Emotional Health

How to Move From Dreaming to Doing

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Hi Dear Friends,

Is there something you’ve been aching to try but are too afraid to pursue? Are you frozen in a life or belief system that no longer satisfies who you are today? Do you celebrate everyone else’s progress but your own?

Well, I’ve got some potentially difficult (yet ultimately awesome) news for you. A spiritual forest fire could be on the way.

At least that’s my pattern. Sometimes, when I’ve ignored my gut and resisted my intuition, the universe has had to use a megaphone to get my attention. You know, those kick-in-the-pants moments that end with falling on your face and having to pick yourself up and start fresh.

Here are a few of my messy examples…

I was in a painful relationship with a man I loved more than he loved me, we were about to get married and that’s when the letter with pictures from another woman came. He cheated. I was crushed beyond measure. Sadly, what happened next was ugly and regretful, but in the end I am certain that I sidestepped a disastrous marriage in the nick of time. Spiritual forest fire.

Six years later I married the man of my dreams.

I was in a career that was going nowhere (acting). Sure, I did great theater, a handful of bad films, some TV, and endless commercials, but I rarely had the opportunity to share my real gift—my authentic voice. In fact, I had wanted to quit for a while but I was too afraid to do it.

Then I got sick and the offers dried up. Spiritual forest fire.

Twelve years later I’ve got a few New York Times best-sellers and over a million cherished readers a month who value my unique approach to healthy living.

Are you starting to get the picture?

I share these stories to show you what’s possible on the other side of the fire.

And believe me, I could go on with endless examples of what happened when I refused to see the truth, got the rug pulled out from under me, then woke up and used my bottoming out as an opportunity to rise.

But you don’t have to wait for your own spiritual forest fire to start living the life you want to live.

Just because you may be feeling stuck in a relationship, financial situation, health crisis, or dead-end career, doesn’t mean you don’t have choices.

We’re constantly given opportunities to grow and our souls are always nudging us in the direction of what’s best for us—winking at us when we’re in alignment and warning us when we’re not. Our job is to stay open and listen.

When we feel stuck or resistant, our souls just ask that we remain receptive and willing to see things differently—even if that means feeling uncomfortable.

Lastly, human beings are creative for a reason. Evolution requires imagination. And let’s face it, change isn’t always easy, even when it’s positive, that’s why we need to lean on our creativity to show us the way.

Let’s try it together…

First, what do you want?

See it. Taste it. Ask for it. Talk to yourself, your journal, your closest compadres, God, The Universe, the trees, your dogs.

Next, start sketching a rough draft of how to get there.

This isn’t some woo woo exercise, it’s how many of the most successful people in the world manifest abundance in their lives. Once we’ve identified our wants we have to back them up with action.

Oh! And don’t forget: Unleash your imagination.

Allow yourself to believe that everything is in reach. My husband and I have a dreaming game we play where the sky’s the limit, any idea is possible. His dreams are always huge and fun. While mine are often small and tidy with neat tucked-in corners. “Babe, you have an imagination for a reason, use it!” Good advice.

And lastly, if you’re experiencing some dream constipation and just don’t know what you want, don’t worry.

Start there and have faith that the answers will come

There’s no need to force a direction. Allow your heart to open and be patient. Stay observant and don’t push the river. You’re brewing. Marinating. Gestating. And that, my friend, is enough for now.

I hope this blog is a step towards unsticking any stuckness. A bright future awaits. All you need is a pinch of courage, a dash of effort, and a cup of faith.

Your turn: I want to hear from you, take the first step and share one big (or small) dream of yours with me and our awesome community. Put it out there!

Peace and imagination,

 
Add a comment
  1. Jejja Skarin says:

    Kris you are absolutely a fabulous source of inspiration! I am Writing to you from Sweden to let you know!
    I have not lived through cancer but I can relate to what you are writing on so many levels.
    You are Divine Inspiration!

    So much love:-)//Jejja

  2. Thank you Kris for sharing your story, a free planner, and wonderful advice and inspiration. I feel there is so much power in knowing the good things that came out of any situation, no matter how bad they may seem at the time they take place. I truly believe there is always something good that can come out of anything. Thank you for sharing, and I am happy to share your message. Keep smiling!

  3. Becky Thorpe says:

    Hi Kris, I just want to say thank you for being such a refreshingly kind, loving person with a great sense of humor. I’ve really enjoyed your blog and books. I first saw you Forks Over Knives and was hooked since then. I think this blog catches my eye most of all because of the relationship aspect. For over 10 years I was stuck in a pseudo relationship with a man who had me right where he wanted. We acted as though we we dating but I never deserved the title to him. But he was so casually manipulative that I stayed. This span of years started when I was 20 and finally came to an end a few months before my 32nd birthday. I was the one to end it with a clean break and no contact. It’s been 6 months since I spoke to him and although it’s a good thing now I’m left regretting all the time I wasted. Will I ever find love? I’m starting from scratch with the dating scene, not even sure where to start and afraid to make a mistake. How did you finally learn to trust even to put yourself out there? And how did you know it was the right man?

  4. Amber says:

    My big dream is to make a living writing books and I already have my first novel coming out on March, 27th and I am super excited! The only issue that I have is I have a hard time carving out space and time to sit and write but I am trying to change that by setting a schedule for myself and really working at it.

    By the way if you read this Kriss, Crazy sexy cancer changed my life. After seeing it I felt like I had been asleep my entire life. <3 <3 <3

  5. Caroline says:

    Dear Kris,

    You are such a wonderful inspiration!

    Spiritual forest fire… absolutely amazingly well put! I know exactly what you mean and have been through the same thing. Also got saved just in time.

