The very definition of faith requires that you “hope for” something. As I coach others, and in my own personal experience, I’ve noticed how often people downsize their dreams. And many do it for so long, that settling for less becomes a habit. Can you relate? When you stop hoping, you start settling. You begin to settle for a downsized version of your real dream. What have you stopped hoping for, out of fear that you won’t get it? In what ways has “settling” crept in and buried a hope for something better?
As life brings disappointments or failures, it can be tempting to stop hoping for some of the things you truly want. If you’re not hoping for anything, you don’t need faith. “Don’t settle!”.
Ask yourself: What do I need to start hoping for again?
Perhaps it is for a relationship, or that you can lose the weight, balance your life, or take that leap of faith you’ve always wanted to take. Maybe you’ve stopped hoping for a better financial situation and started to settle for less than your best. Maybe you’ve given up on your dream of one day having a family or reconciling with a loved one. Whatever the case for you, I dare you to dream a bigger dream, and refuse to give up hope.
I’m not talking about setting up false expectations that set you up for heartache and disappointment. I’m talking about renewing the goals, desires and vision that speak to you deep within your spirit. Hope energizes. It inspires. It motivates. Sometimes we don’t get what we hope for when we want it, but when we stop hoping altogether, we cease to do the things that will bring our dreams to life. The key is to balance your hope for the future with the decision to enjoy the present.
My challenge to you this week: Stop settling. Be true to yourself and your desires by giving yourself permission to hope for something more.
Journaling assignment: What have you stopped hoping for – for fear you will not get it? What is it time for you to start hoping for? Consider the five key areas of your life: Relationships, Finances, Work, Health and Spiritual Life. Then stretch your faith by resizing the dreams you’ve previously downsized! Leave your comments below and let me know what you are going to start hoping for again.
