3 Tips to Chase Dreams as a Mom {Heather}

I remember when my oldest daughter was a small toddler taking a nap.. I was surrounded by a messy house, laundry needed to be folded, dishes that needed to be done and dinner that needed to be cooked. But instead I made a cup of coffee, cleared a spot on my desk and started writing. My dream is to write books and be an encouraging voice and speaker for all the moms that are willing to listen. But as I was writing a family friend who’s opinion meant so much to me said “Maybe you need to stop blogging and writing and focus on your housework and your family.”

I remember that sentence stopping me in my tracks. I remember my mind filling with doubts and guilt. Maybe I shouldn’t be writing? Maybe I need to wait to fulfill my dreams when my kids are grown up and chasing theirs? All I know is after that I couldn’t write another word without feeling guilty as a mama knowing that there is laundry to be done and dishes to wash. But then God spoke to my Spirit, who is going to teach my kids to dream if I don’t? How are they going to learn that dreams coming true with hard work and dedication is possible? How are they going to know what hard work, dedication, perseverance, and never giving up on a dream looks like if we don’t show them what it looks like? It occurred to me that dreaming big is a huge part of parenting. Why? Because dreams are where legacies are born. Dreams are what makes people real. Dreams are where people see the impossible happen right before there eyes.

Moms, I have some news for you. You were created to be more than a mama. Being a mama is a dream, it’s actually my biggest dream, but we were also created to glorify God with our other gifts like writing, painting, or speaking. Heck mama, if your only dream is to read a book every day that is a dream worth going for!

Maybe you’re a mama who has had a dream stirred inside of you for far too long and just don’t know how to chase it, so I have some tips for you.

Write a list. If you’re anything like me you may have lots of dreams that many would probably find unrealistic goals. They are BIG DREAMS. If that’s you I encourage you to write a list and pray while doing so. Make sure that these are YOUR DREAMS and not something that you want to do just because it’s working for someone else. So write down a list. Starting at the one that you’re most passionate about and go for that one first. Set aside a time every day to work on that dream whether it’s literally working on it or praying for it. Both are equally powerful. Which leads me to my second tip.

Pray for your dream. When you pray for your dream you are inviting God’s Kingdom to chase this dream with you. You are inviting the Holy Spirit to come along side you and guide you through this incredible journey. When you invite the Holy Spirit to dream with you, you give Him impossible and He gives you destiny.

Make time for yourself a priority. Whether your kids take naps or have quiet time, make those minutes or hours about YOU. Worry about the dishes when they can have independent play. It’s good for the kids because it’s so good for you.

Remember mamas, our kids are world changers, they are our legacy and ultimately the most difference we will make in this world will be because of them. So make sure the legacy you give them to carry on is a good one. One that dreams big, one that perseveres, works hard, and doesn’t give up. The legacy that they carry with them to school, to college, and to the world will be the legacy that you show them, the legacy that you give them.