I have this theory. A theory about Dreaming Big. You know, the kind of dream it takes more that one person to go after?! Could be a dream you wish for your family, for yourself, for others, etc. But all in all, it’s a BIG DREAM and in order to GO AFTER it, you NEED the right COMPONENTS (hence, my theory).
Theory Components:
The past 7 years or so have left me in a constant juggle act with these 5 components. Holding onto one, while dropping a few others. But in actuality, if I just learned to use them right, they would keep me balanced while moving forward. Easier said than done, right?
In 2006 I left TX for Hawaii. I worked at the Hilton and Four seasons, teaching fitness classes and race directing triathlons (Lavaman). That’s also where I first started “sherpaing” for my then fiancé (aka the hubs)
I taught 4 to 5 classes a day and then took on way to much work outside of teaching. Yes, I was passionate about what I did. Yes, I took risk and moved for a job. Yes, I set aside time to pray and build my faith. But I lost focus on my priorities (rest) and didn’t set the right boundaries. I ended up getting burnt out, physically and and mentally, and I lost some of that passion. I took a break in order to rekindle that passion, to rest, and to reset boundaries. Today I still teach fitness, but it’s only 3x a week yet I am more passionate about it than ever. Balance!
From 2008-2013 WE have been Dreaming Big. The Cotter Crew (team). We’ve taken several risks. Left our Austin home to go train in New Zealand, flew to Hawaii for last minute races, and have jetted off to the Bahamas to start a triathlon squad and training camp (Hard Yards). I guess you could say we’re good at seizing the moment! Haha.
New Zealand
Hawaii
Bahamas
Our priorities have always been to serve each other, to be there for each other. Our passions, they’ve stayed. Some days we feel more passionate about what we’re after than others. Our boundaries have been pushed, and we both are just now learning to NEVER push those boundaries again, especially the ones that leave you injured and unhealthy. And prayer, well, I think that’s the glue to keeping those components together. I’ll be the first to admit that when my prayer life is lacking, I am lacking. Prayer helps me focus on my PRIORITIES as well as give me CONFIDENCE in taking certain risks. Like starting a small business and living paycheck to paycheck. Trusting God’s provision.
Dreaming Big doesn’t mean you will succeed with your ultimate goal. In fact, God may have other plans for you. But it does mean you build character, you create a vision, you embrace trials, you tackle fears, and learn to be THANKFUL for the life you have. That to me is succeeding.
So go head, DREAM BIG! And remember, there’s a theory!
Cheers,
LC
I first talked about the 5 components of dreaming big HERE
I love reading your ‘advice’. It is true to the soul! Thank you! Always seems to give me a few minutes to put things back in to perspective. I have tended to follow my big dreams – moving from little town in Tennessee to Florida, to California, travelled across the US twice, and back 🙂 (not to mention the time I played french horn for the queen of england in London for New Years – 2003!)
huge wonderful hugs to you for this. I know that while I am passionate about what i am doing right now, i am running myself in to the ground. finding time to stop is what i need more than anything.
we need that stillness to regain strength, yes!?
Love how open you are to big, beautiful, crazy dreams. It is so fabulous and inspiring!
crazy indeed. haha
Yes, yes, yes! According to you, I should be full of character at this point! 😉
I have hope everyday that my dreams come true. I have a great support system though so even if things don’t go as planned…I still know that I’m moving in the right direction.
you are full of character, and grace, and charm, and OH SO MUCH beauty!
one of my most favorite posts from you!!!! I love this message. I love your 5 components. and I love seeing where you have been, where you have taken chances and where you are now. grounded. aware. fully willing and trusting to take a step towards the unknown, trusting God. Trusting. XOXOX
LOVE this post. There are many things I could say, but I’ll just suffice it at this- LOVE it, thank you for sharing.
Love this post and I love how you guys dream big together! I think that is Key! You are such an awesome (and good looking) couple!
What a great reminder of how important it is to keep God at the center of our lives!
He is NEEDED as or center, AMEN!
Great post! It was such a delightful read. You two have had quite the journey, and you’ve got so much of it left!
I needed this today!!!
<3 so glad
Putting myself into action to conquer my dreams is a struggle. I think a part of me feels dreams can be too big, ya know. Anywho 😉
Glad you all follow those dreams!
