Monthly Musings: June 2020

You don’t have to change the world today. The size of the steps you take aren’t a reflection of the size of your goal.

I found this inspiring message on a social media post recently (from @wearefeelgoodclub) and it really struck me as something I’d like to explore more. At a time where there is no right or wrong way to be progressing back to a more “normal” way of life, it often seems like nothing changes. We’ve all been living in some form of lockdown for a few months now – something we’ve felt worldwide. As I mentioned in my post about Isolation, while we are so very much apart, we have never been so connected.

As all countries begin to emerge from lockdown at varying paces and with new and different rules in place, it is easy to feel like we are being left behind. Or that we are not moving quickly enough or that perhaps we are moving too quickly. It is easy to feel out of step with life in general which is often reflected in our personal and professional lives, too.

Do you have big dreams? Really big dreams?

Think about that. Is there something you really want to do with your life – whether that involves travelling the world, finishing a master’s degree, becoming a CEO of the company where you work, starting up your own business…

There are so many dreams to be dreamt and so many steps to take to get there.

Progress is progress no matter how small.

While some things do change seemingly overnight, it is much more likely the result of a long stint of work. Hours of dedication, of thought and of motivation to get there. Wherever “there” is for you. So, do not be put off if your dreams seem too far away if they seem out of reach and unattainable.  Because those are the best dreams. The ones that keep you awake at night because you’re so excited. Or anxious, nervous stressed, worried, ecstatic, joyful, optimistic… all emotions are real and valid. When you feel all the feelings about one project, that, I think, is when you know you truly, madly, deeply care.

Stick with these feelings and learn to enjoy the roller-coaster ride of emotions, of ups and downs, of mini wins and gigantic learning curves. All the positives and “negatives” get you one step closer to your dream goal. And with a bit of time and distance, the “negatives” won’t seem too negative anymore, you will appreciate the lesson you learnt. It still may hurt (financially, emotionally, mentally) but I am pretty sure you will have a valuable takeaway from it.

That is to say that all of these steps may feel so small when you are living and breathing them each day. And it may not seem like you are any closer to your dream than you were yesterday. So, take time to sit back and think where you were this time last week, last month, last year. I reckon that your previous younger self would be so proud of where you are today and of all that you have achieved.

To keep track of my progress and to allow myself to realise all of my mini achievements – even the tiny ones – I try to keep a little diary of wins. From my first paid food photography job to my first sponsored post, to earning my first £xx on a job, to being shared on a huge social media account. Hitting milestones and noting them down will enable you to reflect positively on where you are today and keep you motivated for your journey tomorrow.

So just remember that the size of your steps today does not reflect on the size of your dream. Two steps forward, one step back is still forward. Taking a right turn and a left turn every now and then will keep you flowing and going, and you may end up somewhere beautiful and unexpected.

Keep dreaming and keep believing.

Chewy Dark Choc Goldenberry Cookies

Find the recipe for these Chewy Dark Choc Goldenberry Cookies here.

Join the conversation and let me know what small steps you are making. And get in touch on social media, too – I’m @nourishing.amy on Instagram and use the hashtag #nourishingamy. I’m also on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest  – please say hello!