What to Do When You Feel Like Giving Up on Your Dream

Sometimes, the door to your dream doesn’t open with a loud announcement. It begins with a whisper. A nudge. A calling.

Jun 21, 2025

There was a time I used to write about my dreams all the time.

Back then, it was easy because I was living them. Life was unfolding with excitement. I could see open doors, follow opportunities, and say yes without too many questions. It was 2015 — a golden, sun-drenched kind of year — when I first felt the nudge to move to Australia.

It didn’t begin with a grand vision board or a five-step plan.

It began with table tennis.

Yes, you read that right.

I had somehow become the secretary of a table tennis society (don’t ask me how, I just thought it sounded fun). And as part of the role, I was meant to spend time with members, attend matches, build community. So one day, I found myself courtside, watching a group of men volley a tiny white ball across the table.

I stood there quietly. Then, out of nowhere, I asked if I could play.

They all stared at me. I was the only woman. But what they didn’t know was that I could actually play. I hadn’t been hired for my skills with a paddle, but let’s just say it came in handy.

We started a match. Curious eyes watched. Expectations low.

And then… I surprised them.

It was in the middle of that unexpected game, when I was just having fun, that one of the men asked me a question that would shift the direction of my entire year:

“Have you ever thought about doing an exchange program abroad?”

I hadn’t. Not really. But I couldn’t stop thinking about it.

Sometimes, the right step shows up when you're not looking.

We often assume our next big decision has to come from hard work or long reflection. But what if it comes while you’re doing something that simply brings you joy?

That question led me down a rabbit hole. I went home, searched online, and discovered a few options — including Australia. A country I had secretly dreamed of living in.

I felt the stirring: Is this it? Is this the time?

It made no sense on paper. I was helping grow a business, I had job offers lined up, and I was being invited to rooms I once only dreamed of. I was building a good life in London.

But I couldn’t ignore the pull.

Thirty minutes before the deadline, at 11:30pm, I submitted my application — choosing just one university I truly wanted. I told myself, If they accept me, it’s a sign.

And then the waiting began.

When faith meets doubt

The acceptance email came.

I should’ve been thrilled. But I was flooded with questions.

How will I afford this?
Where will I stay?
What if it doesn’t work out?

I didn’t know anyone there. I had no network. No plan. Just a spark and a hope that maybe this was my time.

So I did what I always do when I feel uncertain: I asked God for signs.

Sign #1: I was on the bus, silently doubting everything. I prayed, If this is really from You, give me something clear.
A man sat down in front of me wearing a hat that read AUSTRALIA in big bold letters.

I took a photo. Okay… that’s something.

I applied for the visa. Still unsure. Still doubting.

Sign #2: Another day, I felt an odd nudge to visit a campus I’d never been to. No reason, no appointment. Just a pull.
I went. And as I entered, the first thing I saw at reception was a large banner: SYDNEY.

I stood still. Heart pounding. That was enough for now.

But even as the signs grew clearer, so did the noise around me.

What do you do when everything "makes sense" except your soul?

I received amazing offers, good pay, dream roles, incredible contacts. The business I was helping was thriving. I was meeting influential people, being invited to events most people only dream about.

Everything looked like it was falling into place.

And yet… this Australia thing wouldn’t leave me.

Even with delays in my visa. Even when I couldn’t find a place to stay. Even when I was overwhelmed and wondering if I was being reckless.

I asked for one last sign.

Sign #3: I was teaching a lecture, mid-questioning everything again, and just as I was about to dismiss the idea, a student walked in wearing a kangaroo t-shirt.

I smiled.

Okay, God. I see you.

Two weeks before the program, my visa came through.

I held the email in my hand. I cried. I laughed. I stared at it like it wasn’t real.

I still didn’t have a ticket.
I still didn’t have a permanent place to stay.
I still had so many unanswered questions.

But I knew one thing: I couldn’t keep waiting for “perfect conditions” to chase a dream that had lived inside me for years.

So I booked the flight.

I trusted.

And I went

What’s the dream you keep delaying?

Maybe you’re mid-way through a dream, and you’re starting to wonder if it’s still for you.
Maybe you’re waiting for conditions to feel just right before you begin.

Here’s what I learned:

You don’t need certainty to move. You need clarity for the next step.

Often, the signs will come, not all at once, but in pieces.
Often, the opportunity will show up when you’re least expecting it — maybe while laughing at a table tennis match.
Often, the dream will demand a little faith and a little letting go.

So if you’re waiting for a sign… this might be yours.

Take the next step!

When was the last time you said yes to something that didn’t make sense, but felt right?

A Slow Living Path

Discussion about this post