Fresh Vision
The Secret to an Energized Life
Dawn Damon
“The path from dreams to success does exist. May you have the vision to find it, the courage to get on to it, and the perseverance to follow it.” – Kalpana Chawla, 1st Indian Astronaut
In midlife, I found myself without a vision, no clear path to follow, and certainly no courage.
Although I had previously looked forward to the “empty nest” with dreams of a free and flourishing second half, midlife brought more transition than I had anticipated.
Divorce.
Suddenly, I feared my future. Who am I now? What will I do? What is my purpose?
I was in an identity crisis, with no sight of my God-given dreams or purpose. Looking back on that painful season, I realize I had what I now call “possibility blindness.” I couldn’t see or imagine anything wonderful for my life. My dreams had died.
God’s Word says, “Where there is no vision, people perish” (Proverbs 29:18 paraphrased.)
Without a clear, compelling purpose for our lives, we tend to wander in circles, looking for meaningful moments, even reasons to get out of bed in the morning. We flounder in indecision, dissatisfaction, and, often, regret. But vision awakens our slumbering soul and says, “Rise and shine. Come alive!” It’s the secret fuel that fills our tank and propels us forward, the fire that ignites our passion, the compass that guides us through life’s distractions.
Unwanted divorce left me floundering. I needed a fresh vision and a picture of how God wanted to use me.
God Created Vision
Beholding a picture of our future is God’s idea and genius. Consider the biblical story of Abraham. When God promised to make him the father of nations, He gave Abraham a vivid vision by showing him the stars in the sky and the grains of sand on the shore:
“I promise that I will give you as many descendants as there are stars in the sky or grains of sand along the seashore” (Genesis 22:17 GNB).
What was God up to? He wasn’t just giving Abraham a promise but a picture, a clear vision of the future. I like to say, “God created the first vision board!”
In the same way, God wants to give you a vision—a “stars and sand” picture of what’s possible when you step into His promises for your life. He wants the knowledge of His design to fill your heart so you can possess it.
Vision Matters
After my divorce, I wondered what beauty could come from such devastation. Would I be sad forever? It felt like it. Still, I sought God and stood on his Word, which says, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 34:7 ESV). I understood that if I continued in faith, stayed close to the heart of God—even in my hurtful condition—God would not only fulfill the dreams of my heart, but he would be the one planting those desires in me to begin with.
As I prayed, a faint vision flickered. By faith, I accepted it as God’s design for my life and began to fan the ember into a flame.
Fresh vision gives us direction, purpose, and energy for life.
So, how is your dream? Is your vision alive, clear, and thriving? Are you setting goals toward your desired destiny? Or is vision buried under the weight of daily obligations, self-doubts, and fears? Perhaps, like me, your dream has been crushed by circumstances beyond your control, and you feel confused and disoriented.
If your vision feels dormant and you can’t see what’s next, it’s time to stir up your imagination and dream. As Albert Einstein wisely said, “Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions.” A fresh vision will transform you.
Let’s explore seven ways vision transforms your life:
1. Vision Brings Fulfillment
Vision transforms ordinary days into meaningful ones. When you’re clear about your purpose and dreams, even mundane tasks take on significance because they contribute to the bigger picture. God’s purpose connects with your heart, giving you a sense of destiny and spiritual fulfillment. When I began to walk in my purpose, fear, bitterness, and self-doubt gave way to the brave new confidence growing in me.
If your vision is waning, ask God, with journal and pen in hand, to reveal His purpose for you. Write in faith. (See Colossians 1:9.)
2. Vision Keeps Hope Alive
When life throws obstacles in your path, a clear vision reminds you of the brighter future ahead. Your focus shifts from the temporary pain of today to the promises of tomorrow, helping you persevere with a heart full of optimism. When vision is alive and active in your life, it revitalizes every area—mind, body, spirit, and relationships—breathing hope into each step of your journey.
If life feels heavy and your hope has dimmed, keep your eyes on the promise and pictures of God.
3. Vision Puts You in Charge
Live by design, not by default.
