[Magic sprinkle sound.] A Tiny-Big dream might be the kind of thing you don’t say to people because you barely even admit it to yourself. It’s a desire for something that feels silly, insignificant, frivolous, perhaps even ridiculous. There’s a good chance they’re simultaneously somewhat outrageous, (to you or others) impossible (usually because of life in general) or even bizarre.
Planting an edible flower garden, learning ballet, baking cookies, just tiny big dreams coming to life 😘 all completely wonderful. Love this. Love this. Love this 💛
Thank you! Some of the more ridiculous ones I held back from sharing. 🙈 I’m afraid of admitting a few even to my own brain! Oh that cake was sooo much fun.
Lovely idea - tiny big dreams. Feels like I have about a gazillion of them :-D! I dip in and out of each of them…perhaps choosing one and going for it is the way…Feels a bit To-Do List, BUT, the multitasking approach has been feeling unfulfilling.
Totally could fall into the “to-do” list side of things, definitely not the goal though. I guess in my head it’s more about giving each of those dreams actual recognition to see if I want to take any steps towards it or if it was more of a random thought. Maybe it’s more like a bucket list, a bunch of things I’d love to do & a year of chasing joy. Gives it less multi-tasking vibes, more of a “project” pursuit. Would love to hear one of yours. x
Yes I absolutely see the beauty and value in the intention and spirit behind tiny big dreams… I meant that my dip in, dip out multitasking approach feels a bit like a To Do list, when I know your idea here is not that. So perhaps I need to focus on one at a time so it feels less like a To Do list and more like that magic tiny big dreams concept that you describe here :-). One of mine I’ve been dipping in and out of is do develop a regular practice & skill doing an art form with my hands. There are several in interested in but for now embroidery is the one that delights me the most… it needs space and time. Maybe framing that time and space with tiny big dreams energy will make that feel more easeful. 🧡
I don’t know if this is Tiny-Big. I would like to finish and publish my second book. A big part of it is done, a tiny part is left. It feels like a momentous task currently.
It's a dream that's been circling your list for a while, it definitely counts as a TinyBig dream. Plus, it's both a bit scary and grand. Maybe it's just taking those next steps that could be the TinyBig dream - letting yourself play with launch ideas, cover ideas, plotting final pieces, contacting people etc.
Yes! That’s a great way to put it. There is something a bit childlike about a few of these pursuits. (Or at least some of the dreams we have but don’t share, for sure.)
I think I’ve actually been chasing tiny big dreams since a while now. In the space between the craziness of my 9-5, those tiny big dreams keep me sane!
I have a list of tiny big dreams too, small scale things full of meaning to only me. The best kind of dreams. P.S. I am so impressed that you are learning ballet!
Thank you for finding the right words, full of meaning only to you. That's exactly it and maybe why they're hard to admit to others. Probably also why my examples above are mostly not tiny-big dreams, because my tiny-big dreams are too embarrassing. Haha!
This was wonderful! That cake is also gorgeous! I've done some adult ballet - next wish when we get back to the Americas is taking modern dance classes and making a home art studio or renting a space with other artists.
Thank you Zoe! Lovely to connect with you. Oooh yes, that all sounds amazing! How did you find the ballet classes you took, did you enjoy them? Modern dance probably gives more opportunity to *actually* dance and less restricted I'd imagine? At least I've found that when I've done contemporary or lyrical classes, I can move a bit more freely. An art studio sounds incredible. What kind of art do you do?
Hi Keeley! I did enjoy them, but I never got particularly far in my techniques so we didn't move around a ton. I did a fun intro to Afro Pop dance class where we definitely moved more and it was great. But ballet class was super helpful for terminology - I was photographing a lot of ballet dancers at the time. I ran a photo business for a decade or so but am trying my hand at a lot of different media right now (along with personal photo projects) to see what sticks! I'm showing some black and white photos of a Japanese Island and hopefully paintings in a few weeks at a gallery... I added paintings to challenge myself so hopefully it turns out in the next few weeks!
