start anyway

Don’t Downsize Your Dreams To Fit Your Reality

We all have dreams—visions of a life we haven’t yet lived, of goals we haven’t yet reached. And yet, when reality feels limiting, we often shrink those dreams down to match it. We tell ourselves we’ll never get there, that we don’t have what it takes, that maybe we’re asking for too much.

But where you are now doesn’t dictate where you can go. That’s not how dreams work. They’re meant to stretch us. To pull us forward. To show us what’s possible.

The Power of Just Starting

Before I began walking this path, I talked myself out of every dream I had. I didn’t believe I was smart enough, capable enough, or worthy of the life I secretly longed for. I let fear stop me before I ever began. And when I did take a step, the first bit of resistance sent me retreating back to the safety of “what I know.”

But staying stuck didn’t make me feel safe—it made me feel miserable.

When I finally reached out for help, I set a goal: to save my own life. That was the first dream I dared to believe in again. And with every small step forward, I began to believe in more. I discovered new passions, found confidence in places I didn’t know existed, and most importantly, I learned that I didn’t need to know every step before I began.

Dreams grow as we grow.

I was told to start with what I had, do the work, and trust that the next right step would appear—and it did. Over and over again. Sometimes I found myself on a different path than I expected, but each detour brought something unexpected and beautiful. That’s the power of saying yes.

Faith, Footwork, and Forward Motion

I’ve accomplished things I once believed were impossible. And I know now that my reality didn’t change because I waited until I was ready. It changed because I started anyway.

You don’t need the perfect plan. You just need a spark of belief and the courage to begin.

When you commit to your growth, when you honor your dreams by taking action—even small steps—you become a magnet for what’s meant for you. The people, opportunities, and resources you need will show up. That’s not just faith. That’s evidence.

Don’t let your current situation trick you into believing it’s permanent. You are allowed to want more. To dream bigger. To build something entirely new.

Let your heart lead you. Trust the pull.

SLAY on.

SLAY Reflection: Are You Shrinking Your Dreams?

  • Do you find yourself downplaying your dreams to make them feel more realistic?
  • What would you pursue if you believed it was truly possible?
  • Have you ever taken a leap before? What did it teach you?
  • Who could you talk to or ask for support to help you take the next step?
  • What’s one small action you could take today that brings your dream closer?

Call to Action: Join the Conversation

I’d love to hear from you.
What’s one dream you’re ready to honor—no matter where you are right now?
Share your story in the comments. Let’s cheer each other on.

And if you know someone who’s holding back on their dreams, send this to them.
Sometimes, all we need is permission to start anyway.

You Don’t Have To Be Perfect, You Just Have To Be

I used to believe I had to be perfect to show up.

Perfect timing. Perfect skills. Perfect hair, even. And if things didn’t line up just right—if I didn’t line up just right—I’d sit it out. I’d pass on the opportunity. I’d talk myself out of the dream. Looking back, I can’t count the chances I missed because I let perfectionism run the show.

But perfection is a lie we tell ourselves when we’re scared.

It gives us a reason to wait, to hide, to stay small. We convince ourselves we’re not ready, not worthy, not enough—so we don’t begin. But here’s the truth: Perfection is not required. Showing up is.

It’s Never Going to Look Perfect—Do It Anyway

No one has it all figured out. No plan is bulletproof. No path is paved just right. Life is messy, and we’re messy too.

The trick is to move forward anyway.

Start with what you’ve got. Doubt? Bring it. Fear? Take it with you. Confusion? Totally normal. You don’t need to wait for the moment to be perfect—you just need to be brave enough to begin.

It reminds me of being a kid on the playground, standing in front of a merry-go-round already spinning. I’d spot my opening, take a breath, and jump. Was it scary? Sure. But it was also thrilling. I didn’t need a guarantee—I just needed to go for it.

So why do we stop doing that?

Because we’ve fallen. We’ve been judged. We’ve been told to wait until we’re “ready.” But the only way to be ready is to start anyway.

Flaws and All, You’re Already Enough

Let me say this loud for the people in the back:

You are already worthy of showing up.

You don’t have to be “fixed” or “perfect” or polished to begin. The real magic happens when you show up as you are. That’s what makes you relatable. That’s what makes you real.

You are perfect in your imperfection. Unique. Valuable. Needed.

And when you let go of chasing perfect, something incredible happens—you start living. You stop waiting. You begin to believe in what’s possible for you.

So whatever it is you’ve been putting off—start it. Show up. Say yes. Jump in. Your life isn’t waiting for perfect. It’s waiting for you.

SLAY Reflection

  1. What’s one thing you’ve avoided because you were waiting for the “perfect” moment?
  2. How has perfectionism kept you from living fully?
  3. What would it feel like to show up just as you are?
  4. What’s one small step you can take this week toward something you’ve been putting off?
  5. Can you write down 5 things that make you uniquely you—and remind yourself why they matter?

S-L-A-Y:

  • Start without needing it to be perfect.
  • Listen to your inner voice—not your inner critic.
  • Accept yourself as you are, flaws and all.
  • You are the magic you’ve been waiting for.

Call to Action: Join the Conversation
I’d love to hear from you.
What have you been putting off because it wasn’t perfect?
Share your story in the comments. Let’s cheer each other on.

And if you know someone who’s stuck waiting for the “right time,” send this to them.
Sometimes, all we need is a nudge.