Let’s talk about dreams.
Yes, I went to Colorado. I saw the Rockies. I drove through the windy road going over the Rockies. (We stopped often for pictures so I didn’t get sick.) Incredible. I rafted the white waters. (I didn’t fall out of the boat.) I rode horseback. Yee haw. I melted in the hot springs. I watched a rodeo and ate BBQ ribs. I read a book and a half on my Kindle during downtime.
But really, the best part was spending time and creating memories with my daughter and my parents.
In Estes Park, a small, beautiful but very touristy town, I found inspiration.
Why reach for the stars when man has walked on the moon.
How do you set realistic goals that don’t dwarf your dreams?
What an awesome-sounding vacation. I love Colorado, and Estes Park is beautiful. In terms of your questions, I work on keeping myself grounded in reality and I keep my dreams there as well. I guess there are some drawbacks to that, but I find it protective–I’m not surprised when reality is … real.
Glad you had such a nice time! (I’ve always wanted to ride horseback)
I set a lot of little goals that will eventually lead me to the bigger ones. Plus it’s nice to check off the smaller goals since it looks like I’m accomplishing more. 🙂
I love lots of little goals. It really does help with feeling like I’ve gotten something done. And yes, Sarah, I think we have dreams and realistic goals at the same time!
You’ve hit on my greatest problem — setting realistic goals! I guess my fantasy nature just overwhelms my common sense. And I’m way too optimistic. Sometimes, just occasionally, that is not a benefit.
I use having to pay the mortgage as the main tool to keep my feet firmly on earth! 🙂
Love the picture and so glad you had a beautiful and inspiring vacation!
I visited Estes Park a few years ago for a week of hiking – no horses or white water – so I’m jealous of your adventures! Anything can be inspiring, but there’s something about pristine nature that gets the wheels turning.
Sounds like an amazing time. I’m not very good with goals. I just kind of plow ahead with blinders on.
Sounds like a little piece of heaven – I’d love to visit that area some day!
I tend to just go one step at a time – makes it more fun for me! 🙂
We all do it differently. Jemi, one step at a time is good but I bet you have an idea of where you are going.
Matthew – Keep plowing! Not sure I could do it that way though. 🙂
Bluestocking – yes, taking a break and being in nature def. helped refuel!
Susan – I think we all need both realistic and unrealistic goals!
I LOVE COLORADO! My sister just moved to Colorado Springs–I helped her move–and omg watching the sun set over the Rockies was just… gorgeous.
I do what Jennifer does–set smaller goals that build me up toward my dreams 🙂
So glad you had a nice time with family. I’m sort of jealous–we’re not going anywhere. And I still can’t figure out what my goals are. Just trying to get some writing done, I guess. How much? No idea.
🙂
Isn’t Colorado awesome?
We do need to be grounded but we really must reach … stretch for the stars. Sometimes we have to aim beyond the mark in order to hit it.
None of my dreams can come true if I don’t focus on my goals.
Goal=finishing next book (This is within my power to do)
Dream=selling next book (not as much in my power…I have control over the goal, but without reaching the goal, the dream can never be.)
I tend to dream big, (too embarrassing to admit sometimes) but I know I must focus on my goals. The goals are where it’s at!
Great post!
Shelley
That actually sounds soooo great. Sometimes I hsve to look around me at the little moments that make me happy and just BE IN THEM, ya know?
Awesome!!! I’m so glad it was a wonderful vacation. You’re like an advertisement for Colorado. Now I want to go there!
Colorado was awesome! But I was extremely happy to be back in New Hampshire! 🙂 I wouldn’t live anywhere else. 🙂
Thanks for commenting, everyone!
I have to prioritize. Family has to come first for me and it’s all a balancing act. Seems like you had a nice time.
Looks like you had a wonderful holiday!
I think when it comes to chasing dreams you have to be willing to mold and revise them in much the same way you do your own books. Many times we don’t understand why things go a certain way until we’ve journeyed down the road a bit farther. Then we look back and go, Oh, if that didn’t happen that way, then this great new thing couldn’t have happened. Even though we like to plan the future, we can’t always see what’s really going to be there.
I love Colorado. OPne of the most beautiful places on Earth.
My goals have never been small. Doesn’t stop me from dreaming!
For my writing I keep my goals simple- each day, try to do one thing related to writing. When I’m drafting a new story I try to discover one new thing about my story/character each day.
But, like others have said, family first. I try to remember that having a wonderful husband and two healthy and happy boys are a huge dream come true, and to treat them that way.
I live by the Rockies, in fact I can see them from my back window, so I know all about inspiration.
Now setting realistic goals, that’s a whole other story. I guess a lot of it is about prioritizing.
We are going to CO in a few weeks – first time back since we moved away. (We lived in Nederland! Did you swing through a dorky mountain town on your way to Estes? That was where we used to be. 🙂 )
My goals…are always changing. But they are always something obtainable or at least strive-worthy. Sometimes I have to remind myself to stop and dream a little. 🙂
What an amazing trip! I’ve always wanted to do something like that. Just breathtaking! I set pretty lofty goals for myself, not always easily attainable. But I’m constantly surprising myself with how much I can accomplish that way. I think the key is not to let fear of disappointment keep you from reaching for those dreams.
Oh, the trip sounds wonderful! So glad you had a great time! We’ve been to WY but not CO; would love to go.
This is a great question…and I don’t know! I’ll have to give this some thought. 🙂
Sounds like a fabulous vacation, Laura! I set mini-goals for myself. That way it’s attainable, and I can feel good about myself that I’m accomplishing something on my way to the ultimate goal.
Your trip sounds amazing. Glad to hear you had a great time…and didn’t get sick!