How Women Can Share Their Dreams

When was the last time you shared your dreams and visions with your " buddie " ? You know her. She won't laugh, be astounded, or critical. She will listen intently and encourage you immediately. Nothing is worse than a dream and vision of one woman to be dismissed by another.

I have a " Buddie ". My BFF, who left a newspaper job in advertising several years ago to launch her own magazine. Our conversations do not revolve around " girl talk " , but the uniquely serious business of women who are breaking through. Not the limitations placed upon us by the world, but our own.

The greatest obstacle to your dream is you. No one else can internalize your vision but you. No one can articulate your dream better than you can.

Women need buddies, too! This type of relationship should not be the exclusive domain of men. Usually as women, we are identified as being " girlfriends". That works in high school and college, but what about the women over 50? We need a " buddie"! Another woman who goes beyond " girlfriend " status and moves into the trusted place where you share dreams and visions for the second half of your life. Beyond friend. Beyond girlfriend. A " buddie ".

This type of relationship between women is unique, seasoned by age and experience. A " buddie " doesn't just talk. A " buddie " listens. Life has slowed her down to where she can hear another woman when she speaks. Really listen to what is now poured out of the heart.

Making that first giant leap to share your dream and vision is risky business. But you just have to tell someone. You can't keep it inside forever. It's like a volcano ready to erupt within your heart and mind. But someone has to listen to you! How long can you go on just sharing with yourself about your own future?

Tell somebody! But not just anybody. Tell another woman who will take the time to listen to what you are really saying. This is your dream. Handle it with care. That's why you need a " buddie ". A woman who you can trust with your dream.

I am sure you already know who she is not. She is not one with whom you can deposit your precious dream for the long haul. She is not the one who never takes calculated risks. Look for the woman who protects her own dream like a lioness. Study her. Then don't be afraid to ask if she will take the time to listen to your dream. Remember, she has been where you are going. And I know this woman will appreciate you have taken the risk of sharing your dream.

Congratulations! Now you have accomplished the most critical step. Your dream is now out in the open. How relieved you are that it is not locked up inside of you for another day. The frustration and disappointment in yourself is now gone. Your dream has broken all barriers within you.

No more excuses. No more delays. Your dream has been shared with another who will not crush you. Your dream has been released into the realm of possibilities. What happens next is totally up to you. Only you.

The fantastic thing about your dream is that it never expires. No date is ever stamped on your dream. Once released, your dream is unlimited. How many women have finally gotten enough courage to speak their dream out loud and recoiled at the sound?

A dream is not like a fresh baked loaf off the grocery shelf. You don't have to eat your dream up so fast. Or let it go stale from lack of motivation. Dreams are unlimited. The question is whether or not you have the strength from within to go the distance. That's why you need a " Buddie", another woman who will run along with you.

Let's face it. Just because you share your dream with your " Buddie ", she may not have what it takes to run after it with you. Don't get me wrong. That first woman you share your dream with is critically important. She will stand with you through thick and thin. She will always listen to you. Whether there are tears of joy or sadness along the way. She will be there.

But your second "Buddie " is that woman who will push you toward your dream without fail. She will be your coach. She will motivate you. She will teach you how to leap a wall. She will show you how to run like the wind toward your dream. Why? Because she has already been there. Where? At the starting line of her dream. She has already taken off and broken through her first finish line. She's headed for her next race. By faith.

Soon you both will be running together. Each toward a different dream, yet understanding the final destination. And other women will follow your example. Just keep running. Keep your eyes on that dream. You are not alone.

While you are running, just know that the first mentally perceptible barrier you will have to face is the pressure that your dream naturally produces. This is the point at which most women step back and retreat. Backlash. Boomerang. Both will send you reeling and heading for the door or abandoning your precious dream.

Remember, new patterns must be developed inside your heart and mind if your dream is to enter into the reality of your life. Want to get that promotion? Handle the pressure of the path toward receiving the golden ticket. One of my favorite movies is Willie Wonka and The Chocolate Factory. A chosen few obtained the golden ticket. Only one survived the " fun " of the Chocolate Factory to receive the ultimate prize. 

Pressure is a just a response to the change necessary for your dream to emerge within you. Your very thoughts will create resistance to the unknown. Challenging you at every turn.  How long will this process take? At this point of entry, as long as it takes for you to be recognized by your dream. You see your dream, but does your dream see you?

No one woman's path to her dream is the same. The pressure you experience will be quite different from even that of your " buddie". Others around you will not understand, no matter how hard you try to explain. However, the emotional journey and experience will be worth it. You are a true diamond in the rough.