I’d like to do a pottery course, just because. I suppose these Tiny-Big dreams outside of the monotonous to-do lists of life are what keep life fulfilling and enjoyable. Not a luxury but a must in my opinion to keep sane in this crazy world. Keep up the wonderful work! xx
Hi Bethany! You worded that so beautifully. I wholeheartedly agree. Me too, I'd love to do a pottery course! I did ceramics back in year 11 but I'd love to do it again. My sister in law and I bought some clay a few weeks a go and had a go making some bowls and spoons. The spoons all broke, lol, but the bowls worked. She's gone right into it now, making all kinds of things. xx
This is so cool. This week in one of the spiritual development classes I teach, the participants were invited to try something they'd never really done before, whether it was create something with their non-dominant hand or engage an activity they don't feel like the excel at, and see what they discovered about themselves. I was reminded of this by your post because one of the people tried two things--cooking, and a yoga class. Her recounting of her experience and her unexpected successes was so very delightful!
I love your list and I wish you well as you fulfill it. (I'm not sharing my tinybig dreams because the concept really resonates but I haven't quite figured out what they are yet.)
Thank you so much Jenn. I probably didn't give fair examples for TinyBig dreams because in all honesty they're hard to admit because they sound so silly. Helen mentioned above they're the kinds of things that only mean something to us and I think that describes them well. A true TinyBig dream is something that seems so small, so inconsequential or something you haven't paid enough attention to like learning a new skill just because or wearing bright red lipstick one day if you've never had the guts to do it. Or trying a type of drink or anything that's outside of what feels ordinary or easy for us to do. "I wish I could have that/do that/be like that/try that/see that..." often precede a tinybig dream.
You’re not crazy at all! I like your tiny big dreams! It reminds me of my 24 for 24 list, an idea from Gretchen Rubin. 24 things I would like to accomplish in 2024, for example trying out 10 new cake recipes and planning a short solotrip. And also repainting a wall in my livingroom.
Hi Hilda! Thank you! Oh I LOVE that! Did you write a post about your 24 for 24 I could read? Feel free to drop a link. What colour are you going for in your living room? (Choosing paint colours are so hard!)
Well, first of all the cake is phenomenal - an actual work of art. ✨ And YES to all the Tiny-Big dreams. I just gave up added sugar as a sort of personal challenge (my friend is doing Lent so, y'know, solidarity) so I'd be so interested in any sugar free vegan (I'm already veggie and dairy free) cookie recipes you find - one of my Tiny-Big dreams is to make just those kinds of sweet tasty delights. Some of mine: taking more videos alongside photos; finishing another roll of expired film; making some art even if it's just a tiny sketch or a single line drawing; get the posts I've written here in my first year printed into a little book that's just for me... And so many more. Love this, love that you shared it. Will journal on this topic this week! LOVE. ❤️
A friend and I just did an intro to art and design evening class, because we could. It was great and now I'm teaching myself how to make linocut prints, inspired by that class. So that's good.
It's so fun. Currently just printing onto paper, and have bought some blank greetings cards so will attempt to make those look good too. Yay for LittleBig ideas!
Thank you Korynn! Amazing to hear you're pursuing TinyBig dreams with me. xx
Planting an edible flower garden, learning ballet, baking cookies, just tiny big dreams coming to life 😘 all completely wonderful. Love this. Love this. Love this 💛
“We are the stuff of dreams” after all, right?
This whole list is right up my alley too! 🩰✨ Hope you enjoy it all, Keeley! (Now I need to dig up that sugar cookie recipe I wanted to try one day...)
Those aren’t ridiculous at all! That cake is stunning, BTW. Love this so much!
Thank you! Some of the more ridiculous ones I held back from sharing. 🙈 I’m afraid of admitting a few even to my own brain! Oh that cake was sooo much fun.
I get it. If it feels safer to share without putting it in a post for the world to see, I'd love to hear them.
