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Journaling to Change Direction

Uncover the Dream Within

Uncover the Dream Within

Why This Exercise Matters

Many of us carry the shadow of a dream—an idea we casually mention but never truly acknowledge. “Maybe one day I’ll have a farm.” “I’d love to get a dog.” “Perhaps I’ll move to that country I’ve always dreamed of.” “One day, I’ll finally switch to the career I secretly long for.” These thoughts arise, often to be brushed aside as unrealistic or impractical.

But what if these passing ideas weren’t just idle wishes, but real dreams waiting to be recognized? The first step to making any dream a reality is acknowledging it—allowing yourself to fully see it, name it, and explore it.

I know this firsthand. Before I transitioned into coaching and therapy, the idea of doing this full-time was just a quiet “what if” in the back of my mind—so distant that I didn’t even take it seriously. But once I faced it head-on and allowed myself to claim it as a real dream, the path forward became clear.

This exercise is designed to help you do the same: to identify and uncover a dream within —whether big or small—and begin taking steps toward making it a reality.

The Exercise Flow

This process unfolds in two key steps:

  1. Identifying Your Dream – Discovering what speaks to you at the deepest level.

  2. Moving Toward Execution – Translating your dream into tangible next steps or deeper meaning.

Detailed Prompts

1. Identifying Your Dream

To begin, let’s turn to a powerful piece of poetry that speaks to the quiet pull of a hidden dream.

The Isle of Innisfree – W.B. Yeats

I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,
And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made;
Nine bean-rows will I have there, a hive for the honeybee,
And live alone in the bee-loud glade.

And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow,
Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings;
There midnight’s all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow,
And evening full of the linnet’s wings.

I will arise and go now, for always night and day
I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore;
While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavement’s grey,
I hear it in the deep heart’s core.

When you read the final lines of this poem, does anything resonate with you?

  • Do you have your own version of Innisfree island —a place, a dream, or a life you feel called to?

  • What do you hear in your “deep heart’s core”?

  • Note down what comes to mind without any editing or judgement

If nothing stands out at first, consider these guiding questions:

  • If you had a magic wand, what would your life look like?

  • If you only had six months to live, what would you do?

  • Is there anyone you envy or deeply admire? What about their life appeals to you?

  • As a child, what did you love doing? What did you dream of becoming?

For each response, ask yourself why. Then ask why again. And again. Keep peeling back the layers to uncover the true values behind the dream.

We often get fixated on specific job titles or life situations without realizing what they truly represent. Breaking a dream down into its core elements helps clarify its deeper meaning.

2. Bringing the Dream to Life

Now you’ve identified it, describe your dream as if it were happening right now, using all five senses:

  • What do you see? (Colors, textures, surroundings)

  • What do you hear? (Sounds in your dream environment)

  • What do you smell? (Scents that bring the place to life)

  • What do you feel? (Physically and emotionally)

  • What do you taste? (If applicable)

Write as if you are already living this reality. Resist the temptation to stay at a theoretical level —immerse yourself fully in the experience.

3. Moving Toward Execution

Once you have identified your dream, it’s time to explore what comes next.

  • If your dream feels achievable, what is the first step you can take? If possible, map out several steps to start moving forward.

  • If your dream feels impossible, examine the values and meanings behind it.

For example, if your dream is to become an astronaut, but practical constraints make that unlikely, ask yourself:

  • Why do I want this?

  • What is it about this dream that excites or fulfills me?

Maybe it’s the desire to explore the unknown. Maybe it’s the ambition to contribute to a greater cause. Once you pinpoint the why, you can look for other, more feasible ways to fulfill that deep calling in your life.

Closing Thoughts

When we did this exercise live in the workshop, participants found two key aspects particularly powerful:

  1. Describing the dream in present tense, in full detail.

    • It may feel uncomfortable at first, but stepping into the dream as if it’s already real brings clarity and motivation.

  2. Asking “why” repeatedly to reach the core desire.

    • This ensures that you’re pursuing the right dream—not just an illusion, but something deeply meaningful to you.

By taking the time to acknowledge your dream, define it vividly, and explore its meaning, you move from casual wishful thinking to conscious creation.

What is your dream? And what step will you take next to bring it to life?

If you’d like to go further:

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