What if I could cycle from Saskatchewan to Quebec to officiate my son's Jordan's wedding on September 10? This thought and vision was birthed in the Monkey Top Saloon in Bentley, Alberta, only 4 short months ago...and then it morphed:
What if I could get my children's book "What If You Could?" published this summer?
What if I could use my cycling tour and a portion of all my book sales to raise funds and awareness for jack.org/whatifyoucouldtour in support of our youth and their mental health; What if I could use this tour to celebrate my brother Craig's life.
It is with a profound sense of gratitude and accomplishment that I can say "I did it"!
This vision began with a thought, which at first seemed a little crazy and very lofty...but this is how the seed of a dream is planted...and if it is something you know you can achieve, it is not really a dream, it is a goal.
Imagine the audacious dream the Wright brothers had. Their vision was to create a machine that man could fly. They were told by "the nay-sayers, " if God wanted them to fly he'd have given them wings"! But whenever they experienced a failed attempt, they buoyed each other up by saying to the other, "we can do this brother, because I can see it in my mind". It all began by holding that thought and picture in their mind. Their support and belief in each other kept their dream alive.
Look where it has taken us. In 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first man to step foot onto the moon. It was said that he carried a piece of muslin fabric from the left wing of the original 1903 Wright Flyer along with a piece of wood from the airplane’s left propeller. His belief was fueled by passion and the success of the Wright Brothers to take flight. Armstrong knew that if it was possible for them, it was possible for him too.
I hope that the realization of my dreams will fuel the belief in yours.
When you go for your dreams...know there will always be naysayers...for me it was my doctor, and also the voice of my internal critic. As my children's book affirms, this voice is not kind or encouraging, in fact it is a dream-killer! Maybe you've heard from it too. This is the voice that tells you that you're too old, or that you don't have the education or experience; it tells you "should" be grateful for what you do have, and it reminds you, that you don't have the money or the time. It asks you who you think you are, and is concerned about what people will think. It is the part of you that fears failure and rejection, and is especially loud when you are getting ready to leave your comfort zone. This is where a support system is so vital to the life of your dream.
Living into your dream takes "rigor and courage" and partners who believe in you. But trust me when I say... it is SO worth the journey and growth! When you decide to play full out, you'll be amazed by how the universe conspires to support you. I was continually awed by this as I cycled across Canada to create awareness for youth mental health. I was featured on numerous podcasts, interviews and Global National television. Nothing I consciously planned. I just held my vision, shared what I was doing with any one who'd listen, and rode my bicycle.
Think for a moment about a caterpillar, and the fact that it will completely transform into a butterfly. This too seems pretty outlandish, but we don't question nature. So why do we question our ability to become more and live into our Best Self.
Everything you want is on the other side of fear. You are not meant to remain a caterpillar or "do" life alone. There is a proven and predictable system for transformation, and I'd love to support you to live into your dreams.
What If you could too? What would you love for your life?
Blessings, Lynne