Hugs <3. Miss you!
I miss you too! Come back!
This is so beautiful and well put. I loved the part about when my prayer life is lacking, I am lacking. That is SO me!! And also the whole dreaming big but not keeping priorities in line. I have been there too. Glad to have such strong sisters in faith like you, Lindsay!
isn’t that the convicting truth!? ahh, sigh.
You’re always such a true inspiration and role model your words always sit so well with me and leave me thinking.
It’s refreshing to see someone going with their dreams rather than choosing the “easy road” out. Which I have trouble with doing lately. Do I want to choose my passion? Or do something I will hate but will make me more money. Obviously the answer is obvious written down, but my parents and friends don’t see it that way.
Such a wonderful post Lindsay!
You are dreaming big! Pilates instructor!!
I so love this post Lindsay – all your passion & love come out in it!!! Life is all about learning, isn’t it.. the good & the not so good…. But hopefully we come out on the other side better.
I certainly know about trying & not succeeding – BIG TIME as I sit here at 55 still struggling with money BUT who knows – right!
A wonderful post full of feeling & hope – I LOVE IT!!!!! What a beautiful life you have had & will continue to have!
it’s both scary and inspirational to take these kinds of chances! i’m in the midst of a change right now playing a waiting game and it’s a bit unsettling but i have to trust that everything will play out ok!
It’s so reassuring to know other people took big risks and it all worked out. I moved away from everyone I knew to a city half way across the country I had only been to once (for the interview) for a job. It’s so awesome to see the steps you’ve taken and how happy you are! Kick ass post, thank you so much for sharing!
Kick ass! haha, i like that! Thanks Becca
I think your theory is dead on! Love it, love YOU! It is so hard to find that balance between taking a leap of faith, with God (risk), and taking a leap for selfish reasons, alone (foolishness). Ian and I are always talking about “someday”. Maybe someday is today! That prayer part of the theory is crucial!!
Beautiful!! Married life (really, life in general) is quite a journey isnt it!?
Yes, always. A long journey but AMAZING!
this is such the perfect post for me to read today. 🙂
I so love this post. I LOVE dreaming big but haven’t gotten the concept that I won’t always succeed :/ It’s a tough pill to swallow when that happens and I’m working on believing that it’s God’s plan for me.
Thank you for your always beautiful words and outlook on life. xox
So inspiring… (0:
Keep on dreaming big, girl! So excited to get my healthy bites in the mail soon!!
what’s life without dreams, anyways?!? great post, lindsay!
LOVE this post! I always enjoy reading “your story” and how you and the hubs met and fell in love. It’s just so cute. I love that you put GOd first in all you do!
You know I agree with ya WHOLE heartedly, girl 🙂
Also – loved seeing the old school Hawaii pictures!!
You’ve come so far and learned so much in the process. I’m very proud of you for taking risks in order to do the things you love! I wish I was closer to my faith and prayer, but unfortunately I just never really focused on it throughout my life. It would be nice to go to something when times get tough and keep things held together.
You always have such wise words. You really are an inspiration for me! So much truth is spoken in this post. Life is a big juggling act, and it’s important to keep all components in their right place!
gosh sometimes I think I dream too big and I overwhelm myself. I put so much on my plate at once and then go nuts and feel like I can’t do it and just discourage myself. I needed this post, thank you!
I love this post and the fact that you said that dreaming big doesn’t always mean you will succeed with your ultimate goal because God may have other plans!!
Sometimes I think that I don’t dream big enough and then I am just stagnate. Thanks for the push and reminder to dream and some tips on how to dream big!!!
Oh I love this post so much Lindsay. I love the walk down memory lane (and the photos!!) but more than anything, I love your attitude and your theory. I love how you and James are dreaming big and being mindful of your boundaries. I think that’s the one that most people forget about or overlook. It is about being thankful for where you are now. You inspire me!
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS POST!! Love it so so so much! And love you both. I love how you support each other. Are there for one another. And just live your dreams!! xoxo
I read that devotion when you posted it on instagram yesterday, and wow, I’m stuck right in that “challenging time” right now. Thank you for posting that, and thank you for reminding me that I should work for my dreams, even if and when God already has a plan for me.
