make a difference in the world. Your blog is lovely, and through it I feel like I’ve found a friend. 🙂 I’m sure many, many others feel that way or will once they find it! I keep telling myself it isn’t about the volume of people that read what I say. If I could just reach one person, then it’s been worth it. But I still sometimes secretly dream of reaching many (and then I feel a bit silly too!). Keep writing your inspiring, beautiful words. You will reach your dreams, and in small ways I’m sure you already are possibly without knowing it!
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Thank you so much! I feel the same way about you. It is so amazing how blogging creates such great friendships. It seems that we share so many feelings on our blogs and it leads to great conversations that help us really get to know one another. It is such a blessing that I did not expect going into blogging–all the wonderful people and friends, like you. 🙂 Thank you for all of your comments and your encouragement. AND for the words you write on your blog that uplift me! I hope you are enjoying General Conference weekend 🙂
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Sometimes when I’m telling my husband about different things I’ve read I catch myself saying things like, “my friend so-and-so” and then I realize I’m talking about people I’ve never even met! But it’s funny because I feel like I know them like old friends. 🙂 it has been a blessing i didn’t expect either. I’m glad I found your blog so I could get to know you! Hope your general conference weekend was great too!
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That is so classic! My husband has also come to know a couple of my blogging friends, including you, and has looked at your blog just so he knows who I’m talking about when we have conversations! 🙂 These virtual friendships are so meaningful.
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Oh my gosh, I’ve had all these exact thoughts lately, and i even used that exact quote in a post a couple posts ago. Its one of my favorites. I think you’re accomplishing many of your goals, you just haven’t realized it yet. Maybe it’s on a smaller scale than we dream, and eventually we will get there, but for now, you’re already making a difference. Keep writing! ❤
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It is so great to know that I’m not alone in having these thoughts! I think you are exactly right, often it is hard to see that we are accomplishing goals, especially in the beginning. But, we will get there. I hope you know that you make such a difference, too. I’ve never met you in person, but it is amazing how I am already inspired by you! 🙂
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That means more to me than you know. That right there makes it worth writing. Thank you ❤
I feel the same about you!
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Thanks for the inspirational post! Having had a few days away from blogging, I was slightly overwhelmed by all the catching up I have to do. But I’m sure it will be worth it after reading this. =)
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Isn’t it amazing how the blogging world is perpetually going? It can be amazing how much happens in just a couple days. I’m glad you found this encouraging. Also, just so you know, I so enjoy your blog. I’m excited to keep reading 🙂
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