Shield Your Dreams From The Naysayers

I’m in the midst of a major shift in my life – a bold leap forward that promises transformative and exciting changes for me and my family.

It is taking a lot of my time and requires a lot of work and personal sacrifice, as there are many moving parts that need to align to make it all happen. However, I know it will work and I trust in spirit’s guidance and divine timing. I’ve successfully navigated similar situations before in my life, so I’m confident it can be done.

As is often the case in these situations, I find myself surrounded by people who are projecting their fears and limitations onto me and my goals. Based on conversations with friends and clients who are supportive and encouraging, this seems to be a common pattern. What is clear to me is that these are people who have chosen to live very different lives from mine.

For example, I have a relative who has always lived in fear and has repeatedly tried to discourage me from every endeavor I’ve ever pursued — almost all of which have been successful. The few that have not worked out for the best I consider valuable life lessons.

I started my first business when I was 26 years old. This family member scoffed at me, saying it was too risky and that I was wasting my time and money. Well, that business ended up paying more than just my bills for over a decade, while many of my peers spent the best years of their lives in soul-destroying dead-end jobs. It allowed me, for example, to buy two houses and several new cars, and best of all, I loved what I was doing!

Meanwhile, the cynical family member was living her very “safe” and predictable life, which left her feeling unfulfilled, frustrated, and bored. All the more reason to project her unhappiness onto me. She’s a talented, creative person, but fear has kept her from pursuing her passions and making the most of her gifts. This has caused her much regret and sadness over time, while the world continues to miss out on her talents.

You’ll begin to see that you have what the naysayers don’t. Their criticisms and their judgments, are rooted in their own weakness, not yours. If you’re stubborn enough, you will rise above the limitations they would seek to impose upon you ~ Patrick Bisher

I have also had my share of failure, and although painful, it has taught me about faith, resilience and perseverance. It has shown me the importance of getting back up and trying again, even when the odds seem stacked against you. The world’s greatest achievers often have their scars — evidence of their challenging path to success. Like ancient warriors, they wear these scars as badges of honor, proof of their courage and determination. Each failure is a stepping stone that builds character and reminds you that setbacks are not the end, but an integral part of the journey to greatness.

And now, once again, I am surrounded by people who say things like, “It will never work. Or they tell others, “Oh, there is no way she can make it happen.” The more practical ones say things like, “Interesting idea, but I don’t think she has enough money.”

But I have come to realize that none of these naysayers have ever really tried to step outside their comfort zone, much less live up to their full potential. None of them have owned businesses or taken significant risks, much less contributed in any meaningful way to making the world a better place.

What they’re really saying is that they can’t see me doing it because they know they wouldn’t be able to do it themselves. Sadly, many dreams remain unfulfilled because of fear, lack of awareness, and self-limitation. They do not judge me based on their successes and accomplishments, not even their own mistakes and failures. Their views come from their own lack of courage and limiting beliefs. As a result, I’ve had to distance myself from these negative people.

Recently, someone I’ve never met felt it was her duty to tell a mutual friend that she didn’t think I would achieve my goal. She also had no empathy for the challenges I have been facing. Shortly thereafter, I heard that the same person’s very comfortable, affluent life had begun to fall apart. This goes to show that it is karmically unwise to shoot down other people’s dreams. It creates a boomerang effect, not as punishment, but as a lesson in compassion and kindness. Spirit, Source, God, the Divine doesn’t punish, it only teaches. And one of the greatest lessons in life is empathy. Best to be kind to people on your way up because you may need them on your way down!

I have since asked my protective and well-meaning friend to kindly stop sharing this kind of gossip with me. If it is not positive and uplifting, I am no longer interested in hearing about it. Negative, toxic energy is contagious, and I’m determined to keep it away from me. I am far too busy trying to achieve my own dreams to waste precious time and energy on other people’s idle opinions and nasty attitudes.

In every age there are plenty of people around to remind you what you cannot possibly do. Thank goodness, for these naysayers provide a priceless service: They spur…us to achieve great things ~ Jerry and Eileen Spinelli

Negative, petty people have always been around, but it seems that social media has amplified this toxic phenomenon. The comments on posts, even those of children (who I don’t think should be on social media in the first place), are sometimes shockingly vile and cruel. The anonymity of the Internet seems to have normalized inhumanity, heartlessness, and vindictiveness, and apparently these attitudes have now also spilled over into real life. Many people today seem to lack filters and basic decency.

