Can I ask a question? Are you a Dreamer or a Doer? And that special thing on your wish/to-do list… Is that a Dream or a Goal?
I’ve learned a whole lot about this Dream or Goal thing over the past few weeks. And, believe it or not, my lesson came in the form of a castle.
My dream is a castle…
Let me start with a confession. For the past 7 or 8 years, I’ve been spending time in Chapala, a lovely community in Central Mexico. The trips began as a visit with my friend Victoria. But I fell in love with the place and have been “dreaming” of owning a home and living there one day.
You know… one of those “when I retire someday” kind of dreams.
… with walls of glass and stone.
As long as this “dream” was just a daydream (like what I would do if I won the lottery) it was just hanging out there. Nothing to do, nothing to worry about. Just a dream, right?
A practical castle with a great kitchen…
But this year, instead of me having the dream, the dream got me. The Dream House (appropriately named “the Castle”) had a FOR SALE sign on it. Uh oh, time to Do Something!
… and an amazing view from the front door
I felt like the Universe whacked me upside the head and said “Listen up! It’s here. It’s right in front of you!” Thwack!
Dream or Goal?
Let’s get back to that Dream or Goal question…
A Dream is that thing we put out there at a safe distance. I want to live in Mexico – someday. I want to design a line of fabric – maybe. I (kinda, sorta) want to make enough art to have a solo show at a gallery.
A Goal, on the other hand, is attached to a Plan that requires Action. I’ll take three courses on design this year, and the first begins on February 6th. I need six large scale works and eight smaller pieces over the next three years, and the first two are in progress.
But let’s be honest here. Goals are not easy. Goals require action, hard work – and getting past the ever-present doubts and the list of excuses that pop into our head. It’s not the right time. I’m too busy. Since when are you special enough to live in a Castle, for God’s sake?
Say what???
Live Your Dream
Clearly, a Castle in Chapala is not on everyone’s dream list. But we all have dreams, and next week I’ll challenge you to turn one of those Dreams into a Goal. Until then, click over to YouTube to watch this video. If it doesn’t inspire you to take action, I’m not sure what will.
And that Castle in Chapala? I’m all in, baby! I made the offer and danced like a crazy lady when it was accepted. I’ll be in Chapala again next week for the inspection. Short of a major surprise, that Castle is in my future. And yes, I’m special enough to live there!
Good for you!! I’m so glad you seized the opportunity the universe presented!
And thank you for sharing that video!! It was so inspiring!
You’re welcome. It helped me to get over the hump when I was trying to decide whether or not to proceed with the house purchase.
Thanks, Kelley. A lot (as in a LOT) of energy went into that choice. But this was one opportunity that I didn’t want to be on my Regret list later in my life. So… on with the adventure!
WhooHoo!! What a way to start a new year! Enjoy claiming your Queen self, enjoy the castle, enjoy Chapala again! I’m so happy for you.
Thank you, Zahava. I’ll be in Chapala again next week for the inspection. I hope all goes well!
Next thing you do, start living there part time, then develop it as a place for textile craft retreats. I spent a really nice week at Hacienda Mosaico in Puerto Vallarta, working with a couple of bead mosaic artists. There are few things nicer than being able to work in a sheltered but out of doors place on into the evening, surrounded by warmth and tropical flowers. Well, in reality you do what you want with it. It sounds like a great place!
Oh yes, retreats are on my list, Liz! With the B & B right next door, I couldn’t ask for a more perfect setup!
Good for you! It’s beautiful! Do you get to keep the furnishings, too?
Thanks, Leanne! And yes, the furnishing are all included in the purchase. Some are a bit formal, but I can see doing some amazing, funky things with the help of an upholstery shop!
I can totally see you doing that! Enjoy! =) You’ll make it your own in no time!
Startlingly WONDERFUL!!!!!! Before I read the full story, I thought “Shelly will have retreats.” And in reading the entire story, I see that is on the agenda of dreams/realities. I am very excited for you and Jack.
Thanks, Gretchen! We’ll be taking a trip timed with closing to see how he does with the altitude. He is so much improved from a year ago that I think it will be fine. Fingers crossed on that point!
Oh, Shelly, I’m so excited for you. This will be a wonderful getaway for you and Jack. I know how much you enjoy going and now you can go more often. And the pictures are great – fabulous kitchen and love the tiles in the front door view. Can’t wait to see how your art grows! You’ll have to hang out a welcome sign for all your friends to visit and learn to love Chapala as you do.
Thanks, Morna. It’s going to be amazing. The whole Castle thing is a bit mind-boggling. It looks ancient, but was built in the early 90s.
Friends and fabric art lovers will most definitely be welcome. The best part is that the QQ, the B&B I love so much is right next door. All good!
This is such an inspiring post! Thanks for the video, and um, your castle pictures led me down a Chapala real estate rabbit hole!! Now I want to go there!
Congrats on your new home. Will you live there all year?
Thanks, Mary. I’m glad you enjoyed the video.
I have no idea whether we will make a permanent move to Chapala anytime soon. That will be up to my better half. (He has to be able to handle the elevation comfortably with less than perfect lungs.) For now, I’m happy to have a permanent home away from home — and an amazing location to host future art retreats. ?