I’d love to share more, something lovely about sharing them with others as they progress. I’ll post an update with more soon!
Lovely idea - tiny big dreams. Feels like I have about a gazillion of them :-D! I dip in and out of each of them…perhaps choosing one and going for it is the way…Feels a bit To-Do List, BUT, the multitasking approach has been feeling unfulfilling.
Totally could fall into the “to-do” list side of things, definitely not the goal though. I guess in my head it’s more about giving each of those dreams actual recognition to see if I want to take any steps towards it or if it was more of a random thought. Maybe it’s more like a bucket list, a bunch of things I’d love to do & a year of chasing joy. Gives it less multi-tasking vibes, more of a “project” pursuit. Would love to hear one of yours. x
Yes I absolutely see the beauty and value in the intention and spirit behind tiny big dreams… I meant that my dip in, dip out multitasking approach feels a bit like a To Do list, when I know your idea here is not that. So perhaps I need to focus on one at a time so it feels less like a To Do list and more like that magic tiny big dreams concept that you describe here :-). One of mine I’ve been dipping in and out of is do develop a regular practice & skill doing an art form with my hands. There are several in interested in but for now embroidery is the one that delights me the most… it needs space and time. Maybe framing that time and space with tiny big dreams energy will make that feel more easeful. 🧡
I don’t know if this is Tiny-Big. I would like to finish and publish my second book. A big part of it is done, a tiny part is left. It feels like a momentous task currently.
It's a dream that's been circling your list for a while, it definitely counts as a TinyBig dream. Plus, it's both a bit scary and grand. Maybe it's just taking those next steps that could be the TinyBig dream - letting yourself play with launch ideas, cover ideas, plotting final pieces, contacting people etc.
I have recently been creating tiny big dreams and loved the inner child coming back out.
Yes! That’s a great way to put it. There is something a bit childlike about a few of these pursuits. (Or at least some of the dreams we have but don’t share, for sure.)
Would love to hear one of yours if you’re happy to share? x
I think I’ve actually been chasing tiny big dreams since a while now. In the space between the craziness of my 9-5, those tiny big dreams keep me sane!
I have a list of tiny big dreams too, small scale things full of meaning to only me. The best kind of dreams. P.S. I am so impressed that you are learning ballet!
Thank you for finding the right words, full of meaning only to you. That's exactly it and maybe why they're hard to admit to others. Probably also why my examples above are mostly not tiny-big dreams, because my tiny-big dreams are too embarrassing. Haha!
This was wonderful! That cake is also gorgeous! I've done some adult ballet - next wish when we get back to the Americas is taking modern dance classes and making a home art studio or renting a space with other artists.
Thank you Zoe! Lovely to connect with you. Oooh yes, that all sounds amazing! How did you find the ballet classes you took, did you enjoy them? Modern dance probably gives more opportunity to *actually* dance and less restricted I'd imagine? At least I've found that when I've done contemporary or lyrical classes, I can move a bit more freely. An art studio sounds incredible. What kind of art do you do?
Hi Keeley! I did enjoy them, but I never got particularly far in my techniques so we didn't move around a ton. I did a fun intro to Afro Pop dance class where we definitely moved more and it was great. But ballet class was super helpful for terminology - I was photographing a lot of ballet dancers at the time. I ran a photo business for a decade or so but am trying my hand at a lot of different media right now (along with personal photo projects) to see what sticks! I'm showing some black and white photos of a Japanese Island and hopefully paintings in a few weeks at a gallery... I added paintings to challenge myself so hopefully it turns out in the next few weeks!