As a woman, I’m sure you wear many hats—daughter, mother, friend, caregiver, professional. It’s easy to let others dictate your life and fill your agendas with their “to-do” lists. But with a living vision, you become empowered to accept the responsibility and privilege of designing the kind of life you believe God calls you to.
You’re the one who stewards the vision and sets the intentions and agenda for your life. In other words, you live by design, not by default. You live your dream, not the dreams of others. Isn’t it time to say yes to your dreams?
4. Vision Silences Distractions and Provides Focus
Life is noisy. Everyone wants your attention. Social media, family expectations, and the demands of others all compete for your focus, drowning out your inner voice. But vision cuts through the chaos, acting as a filter that helps you resist the noise and enables you to focus on reaching goals, developing new skills, adopting empowering habits, and advancing your success.
Imagine your immense fulfillment as you unleash your potential and make progress. All you have to do is give yourself permission to place a priority on you! With a clear vision, you can silence distractions and focus on what truly matters to you.
5. Vision Saves Time, Money, and Energy
Say goodbye to the indecision that costs you time, money, and energy. Because with vision, you’re clear about your important priorities, you know when to say yes or no—without guilt. Your goals are worthy, and you deserve to obtain them. Plus, you won’t be drained at the end of every day, feeling frustrated because you once again neglected yourself and the list of things you had hoped to accomplish.
Vision drives you to live intentionally—no more squandered resources. You make the most of your time.
6. Vision Energizes Your Mornings
One of my favorite benefits to fresh vision is that I awaken each morning energized and ready to roll with my day as vision whispers rise up. After my divorce, I dreaded mornings, wishing to hide under the covers for the day. But when vision stirred my spirit again, mornings became my friend. I was eager to get working on my dreams.
A vibrant picture for your life wakes you up with joy, knowing every action you take brings you closer to your dreams. That motivation makes it easier to jump out of bed and seize the day. True, sometimes we hit the snooze button, grabbing a few more minutes of sleep. We’ve all been there. But when a powerful vision fuels you, mornings become exciting.
7. Vision Inspires Discipline
Another by-product of vision is the discipline it brings. When you’re crystal clear on what you want—when your dream is vivid and compelling—you naturally find new determination to follow through and do what it takes to get there. Desires shift, and suddenly, the choices you make each day start aligning with your goals and dreams.
You lose the craving for anything that doesn’t bring you closer to the woman you’re becoming. Vision transforms discipline from a chore to a joy.
Awaken Your Vision
If your vision feels unclear or dormant, here are some ways to rekindle it.
Spend time in quiet reflection or prayer. Ask yourself:
- What stirs my soul?
- What are the dreams in my heart?
- What legacy do I want to leave behind?
Write down your answers without editing or judging yourself.
- What themes do you see?
- What do you learn about yourself?
Visualize your future self.
- What hopes do you have for her?
- Paint a mental picture so vivid that you can almost touch it.
When you align your life with God’s divine purpose, you live with vision as your compass and inspiration. Don’t let fear, doubt, or distractions hold you back. Step boldly into your vision today, knowing that God created you for greatness.
Keep dreaming. Keep believing. And most importantly, keep moving forward.
Find Strength in Prayer
Connect with our compassionate care coaches by visiting our prayer page. Whatever you’re going through, we’re here to pray for you and offer the support you need to find strength and guidance. Click here for more.
Dawn Damon is the founder and CEO of “The BraveHearted Woman,” and BraveHearted YOUniveristy, a growth and development coaching enterprise designed for women, to awaken their God-given vision and equip them to live an extraordinary life. Through Dawn’s transformational coaching and courses, women leaders, visionaries, and entrepreneurs are empowered to build a life they love!
Dawn is an Ordained Minister, Conference Speaker, Podcaster, and Author of 6 award-winning books including “When a Woman You Love Was Abused, published by Kregel Publications and “The Freedom Challenge: 60 Days to Untie the Cords that Bind You, Redemption Press,” and her most recent, Selah Award finalist…“The Making of a BraveHearted Woman: Courage, Confidence, and Vision in Midlife.”
Dawn and her husband Paul Damon reside in Rockford, MI area and have a full family of 5 children, 13 grandchildren, and 2 Great-Grands.