Dare Yourself

Often, while I hover between dreams, the muse drops by with hints for a topic different from the one I have been working on. Roused from sleep, I reach for my notebook on the nightstand and scribble her dictation. This is what she left on a recent visit. When life gets ho-hum and predictable, when you’re bored out of your wits, dare yourself to.
Dream a bigger dream
Nothing is wrong with a small dream, but when you dream a big dream, a dream bigger than what seems possible, well now you’re talking adventure. As life gets busier, boredom creeps in. A small dream can lift your spirits. However, a big dream can hit you right out of the murky water of monotonous days and same-old, same-old activities.

Give it your all
Just hanging on, plugging along, getting by and making do is no way to life. Up the ante on how much time, effort and heart you invest in your relationships, in your leisure pursuits, your career and your dream.

Take a bold risk
Baby steps are good but every now and then, you should step up the pace and make bigger strides. One bold risk a week, a month or a year will boost your confidence, raise your risk quotient and advance your goals.

Rock the boat
Is everyone else satisfied with the status quo, content to compromise, managing mediocrity and dancing the same old gig? Inveigle a new perspective with “Suppose....” Change the scenario; ask, “What if...?”

Make a friend
Select a casual acquaintance, a work colleague or even a stranger and work at converting her into a friend. Even as you apply reasonable caution, entice her with a genuine interest in who she is and what dreams she’s pursuing. Find a common denominator and embrace and enjoy the interesting differences.

Go green
It’s all the rage and a worthy cause. Take steps to go green in one area of your life at a time—how you live, eat, clean, shop, drive, work and play.

Practice personal pampering
You don’t need to empty your bank account or schedule large portions of time. One hour a week can work wonders on an overwhelmed mind, an exhausted body and a burdened spirit. Treat yourself well; you deserve it.

Ask for what you need
What do you need to be more efficient at work, to make your life easier and your relationships better? Ask for it. Additionally, throw something you want into the mix. You may not get it, but at least no one can claim ignorance.

Stop complaining
Aren’t you tired of bemoaning your circumstances, crying over spilled milk and no cookies? STOP! Zero in on the positives of your negative circumstances. Savour the blessings evident in your life. Now, what were you complaining about?

Break free from the crowd and be yourself
All day, every day and every where the voices call you to be this way or that, do this thing or that, come here or go there. Aren’t you tired of it all? It is an emotional tug-of-war but unless you break free of the calls to conform you will lose yourself and end up facing a stranger in your mirror.

Live your spiritual beliefs
It is common to feel dejected and ashamed when people who profess to share your beliefs, live a contrary lifestyle. Instead, let their behaviour inspire you to a deeper conviction and stronger dedication. Wear your spiritual beliefs on your sleeve—no excuses, no apologies but with pride and joy. Are you sliding along in a mundane zone? I dare you to dare yourself to do something, one thing, to kick things up a notch.