Living An Authentic Life: Manifesting Your Dreams
by Nancy Engle, April 29, 2008

Have you ever dreamed of writing the next best seller, or creating a work of art, or any of a thousand other ideas, but just never got around to doing them? You're not alone. Everyone has dreams, but many of us have been conditioned to play it safe, get a traditional job and live the traditional life. As a result, often our dreams die with us. But how do we break out of the safe lifestyle when our friends and family are telling us we're crazy to give up security, a sure thing, for a dream, a dream that probably won't manifest itself? So we put our dreams on the shelf and every once in a while, when we're feeling restless, less than fulfilled, we take down our dream, examine it, then listen to those "voices of wisdom" that caution us against pursuing the unknown. So we continue to live our lives, less than satisfied, feeling that something is missing, but don't know what.

What's missing, is that you aren't singing your song. You aren't living an authentic life. You've allowed others to decide what's best for you. But how do you gently inform those, who have only your best interest at heart, that you've decided to take a risk and follow your dream. Oh, they may kick and scream and advise and cajole to get you to change your mind, but just the action of informing can be liberating. Now, I'm not suggesting that you chuck it all and walk away from your current life. What I am suggesting is that you can start laying the ground work toward fulfillment of your dreams today. What is it that you want?

So how do you lay the groundwork and begin to live an authentic life? First, you must define your dream. Write it down in as much detail as you can. Use descriptive words as well as the senses. Feel what you're saying. Feel it deep down to the very core of your soul. Edit it as often as necessary until you can feel yourself living that dream. Second, make a list of actions that you will need to take in order to begin your journey. Again, be very specific. For each action make a list of things that need to be accomplished with realistic dates to complete. For example, in order to create time in your busy schedule to work on your dream you may have to rearrange your schedule either at work, home, or both. That might include working with your significant other to rearrange family duties, such as cleaning, laundry, yard work, child care, etc. It may include rearranging your work hours if your boss is responsive. Treat the time you set aside just like any other appointment. Let others know that you are not available during these times and stick to it. Focus on your goal. As you work through your action plan you'll be amazed at how much you can accomplish. Before you know it, you will have defined what you want, how to get it, and be well on your way toward accomplishing it.

Whatever your dream, you have it within you to manifest it.

For more information about Nancy Engle, Personal Life Coach at The Healing Way, click here.

© 2008, Nancy Engle