The peppermint brownies were baked, their aroma wafting through my kitchen. Lemon hummus and citrus water kept them company on the refreshment table.

My house was clean. Decluttered, vacuumed, and swept. A royal blue tablecloth decorated my dining room table, with an array of DIY supplies arranged on top: glass jars, Epsom salt, spray bottles, essential oils, measuring cups, funnels…

My children were occupied. I was ready. Soon, eager friends and acquaintances would file in to enjoy a couple of hours of fellowship and project time.

I invited several women. I had brainstormed a list, gathered my courage to contact them, and even touched base with them a day or two leading up. I was excited for this time and for the possibilities it held for advancing my natural wellness business.

Two friends showed up.

Despite my diligence, only two followed through with participating in the event I had carefully planned. Even with a reminder the previous day, one just plain forgot. Others didn’t respond at all to the invitation.

That meant taking a loss on the supplies I bought. Immediately, the negative thoughts threatened to take over my mind—and the event. Fears about my ability to work my business loomed over me.

And yet, I had two lovely friends in my home. We chatted, we laughed, we made some fun projects that smelled incredible. I caught up with the events in their lives. If it had been just one of them, it would still have been worth it.

Yes, disappointment still lingered, but I realized I had a choice: let it get me down, or learn and grow from it.

I knew that:

• This wasn’t a reflection on me personally.
• Those who came enjoyed themselves.
• This was an opportunity to learn new skills about putting on events.
• There are ups and downs to business. A “down” doesn’t mean failure.
• I just had to keep going. Giving up because of low turnout was not an option.
• I had encouraging people surrounding me who would help me going forward.
• My attitude would make or break my business going forward.

***

Even when we know that the dreams we are pursuing are from God, we will eventually hit roadblocks. There is no dreamer who has a perfect day every day of her journey.

And that’s okay!

We know going in to expect this, to make sure to have a support system in place to weather the tough stages, to set our mind on God’s plan for our dream, and most of all, to stay in tune with the Dream-giver.

It simply means we need to press in close to hear God’s voice. To have him filter our thoughts and emotions. To point us in the direction in which he wants us to go.

Remembering that my job is obedience, not results, takes much of the pressure off. (Thank you to God-sized dreamer Holley Gerth for that bit of wisdom.)

Realistically, those feelings of disappointment at a less than stellar outcome do happen. It’s good and healthy to feel them and then assign them to their proper place and move on.

So, whisper a prayer, take a deep breath, and then go! Make that phone call. Book that event. Make that speech. Take that leap.

Dream that dream, and then do it!

Shared by: Mandy Mianecki