About that Dream...
By Darlene Arechederra

Remember your very first job? That all-grown-up feeling! Your own money to buy things... That feeling of independence!

Do you still have that excitement today? Do you jump out of bed, eager to start a new day? Or are you tired, even slightly depressed?

Perhaps you've lost touch with your own special *dream* over the years. What was your dream? Have you thought about it lately? Acknowledging your dream can free you up to remove the obstacles...

Those Nasty Obstacles

What's keeping you from your dream? Start a small list of things you consider obstacles in your way. Are they *Time,* *Energy,* *Money?* Is your life just too stressful? Brainstorm some solutions and write them in the column next to the obstacles.

Each of the above were obstacles for me. We were about $14,000 in debt (credit cards and school loans). I was working 40-60 hours a week -- just to pay the bills. I was using my energy to work for *things, * leaving none for pursuing my dream.

The Negotiation

If you could trade something for your dream, what would it be? If you wanted it so badly you could taste it -- how could you make it happen?

I wanted to work part time and pursue my writing. I negotiated with myself. If I could learn to live on 20 hours pay per week, I could go part time. Two and a half years later, we were debt free with a small nest egg. Our spending was minimal. I had finished the first draft of my book a year earlier. I moved to part time, evening hours, and my new job was now 3 miles from home. My immediate goal of part time had spurred me on.

What could you negotiate with yourself today - to pull your dream a little bit closer? How about making a small deal with yourself? If I (fill in the blank), then I could (fill in the blank). Who better to negotiate with?

Which Way to Easy Street?

There is no Easy Street (at least not on my road map). But there is that road less traveled... with a few obstacles along the way. My husband lost two jobs soon after I made major changes in my life, the first just months later. It wasn't easy, but I had Plan B ready to go.

What's the worst thing that could happen if you take a different path? Beneath your obstacle list from above, jot down the worst things that might happen. In the column next to them, jot down some ideas for a Plan B of your own.

What's Keeping You?

***Time*** Instead of working more hours away from home for 'extra money', could you invest your time in planning and saving for your dream? Do your current activities move you closer to doing what you'd love to do?

***Energy*** Short on energy? Try blowing the dust off your dream. You'll be amazed at the renewed energy you'll have! Eliminate energy wasters -- things that don't move you forward.

***Money*** What spending can you 'exchange' if it means finally living your dream? Money I spent weekly buying books is now funneled back into my dream. Trade your current spending for your dream. You'll be wonderfully surprised at how much money you'll *find* for your dream!

(c) 2003 Darlene Arechederra

Darlene Arechederra is author of Rat Race Blues-How to Break the Stranglehold. Do what you *love* to do for a living -- not what you *have* to do! Darlene offers hope and help in *finding* money, time and energy to support your dreams.  http://www.RatRaceRemedies.com.