I dream big too much but am working on MAKING THEM COME TRUE more recently 😉 xo
I love your outlook on life, one of the reasons I adore you so much 🙂
You and the husband do dream big and you both do still keep dreaming big through the downs too, which is so important!
Love you, fabulous post!
I love this post. The two of you are such an inspiration with how you accomplish so much TOGETHER as a team in life. Definitely hope to have that myself one day. 🙂 It takes so much time, patience, and passion to reach big goals and dreams, but it help when you have someone by your side supporting you through it all.
Love this! And it makes me happy to see what you’ve learned and achieved in the past years!
I’m a big dreamer as well. Thinking small feels like a mental cage for me. Even if those dreams don’t come true, it’s better than not trying at all. Big dreams give direction and meaning in life. It’s all about being on the way! 🙂
Go big or go home, that’s what I say 😉
I needed to hear this today – thank you friend 🙂 I’ve recently made some pretty big leaps of faith in the relationship and career department, and some days are definitely easier than others to have faith that I made the right choices. Your journey is so inspirational <3
Yes- taking risks, trusting, praying and ultimately being thankful for what you have and where you are…. that is definitely successful big dreams! I’ve loved going after a few of my big dreams the last year, and I keep learning that it’s not about when I get “there” wherever “there” is, but to enjoy this, now, and find joy and contentment in each day.
LOVE this. I’m not even sure I have a comment other than to say thank you for being wonderful you.
You better believe my dreams are big. They’re so big in fact that they carry over into REALITY – AKA- I AM LIVING some and will hopefully live even MORE of my dreams in the near future!!
I feel like you hit the nail on the head with the five components. I struggle the most with risk… I’m usually way too cautious!
You are my hero. Seriously. One day I’m going to find the courage to break out and do my own thing. It’s not easy and takes a ton of faith. So proud of you (and your balls)!
oh how is it that you always seem to post something that we needed to read and hear! you’re amazing!! and yes we CONTINUE TO DREAM BIG! we have taken several risks and have continued to pray that we are headed in the right direction 🙂
love ya! HUGS
Trust and be grateful… yes…and so comforting when your feel it in your heart, that’s all we have, that’s all we need, so simple and yet completely effective.
I LOVE this post! In fact, my blog post today was about quitting my job to pursue my passion, so this really hits home. I didn’t know that you lived in Hawaii! My husband and I went to Maui on our honeymoon and I loved it. So, so pretty!
I need to print this out and put it on my wall. I love everything about this post! xoxo
You always make me smile and give me so much inspiration. You really have no idea. Big hug!
I loved hearing about your journey these past years. It definitely seems like you have been living your life by dreaming big and I believe that great things will come your way in the future. You are an inspiration!
love seeing this walk down memory lane with you and James. you two are an inspiration to so many people. love ya, Linds!
miss you friend, and love you!!
you sure do dream big and you sure are successful at it! never stop, linz!
I’ve been dreaming real big lately! I’ve really been trying to seize opportunities and be spontaneous- something that doesn’t really come natural to me! Great post :).
from what i see, you are doing AMAZING! Keep going friend.
i love this lindsay! you are so wise. thank you for sharing those words and for grounding us all 🙂
Girl, you know I dream big. You know I’m working on trying to make a comeback and make big things happen. But as with everyone, some days I’m really lacking the motivation, especially when I’m feeling discouraged. I needed this today and the reminder to make sure I’m sending out that positive energy to hopefully make big things happen!
I believe in YOU!
I need to hang this somewhere:
‘Dreaming Big doesn’t mean you will succeed with your ultimate goal. In fact, God may have other plans for you. But it does mean you build character, you create a vision, you embrace trials, you tackle fears, and learn to be THANKFUL for the life you have. That to me is succeeding.’
As much as I always hated hearing my dad say to every struggle while I was growing up ‘it builds character’, he was right. It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey and how you live it. I need to listen to my own advice 😉 God is taking us on amazing journeys in life, it’s time to take a step back every once in a while, look, and be grateful for His blessings, provisions and truly look at who we have become because of all that we face.
So amazing to see your journey in just a few words and photos. There is so much more to them, but it truly is just moments that fly by in a flash. Thank you for sharing! xoxo
Our Fathers are always right. The heavenly and the earthly. Yes?
😉