Meanwhile, the biggest hurdles and obstacles in my current plans — things that once seemed almost impossible – have become doorways and stepping stones! I’ve already overcome the most difficult challenges, and now there are just a couple more things to make happen before everything finally falls into place.

I’ve approached each step methodically, believing every step of the way that it will happen. Challenges and setbacks don’t mean that something isn’t “meant” to happen or is doomed to fail. All significant accomplishments in life require hard work, resilience, perseverance, and faith, especially if you are pursuing something with truly big and worthwhile.

Another key element in shielding myself from the negative energy of others is my daily spiritual routine. Every day, as busy as I sometimes am, I set aside time for meditation, prayer, and energy work. These practices help me align with my higher self, stay grounded and spiritually connected, and focus on my goals with clarity and confidence. Spiritual guidance and divine inspiration have become a daily source of strength and reassurance that I am on the right path. I often experience amazing signs and synchronicities — whether it’s a meaningful number sequence, a timely message, or an intuitive nudge – reminding me that I am supported by Spirit and the Divine.

My spiritual practice has not only kept me centered, but has also helped me recognize and deflect negativity before it can take root. By staying attuned to my inner guidance and maintaining a high vibrational state, I am able to face challenges with confidence and resilience. The combination of faith, focus and staying in the flow has been instrumental in manifesting my goals and protecting my energy.

The people involved in my plans are amazed at what I’ve accomplished so far against considerable odds. All of this is possible because I believe I can do it and I have people around me who are the wind beneath my wings, while God and the Universe has my back.

Stay true to yourself. Have your own opinion. Don’t worry about what people say about you or think about you. Let the naysayers nay. They will eventually grow tired of naying ~ Ellen DeGeneres

So, if you also have big plans for your life and future, be sure to surround yourself with positive, supportive people. Distance yourself from naysayers, pessimists and energy thieves. Those people are simply out to rain on your parade for one or more of the following reasons:

Insecurities: Negative people often project their own insecurities and self-doubt onto others. They doubt your ability to succeed because they doubt themselves.

Envy: Seeing someone else pursue their dreams can trigger feelings of envy and resentment, especially if they feel stuck in their own lives.

Shame: Their own mistakes and past failures have left them fearful, cynical, or simply embarrassed, leading them to believe that they are unworthy or that dreaming is dangerous. Of course, there is nothing wrong with failing until you succeed, which is often the case with some of the world’s greatest achievers, but negative people are often those who never had the courage to get back up and try again.

Pettiness: They see your potential success as a threat to their own limited status or small accomplishments, leading them to undermine your efforts. Always remember that truly successful, accomplished people have no need or time to feel threatened by anyone.

Fear of change: They resist change and may feel threatened by your ambitions, fearing that it will disrupt their comfort zone or confront them with their own lack of accomplishment. Being surrounded by negativity and a ‘herd mentality’ can further shape their outlook and make them more likely to discourage you.

Lack of vision or understanding: Some people simply do not have the ability to see the potential in your ideas and then simply dismiss them as unrealistic or impractical. They simply do not fully understand your vision or the passion that drives you. They fail to recognize the bigger picture or the insignificance of certain matters in the grand scheme of things.

Conformity: Cultural, social, or family customs and norms may prevent them from supporting unconventional or ambitious goals. Many people are comfortable with mediocrity and just want to fit in, which makes them uncomfortable with others who strive for different or greater things.

By avoiding people who doubt their own abilities or hate the life they’ve chosen, and by strengthening your daily spiritual practice, you can create a powerful circle of positive, encouraging, and optimistic energy to protect and guide you and help you realize your dreams for a better life.

Always remind yourself that anything is possible. History is filled with examples of succesful people who overcame adversity and criticism to achieve greatness. There are countless examples of successful businesses, breathtaking works of art, life-changing inventions and innovations, and other human achievements that were created by those who dared to dream and prove the naysayers wrong. You can be one of them.

Armor up and dare to dream. Push past the fear, the negativity, and the comfort zones, and show the world, and those pesky naysayers, what’s possible!