    Thank you from my heart and many prayers to Buddy <3

    Peace xoxo

  6. Larissa says:

    Hi Kriss,
    just “discovered” you recently, as I`m over in Europe ; )
    Thank you for sharing. I`m in the process of rethinking and adjusting my life – taking one step at a time ; )
    You inspire me!

    xo Larissa

  7. Kiyomi says:

    i’m a singer/songwriter and my dream is to spread my music out to a bigger audience, and license to tv and films. the problem is, i was never given an instruction manual on how to do that, and it seems hard for musicians in general to get their foot in the door 🙁 i’m still staying positive though, and creating more and more 🙂 music is my life!

  8. Jade says:

    Kris, I adore your energy, and light you shine to inspire us to live our dreams! Love your ‘crazy sexy dream planner’ and excited to play with it!! And am thankful to hear your journey and transitions you made over the years to follow your ‘true voice’! I know what it’s like to feel that there’s more my creative journey in life (more than my acting)….and am open to following the signs.

    What I’d really love is to inspire others too to follow their bliss, for more peeps to shine their light, for the world to be brighter and fuller of love & positivity! It matters so much to see more happy peeps doing what they love, because it just feels amazing when I see others living their dreams. It’s inspiring, uplifting motivating, and continues to influence me in a positive way to follow my hearts calling…go where my path is clearly lit, and trust the Universe’s guidance along the way…even when I may feel my ‘doubtful elf’ chime in, I say, ‘doubtful elf’ there’s nothing to worry about ‘happy elf & bashful elf’ are on it!

    big hugs everyone – xo Jade

  9. Nancy says:

    Thanks Kris – I appreciate your work a lot. My dreams seem to have mostly shredded away into the wind. I stand here holding a few strands, trying to pick up the pieces after a extended period of deep heart break. I barely know where to begin anymore. Thank you for reaching out to inspire and guide those whose visions are vibrantly clear and those who must re-animate them. Gratitude.

  10. Sarah Zitin says:

    As always, you are an amazing light! Your own wisdom, courage and fortitude is an inspiration, and BTW, thanks for all you do!!
    Look forward to the online calls and information.
    Sarah

  11. Heather Grace says:

    Wonderful article. Human life requires infinite courage/strength – as I age, it is harder to access it/rebuild. Thanks for being such a good role model.

  12. Amy says:

    Kris,
    Very interested in signing up for the business mastermind journey but don’t have a FB account. Is this a must have requirement?

    Thanks, Amy

    • Kris Carr says:

      Hi Amy! You can still participate in the live call and get the recording, but the group is happening on Facebook. Hope you’ll join us on the call! xo

  13. Matt Jager says:

    Seriously inspiring perspective here Kris! Just imagine if the forest fire never started, and we weren’t able to benefit from your wisdom!

    It’s rare we get this kind of kick in the tush from others in our lives. We are fortunate that the universe takes it upon itself to “motivate” us, but always better if we can take the steps before the fire starts.

    I’ve taken a major leap this year towards starting my own website and business. It’s been scary, difficult, challenging, and pretty much every other emotion, but it is so exciting and fulfilling! Thanks for pushing us to do our best!

  14. Eleonora C. Bastos says:

    My dream is making an impact and change people lives through nutrition and coaching. I just graduated as a Health Coach and I look up to you as my example of who I want to become…So THANK YOU FOR DOING WHAT YOU DO AND BEING AN INSPIRATIONAL ROLE MODEL!

  15. Pam Leete says:

    Kris, I have to say I really love your openness, honesty about all aspects of life. I just starting reading your stuff and getting your emails a few weeks ago and you already have made a difference in my life. Thank you! OK, about this dreaming thing. I have a really great job and life however, I have always believed that I was made for more. I have this desire and burn inside me to do something start my own business, change the world, etc. Problem is I can’t narrow down what. I have passion, and interest and health, I know a lot about retail and the ends and out of manufacturing. This is my current business. I want to do my own thing but feel stuck and can’t figure it out. Help if you have any input I would appreciate it.

  16. John says:

    God your’e beautiful. What a loser for dumping you.

  17. Paige Young says:

    My dream is to start a mindfulness based horse therapy program. I’ve been holding myself back but I truly believe all we have is now. It’s time to jump in and to be open to wherever the current takes me.

    Thanks Kris for your inspirational words.

  18. Rachel says:

    Kris, You always manage to find a voice to say things so perfectly. When I was diagnosed with BC two years ago that was my spiritual forest fire. I found myself lost and spiraling into the deep abyss of dealing with illness. It was YOUR book that finally made me understand what I needed to do. I picked myself up, brushed myself off, and decided to change my life from that day forward. Today I would not recognize the person I used to be. Thank you for using your voice to help inspire people like me!

  19. megan says:

    I have always wanted to be a history teacher, primarily at the college level. I have tried a few times to apply to entry level teaching jobs with no such luck.

    When I got a rejection email today for a job, I told my fiance that I should make a collection of all these rejection letters I’ve received. His response was so amazing. He said “yes save them so when your dream comes true you have something to look back at.” His comment combined with this blog today has boost my spirits and helped me keep going with my dream!

    Megan

  20. Rachael says:

    I have been a reader and supporter of you for years Kris. I have all your books and look forward to your newsletters. This one hit home and I felt your words in my chest tonight. I am in a very negative living environment. I am living with toxic family members because I am currently unemployed and since I moved in to save money my health and spirit have taken a turn for the worse. I hope setting my intentions will open up new possibilities for me to find employment and make a better life for myself.

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