Last year, my husband and I went through our photos from the beginning of the year. We weren't trying to measure our accomplishments. We simply wanted to remember the moments that had brought us connection, love, joy, and fun. And honestly, we were surprised by how much we had already experienced and how much beauty was already present in our lives.
In this episode of the Inspired Caring Podcast, I talk about the difference between living the dream and holding the vision. Sometimes we're already living pieces of the life we once dreamed about. And sometimes we're in a difficult or transitional season where we need to hold onto a vision for what we want the next chapter to look and feel like.
✨ A Quote to Sit With
There is something so powerful about remembering that the life we're living today may contain things we once hoped, wished, or worked for. At the same time, we can continue to hold a vision for what's ahead. We don't have to choose between being grateful for today and excited about tomorrow. We can appreciate what has already manifested while continuing to dream about what comes next.
🧭 A Helpful Resource
Try a "Living the Dream" reflection.
Take a few minutes to look through your calendar or photographs from the past year. Instead of focusing on what you accomplished, look for moments of:
- Connection
- Love
- Joy
- Fun
- Growth
- Experiences you are grateful for
Then ask yourself:
Where am I already living something I once dreamed about?
And if you're in a season of transition, ask a different question:
What do I want my life to look and feel like when I move into my next chapter?
Think beyond achievements. Picture an ordinary day. Where are you? Who is around you? What are you doing? How do you feel when you wake up? What does the energy around you feel like?
Start holding that vision.
🌿 The C.A.R.I.N.G. Framework © Reflection
Sometimes caregiving puts us in circumstances we never imagined for ourselves or our families. We may not be able to control the timeline or know exactly what will change, but we can be intentional about the vision we're holding for ourselves.
If today feels difficult, give yourself permission to imagine a different tomorrow. What do you want your days to look like? Who do you want beside you? How do you want to feel?
And don't forget to look at today, too. There may already be pieces of the life you've hoped for sitting right in front of you.
🎧 Episode Reference
Inspired Caring Podcast — Episode 194: Holding the Vision & Living the Dream
Follow Inspired Caring on these platforms:
Responses