When Dreams Change: Navigate Setbacks and Reclaim Ease

Discover how to navigate setbacks, pivot gracefully, and realign your vision for a life filled with purpose and ease.

When Dreams Change: Navigate Setbacks and Reclaim Ease

What to Do When Your Dream Doesn’t Go as Planned: Lessons from Rwanda

Dreams have a way of evolving as we do, often in unexpected and challenging ways. It’s easy to scroll through perfectly curated images online and believe everyone else’s dreams are seamless and successful. But the reality? Dreams can shift, require recalibration, and sometimes demand a courageous pivot.

Hi, I’m L, and I help women who want more out of life create wealth and ease by listening to their inner wisdom and living their dreams.

Today, I’m sharing a deeply personal story about a dream I worked hard to bring to life—moving to Rwanda in 2022—and how I navigated its unexpected twists and turns. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep moving forward when your dream feels like it’s falling apart, this article is for you.


My Dream of Rwanda: The Preparation and the Pivot

In January 2022, I moved to Rwanda, inspired by its peace, beauty, and potential. Armed with a 10-year visa and a deep sense of intention, I planned to make Kigali my home. I had done extensive research, spoken with others who thrived there, and even visited to ensure it aligned with my vision. Yet, despite my preparation, living in Rwanda didn’t meet my deeper needs in the ways I had hoped.

What I discovered was that dreams often look different in reality than they do in our imagination. For me, it was a combination of unexpected loneliness, cultural differences, and a medical crisis that ultimately led me to leave Rwanda and recalibrate my vision. These challenges weren’t failures—they were powerful feedback guiding me toward a deeper understanding of what I truly needed to thrive.


Lessons Learned When Dreams Shift

When dreams don’t unfold as planned, it can feel like a loss, but the truth is, every step of the journey holds valuable lessons. Here are the four biggest takeaways from my experience in Rwanda that might help you realign with your dreams.

1. Expect Dreams to Evolve

Dreams aren’t fixed destinations—they’re processes. As you grow, your dreams grow too, reflecting your evolving desires and needs. Rwanda taught me the importance of community and belonging—essentials I hadn’t fully considered before moving. Allow your dreams to shift as you gather more information and understanding.

2. Do a Reality Check Before You Leap

Preparation is vital, but sometimes you don’t know what you need until you’re in the experience. Ask specific questions about your dream—what support systems will you need? What are your non-negotiables? For me, the lack of an inviting community and the absence of robust social networks made settling in Kigali difficult. Doing deeper introspection beforehand might help you identify gaps you didn’t initially consider.

3. Create a Safety Net

Dreams require a foundation of support, whether that’s financial stability, emotional resources, or community connections. When my health crisis forced me to leave Rwanda, my support system—including a GoFundMe campaign—allowed me to recalibrate and receive the care I needed. Build a safety net that aligns with your unique circumstances and values.

4. Be Willing to Pivot

Walking away from a dream that no longer serves you isn’t failure; it’s courage. Staying in Rwanda out of pride or the sunk cost fallacy would have delayed my ability to move forward. The sooner you acknowledge a misalignment, the faster you can refine your vision and redirect your energy toward a new path.


Micro Movements: Realigning with Your Vision

Realigning with your dream doesn’t always require a massive leap. Instead, small, intentional steps—what I call micro movements—can help you move closer to your vision over time. Here are some reflective questions and actions to consider:

  • What would alignment feel like right now? Identify the sensations, emotions, and experiences that represent your dream.
  • What micro choices can you make today? Start with manageable actions that build momentum toward your goals.
  • What are your non-negotiables and nice-to-haves? Get clear on what you absolutely need to thrive and what would be an added bonus.

Nothing Is Wasted, and Nothing Is Lost

Every experience, even the ones that don’t go as planned, contributes to your growth. Leaving Rwanda wasn’t a failure—it was a stepping stone toward greater clarity about what I need to live fully. The lessons I learned will inform my next chapter as I plan my next destination with a refined understanding of what it takes for me to thrive.

If you’re feeling stuck or unsure about your next steps, I’d love to help you realign with your vision. Schedule a one-on-one Insight Hour call with me, where we’ll refine your dreams, identify actionable steps, and ensure you’re moving in alignment with your inner wisdom.


Reflection: What Does Realignment Look Like for You?

  1. What’s one dream you’ve pursued that didn’t go as planned?
  2. What did you learn from the experience?
  3. What micro movement can you make today to bring yourself closer to your vision?

Remember, your dreams are unfolding in real-time. Nothing is wasted, and everything you’ve experienced is valuable. Trust yourself, honor your journey, and keep moving forward with grace.

Ready to take inspired action? Schedule your Insight Hour call today to start creating your dream life—your way.

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