You should have your BIG dream sheets back...

Okay gang...

If you came to the most recent BIG dream gathering in Des Moines... and you filled out some BIG dream sheets... you should have received them back in the mail by now.

Again... since this whole BIG dream gathering thing is still just made up of a group of volunteers who believe in dreaming BIG... so... this took some work on the part of some AMAZING people!

There was the incredible (humble) and fun peeps from Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines, who collated the dream sheets and stuffed 'em in the envelopes!  (They didn't want to be paid, but since there were way over a 1,000 dreams... they did allow a side payment of 2 dozen donuts!  I thought that was MORE than fair!)

 

Then, there was the BIG dream team who ran quality control from Panera the next morning!

And then I can't forget... my two little dudes who helped to put some stamps on some remaining envelopes!  (I'll admit that they were the only people in this chain to get paid.  Yup... that's right.  $3 bucks each!  Yow... talk about a sweat shop!)

I hope your dreams made it back to you safe and sound!  And now you can post them in a place where you can see 'em... like Mandy did... and be reminded of them every day!

Be looking for more BIG dreams, inspirational stories and BIG dream gathering updates in the weeks to come!

A BIG dream for members of the military!

Posted by Mitch Matthews

Hey gang...

In honor of Memorial Day, I wanted to feature a recent BIG dream posted by Dan Eilers.  I'll let Dan talk about his BIG dream in his own words...

__________________________________________________

"My BIG dream is to provide a refuge for members of the military to come with their sons/daughters to camp, fish, hunt or just to get away and have a little family time out in nature."

What I have to offer: "94 acres of CRP/Timber with 3 ponds, an Morton Building and an RV."

What I need: "To get the word out to tell them it's available."

__________________________________________________

Dan said that he can be contacted by calling him at 515.707.2405.

So... if you're in the military and you need a little rest and relaxation in nature with your family... give Dan a call and join him in his BIG dream.

Photo credit: levercusec

Need some more BIG dream motivation?

Recently, I interviewed BIG dreamer and super connector Phil Gerbyshak.  ( Click here to listen to the interview.)

Phil talked about some of his BIG dreams and how he's gone after them.

Well, recently, Phil interviewed Dan Roam about his new book "The Back of the Napkin." 

It's a fun and innovative book about problem solving.

And since we know we're going to come up against some problems and challenges as we go after our BIG dreams, I thought this would be a good fit for us... the BIG dream gathering crew.

Click here to check it out... AND to find out how to win a chance at a free copy of the book!

Thanks Phil!

And thanks for continuing to dream BIG!

An update on the BIG dream sheets...

Posted by Mitch Matthews

Okay gang...

Here's an update on the BIG dream sheets from last week's BIG dream gathering!

We have an incredible team of volunteers working today to collate, fold and stuff the 1,000's of dreams that were posted on the walls! 

The team will be inserting the sheets into the envelopes you filled out and we'll be sending them back to you in the next few days.

So be looking for them in your mail box soon!

Also, be checking back here for updates on some of the BIG dreams and hearing interviews with other BIG dreamers! 

Oh... and if you have updates or want to let us know about how your BIG dreams are going... just connect with us via e-mail at contactus@doyouQ.com.  Or just click "comments" below and let us know!

Oh... and keep dreaming BIG!

And this is why we do this...

By Mitch Matthews

So... meet Katie Wittrock.

She came to the BIG dream gathering this week. 

She was nervous.  She didn't know what to expect.  She wasn't even sure about putting up her BIG dreams.

Well... she does a better job of telling her story.  Click here to hear about Katie's experience.

The cool thing is... this is just the picture of REAL people taking a risk... taking a stand for their dreams... and then being open to getting a little help from other REAL people.  No hidden catches.  No elaborate 27 steps to success. 

Just real people dreaming BIG and helping each other out!

It's cool and it's a little taste of heaven!

Thanks Katie... for taking the chance and for telling your story!  You are going to impact the world!  We all just know it!

Oh... and thanks to that person who steeped up as a connector and advocate for Katie!  You made a huge difference in the life of a fellow dreamer!  (You know who you are!)

So... what's one of YOUR BIG dreams?  Why not write it down and put it out there?  You just never know what might happen!

Keep dreaming BIG!

Ginger asks Jenni... and Jenni asks Ginger... "What's the BIG dream?"

By Mitch Matthews

Okay... two of our incredible volunteers... (and unbelievably fun people)... encouraged each other to step up to the plate and video tape their BIG dreams.

They didn't want to go it alone... so they interviewed each other.

Here's Ginger interviewing Jenni about her BIG dream of going after... not just 1 new job... but 52 jobs!  Check it out by clicking here!

And then... Jenni turns the tables and asks Ginger about her BIG dream of bringing people back around the table through... well... you'll just have to check it out by clicking here.

If you have some ideas... connections... or encouragement for Jenni or Ginger... just click "comments" below, and let them know!

Oh... and thanks for dreaming BIG!

How about a dream that will help all of us get healthier?

By Mitch Matthews

Okay... so check out Kelly and Robin's BIG dream.

Check it out by clicking here.

If you want to help them out on their BIG dream... (or just enjoy a wheat grass shot) go find them at the Des Moines Farmer's Market on Saturdays this summer or click "comments" and let them know.

Let the videos come...

By Mitch Matthews

So Mike and Lucas teamed up with JUICE to be able bring you a number of our BIG dreamers via video!

