Personal Story of Linda Pieters: I have a dream

Dreams. What are they? Something that occurs at night when we sleep right? A separate non-logical story playing out in ourselves. So it seemed to me.

I discovered the true power of dreams in my own life. Let me tell you about that. 

Several years ago my life was in a not-so-nice flow, to say the least. I was in a bad relationship where I somehow felt stuck in...coming out of a burnout situation..without a job. No nice area to spend time in. So there I was, at home..exhausted and tired..without energy...seeking a way out. As if I was drifting in an ocean without direction..not able to see any horizon. Days went by and I felt totally meaningless.

One day I came across this documentary talking about dreams and the importance of envisioning them, to give them time, space, and meaning. That would make ‘em come true they said...of course, underlined by various people who confirmed their dreams came into full reality. Wasn’t sure what to think of it. There was this tiny voice inside myself though, that said; “Well..it’s not like this is the perfect life, so why not give it a go?”

So there I was, almost daily thinking about my dream. Carved out time for it…step on my bike and let my thoughts flow. What do I want the next year to look like?

Tried to see it in full detail. Where am I, what am I doing...and how do I feel there? I did all of that. It took some time, but then a clear picture arose.

Me finding a great job back in the learning & development area...a field where I started my career but left years before. The labor market was under pressure so didn’t really believe I would have a chance as I lacked recent experience. But ok...I dreamt ahead..not being stopped by that thought.I wanted it to be a nice, informal and international organization, where I envisioned myself working in a small team of passionate like-minded people. I dreamt I saw myself leaving my house in the morning...could even see how I was dressed..walking to my new car (which I didn’t have at the time). A white Volkswagen it was. I had to dream in detail right...so why not dream that ;-) I did this dreaming for some time...shared it with a few of my friends. And nothing happened really...so I kind of forgot about it.

Until a few months later. I got a message from a friend who I hadn’t been in contact with for a long time. She was working for this large organization, saying they were looking for someone in the L&D team..and if that would be something for me. Interested as I was, I contacted them and had a few great meetings with them, all members of…yes....a small L&D team in a large, informal and international organization. I was hired soon after.

On my first day, I remember very well getting the key to my lease-car and walking to the parking lot at the end of that day. And guess what…..it was a white Volkswagen.

So...no one needs to convince me otherwise that there is true power in our dreams. If we give time and attention to them, allow them space to arise, share and feed them...big chance they will come true. So beware :-)