How to Defy Our Dream-Crushers

We’ve all met them.

Sometimes, they knock boldly on our doors. Other times, they slink quietly past our walls of resolve.

They come unbidden. Least expected. By themselves or in pairs.

They’re masters at disguise and manipulators of confidence.

So skilled are they at what they do, even they don’t see themselves as they truly are; they’re knowledgeable, but not aware.

They’re the dream-crushers. Our naysayers.

They’re those voices of negativity that attempt to steal our joy, thwart our goals, and deter our life visions.

Though dream-crushers aren’t always intentional, the results of their words and actions can indeed paralyze.

I once talked with someone who actually believed that dreams were merely “flights of fancy.” As a child, she’d been raised with few words of affirmation, and any dreams expressed were generally ignored. Not surprisingly, because of the atmosphere she’d grown up in, the people she later surrounded herself with were often of a similar mindset; her friends and acquaintances were shallow, self-absorbed, and oblivious to positive thought direction.

Intrinsically, this young woman realized that her perception of dreams was skewed. She yearned for change, but couldn’t quite grasp how to go about it.

Though this individual’s issues were manifestations of some deeper issues, her situation made me think of those times when we’re all forced to confront dream-crushers at some point in our lives.

Some dream-crushers can come by way of circumstance. More often than not, however, the killers of inspiration are usually people.

I’ve been very blessed. I have a wonderfully supportive family and terrific friends.

I consciously choose positivity and limit the amount of negativism I allow in my life. Granted, we’re all going to have tough days. Our family and friends are going to have tough days. It’s those other times, the times when attitudes of doubt, dismay, and discouragement ring our doorbells and want to take up residence–indefinitely.

And it’s during those times, we must act intentionally. We must defy our dream-crushers.

Here are some suggestions:

• Invite your dream-crushers along for the ride. Encourage by example. Demonstrate compassion. They may refuse the ride, but that’s their choice.

• Remain goal-focused. Dream-crushers are seldom silenced. No need to become embroiled in verbal battles. Sometimes, we have to accept the situation is what it is and go on.

• Delight in our passion. When we see our vision before us and act upon it, we’re propelling ourselves forward.

• Maintain Christ-like composure. Accept that detractors will always exist. We can’t change them. But He can.

• Prove them wrong. Achieving dreams can’t be argued with. Arriving at our destination is proof positive that it can be done.

• Turn a deaf ear. But continue to pray. When all else has failed, sometimes, (albeit sadly), it’s necessary to just move on. We’re not being mean; we’re choosing the sunnier path.

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How have you dealt with “dream-crushers” in your own life?  

What else might you add to the list above?

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