I’d like to do a pottery course, just because. I suppose these Tiny-Big dreams outside of the monotonous to-do lists of life are what keep life fulfilling and enjoyable. Not a luxury but a must in my opinion to keep sane in this crazy world. Keep up the wonderful work! xx
Hi Bethany! You worded that so beautifully. I wholeheartedly agree. Me too, I'd love to do a pottery course! I did ceramics back in year 11 but I'd love to do it again. My sister in law and I bought some clay a few weeks a go and had a go making some bowls and spoons. The spoons all broke, lol, but the bowls worked. She's gone right into it now, making all kinds of things. xx
Edible flowers is a fantastic tiny big dream. What a great way to add a little joy to your meals
Thank you for getting it Dani. Just imagine a pretty bowl of oats in the morning with a dainty flower? What a way to start the day. :) x
This is so cool. This week in one of the spiritual development classes I teach, the participants were invited to try something they'd never really done before, whether it was create something with their non-dominant hand or engage an activity they don't feel like the excel at, and see what they discovered about themselves. I was reminded of this by your post because one of the people tried two things--cooking, and a yoga class. Her recounting of her experience and her unexpected successes was so very delightful!
I love your list and I wish you well as you fulfill it. (I'm not sharing my tinybig dreams because the concept really resonates but I haven't quite figured out what they are yet.)
Oh I really love that.
Thank you so much Jenn. I probably didn't give fair examples for TinyBig dreams because in all honesty they're hard to admit because they sound so silly. Helen mentioned above they're the kinds of things that only mean something to us and I think that describes them well. A true TinyBig dream is something that seems so small, so inconsequential or something you haven't paid enough attention to like learning a new skill just because or wearing bright red lipstick one day if you've never had the guts to do it. Or trying a type of drink or anything that's outside of what feels ordinary or easy for us to do. "I wish I could have that/do that/be like that/try that/see that..." often precede a tinybig dream.
Oh yes! These are marvelous. I'm going to be paying attention...
You’re not crazy at all! I like your tiny big dreams! It reminds me of my 24 for 24 list, an idea from Gretchen Rubin. 24 things I would like to accomplish in 2024, for example trying out 10 new cake recipes and planning a short solotrip. And also repainting a wall in my livingroom.
Hi Hilda! Thank you! Oh I LOVE that! Did you write a post about your 24 for 24 I could read? Feel free to drop a link. What colour are you going for in your living room? (Choosing paint colours are so hard!)
My wall be a greyish black (like an old blackboard, same as it is now, so I don't need to take difficult descisions :)
I shared my 24for24 list on my blog. It's in Dutch but there's a translate button on my page.
https://www.emfloweryou.com/alle/mijn-24-voor-24/
Enjoy! :-)
This is wonderful! Somehow I feel a bug shift coming in this direction as well. Love it ! By the way your cake is marvellous 🥰
Hi Crystal! That sounds really exciting! Must be something in the air. And thank you, I had so much fun making it, it was good for my heart. xx
By the way your work is lovely.
Well, first of all the cake is phenomenal - an actual work of art. ✨ And YES to all the Tiny-Big dreams. I just gave up added sugar as a sort of personal challenge (my friend is doing Lent so, y'know, solidarity) so I'd be so interested in any sugar free vegan (I'm already veggie and dairy free) cookie recipes you find - one of my Tiny-Big dreams is to make just those kinds of sweet tasty delights. Some of mine: taking more videos alongside photos; finishing another roll of expired film; making some art even if it's just a tiny sketch or a single line drawing; get the posts I've written here in my first year printed into a little book that's just for me... And so many more. Love this, love that you shared it. Will journal on this topic this week! LOVE. ❤️
Oh wow, fellow vegie/dairy free buddy! I'll definitely share what I find.
I LOVE yours! They're all divine. Thank you for getting it. xx
I love this concept so much!
A friend and I just did an intro to art and design evening class, because we could. It was great and now I'm teaching myself how to make linocut prints, inspired by that class. So that's good.
That's amazing! Lino carving is so meditative. Do you think you'll print onto fabric?
It's so fun. Currently just printing onto paper, and have bought some blank greetings cards so will attempt to make those look good too. Yay for LittleBig ideas!
Ah, yes! Bespoke greeting cards, gorgeous. 👏