I’m fortunate that my family encouraged dreaming and goal-setting. I still have a list of wishes that I wrote on a business trip with Dad that includes going to Disney World, singing a song on stage, and dying my hair purple. My preteen cousins and I used to plan our weddings, down to the flowers and shoes. A popular new years’ day activity was to make collages from magazine clippings of things we’d like to have or do someday.

Recently, I’ve been thinking a lot about some adult-ish goals like owning a home. The little nay-sayers in my head keep reminding me how far off that dream looks and pointing out all of the obstacles ahead. But here’s the thing: they’re little voices.

My parents weren’t just wishers. They also had strategies for getting some of the goals accomplished. There was one time when they wanted to go to a seminar and it didn’t look like they could make it work financially. (“Huge obstacle, why even try,” Say the little voices.) Instead of giving in to doubt, they started doing what they could do: find a sitter, book a hotel, and ask for time off work. They moved forward as if it were going to work out and… it did! At the last minute the money bit happened and they were able to go.

Nice fairytale, hunh? ISometimes dreams do come true. Planning ahead and making space for what you want can be a wise thing. A brave thing. So my husband and I, despite the little voices, have started talking about flooring, wall colors, layout plans, and bedroom sets. It’s exciting and scary. Even if it doesn’t happen for a while, I’m walking in the right direction. I’ll get where I want to go.