Today I just wanted to ask you “what gets you out of bed in the morning?” because if it’s only your alarm, your day job, or getting your kids to school I am going to tell you that there is more!  I know you have been wondering and maybe even feel bad about it but don’t.  You are asking that question for a reason.  And I will tell you yes there is more.  I have been through some seasons where it was only the alarm dragging me out of bed and not the compelling purpose in my heart and there is such a difference!  So I wanted to encourage you today… get a dream in your life that creates push-pull, something that excites you, something that drives you, so that when it’s time to get up in the morning you almost jump out of bed.

It’s not like it has been that in every season of my life but I happen to be in a really fun season right now where I have some really big dreams that are creating some push-pull in my life. These dreams cause me to have to do a little bit extra and do a little bit more and become a little bit more.  What is it that is getting you out of bed in the morning?  What purpose is in your heart?  What big dream are you going after?  What are some big goals that are compelling you to have to stay up a little bit later or get up a little bit earlier?

I have some dreams that are so big and so full that I have to keep my habits of health in order.  I don’t have time to have no energy or to be feeling down and out.  What’s amazing is when you have a dream, something compelling you, it not only gets you up in the morning, but it starts to affect ALL areas of your life.  What I have been learning in this last season is that I am a better wife, a better mom, and I am better me when there is a greater purpose that I am attached to.

What is that greater purpose for you?  Is there something stirring inside of you?  Would you consider taking some time to explore that this week?  Maybe this is your week.  I know it can be hard to get yourself to a quiet space to have some reflection and introspection but those times can be a game-changer!  Maybe there are some decisions you are on the verge of making or some things you have been procrastinating.  Because you know if you say yes to these things, yes to going after these dreams it could be difficult and it would create push-pull in your life.  You know it would be easier to sit back and yet you also know there is something greater calling you.   Take some space, take some time and explore what’s stirring in your heart.

Personally, I am all about a life of yes.  Not yes to everything, but rather to really discovering what my best yes is.  When I find my best yes it’s easier to say yes and to go all in.  I know when I have found it because that compelling dream pulls me out of bed in the morning and keeps me up late.  This dream connects me to a greater purpose that makes me to want to be healthy and be my best me.  When I say yes to pursuing this dream I am willing to do the extra work and go the extra mile and I am way more fulfilled and the people around me are getting the best me.  So what is that for you?

Have you been thinking about becoming a foster parent?  Going after that dream job?  Taking your family on an adventure?  Raising money and awareness for a charity or ministry that has captured your heart?  Starting a life group?  Writing a book or launching a blog to inspire others?

I don’t know what it is.  I don’t know what is deep in your heart or what is calling your name.  What is causing you to say, “Do I have what it takes?” But I hope there’s something in your life that causes you to ask that question. Often we don’t have what it takes but if we say yes we will rise to the occasion and we will become what we need to be and do what we need to do.  And there’s an excitement that happens in life when we give ourselves permission to say yes and go after that dream deep within. When we set high goals that require more of us than we can possibly do on our own as we are.  I would love to see more people in my life be excited to wake up on Monday morning and hit the ground running.  That they would be connected to such a greater purpose in their lives that they are willing to get stretched, to leave what is comfortable and venture into the unknown.  Our dreams birth bravery in us to kick fear in the face, to quit caring about what everyone else thinks and live for their approval.  Suddenly we find ourselves at a place where we are willing to do whatever is necessary to see these things become reality.

I don’t know what stirs in your heart as you read this.  But I have found that in the seasons where I am taking it easy, and I am too comfortable, I don’t feel as much purpose.  I am less fulfilled and more frustrated and my loved ones see that and feel that from me too.  But when I am in pursuit of the dreams that are bigger than me and better than me, that are going to make my world a better place, life is good.  I am loving and living more fully.

Don’t let another week just go by without searching your heart to figure out what is calling your name.  To identify what that one dream is that you might be afraid to say yes to because you know that it’s bigger than you.  Find your best yes and go in wholeheartedly and become the best you.  Find that thing that wakes you up and gets you out of bed in the morning.  That makes you want to be healthy and strong.  Get out of survival mode and start thriving!  Enjoy this one and only life you have.  Go after that God sized dream and God given purpose with everything you have and don’t get caught up in arriving at the destination.  Enjoy the journey; embrace the gift of the process and celebrate who you become along the way.