How cool is that?

Here's one of the first.  Check out Jason Bradley's freakishly cool BIG dream by clicking here!

If you'd like to help Jason out, just click "comments" below and let him know!

Keep watching for new videos... and hey... keep dreaming BIG!

Photo credit: DMJuice

It was a great night!

By Mitch Matthews

Well... if you were there, you know that it was a great night of dreaming BIG and connecting.

If you'd like to see some pictures, you can check out DMJuice and the great pics Art took by clicking here. 

We'll have more for you in the coming days.

We had people come from as far away as California, Minneapolis and from all over Iowa!

I'll admit that I'm a little tired this morning, so I'll keep it brief. 

But I just wanted to take a second to thank our incredible volunteers who loved and encouraged everyone well and the staff at the Polk County Convention Center who provided an amazing space. 

Plus, I really wanted to thank the hundreds of people who came to dream BIG!  You guys took the risk to... write down your dreams... put 'em up for the world to see... be open to a little help... and most importantly... offer a little help too.

It was a fun and inspiring night!

Watch for more stories, pics and videos in the weeks to come!

And... in the meantime... keep dreaming BIG!

Photo credit and kudos: DMJuice

Big Dream Gathering: Cleanup

And another success! It's now 10 p.m. and the music is ending and the team is starting to pull down the dream sheets and organize them to return to the dreamers. If you didn't get to join us tonight, make sure to watch for the next event and mark your calendar! This is more inspirational and fun than we can express on a few blog posts. And look for news coverage in the upcoming days. There were plenty of photographers here tonight, and of course they were videotaping dreams to post.

Thanks Mitch and everybody!

Big Dream Gathering: The Music...

Wow, I have to write about the music. It's the best selection I've heard in quite awhile. Where's the dance floor, Mitch? I'm going to walk over and see who is in charge of the music.

OK, I'm back. It's Dan Kelley who is the DJ. You can reach him at dan@kelleydjservice.com. Wish I could share some of the music with you. You'll have to hire him for your next event.

Big Dream Gathering: William Lofquist

William stopped by to chat. He has posted several dreams. One dream is to be able to grow his own vegetable garden and to support himself with those vegetables. William needs land and a place to fulfill his dreams. Additional skills: farming, painting, carpentry, mechanically inclined. Hobbies: flies planes and restores old tractors. This is his third Big Dream Gathering.

Big Dream Gathering: Timothy Schutte

Tim is a volunteer at BDG. He has been greeting people as they arrive and talking and chatting about dreams. Like several of the volunteers, he has not posted his dream yet. But he's struggling to define it. This is his first Big Dream Gathering experience. He was invited by Mitch to lend a hand. One thing he mentioned is that the people you meet here are great. And the conversations always expands the thought process.

Tim is a realtor and likes to connect people.

Big Dream Gathering: Jennie Smith

Jennie is a volunteer in the "big room." She has been helping people post their dreams and assisting with connections. She says they made a couple pretty good "live connections." She also has been giving free smiles to those who need a warm hand to help with their first dream experience.

I'm glad she's here. I needed help dreaming and I bet there are others who have had the same experience trying to figure out their dreams. Sometimes over the years our dreams are squashed. This is a safe place to let them out and release them to the universe.

She sells insurance when she is not dreaming. And she is a gardener.

Big Dream Gathering: Nancy Ferguson

Nancy Ferguson stopped by the blogging table. She has an incredible story. She is a professional photographer who was diagnosed terminal in 2003 and had to close her photo studio. In 2004, after nearly dying and spending over a month in a coma, she was cured. The past several years she has been struggling to regain her ability to walk and take pictures again.

It's her dream to restart her photography studio from her home. Due to her illness she is behind in house payments and nearing foreclosure. She has 22 years of photography experience and much of her work has been published in magazines, on calendars, and greeting cards. She has also done photo work for issues of the Environment, people with disabilities, and homelessness.

She gives speeches of her inspiring story. She never gave up hope.

You can find more information at www.visionsphoto.ws
Email Nancy at visionphot@aol.com

Big Dream Gathering: Business Category

It's about 7:30 p.m. I just took a little walk around and snapped some photos. The dreams are all arranged on the walls in categories. Right now the business category is attracting a lot of attention. I have a photo to post and I'll get it up soon.

Big Dream Gathering: Derek Bough

So, we're at the BDG and Derek Bough stopped by. He is here posting a dream and mingling with the community. His dream is to write the shortest book ever on personal finance. The focus will be equity harvesting.

His goal is for the book to be under 100 pages and easily read in under one hour. No confusing math. No filler.

Editorial comment: What's that (equity harvesting?) You can read more at www.coffeetocarpayments.com

Big Dream Gathering: 6:50 pm

We about 20 minutes in. There's a buzz in the room - people talking about their dreams, writing them down, posting them, reading other dreams. For those of you who can't be here, I'll post pictures now and then. You can see the room is filling up.

Every time there's a BDG, the team gets more organized. This time we are greeted and given an envelope that we self-address. Our dreams will be mailed to us when it's over. Then we sign in and get a dreamer number. All the dreams are anonymous.

Countdown to Big Dream Gathering

It's less than an hour before the doors open to the big dreamers. There's a stir of last-minute activity as all the preparations are finalized. The team is gathering for pizza and a little community before it all begins.

What a great location! There's plenty of room to sit and write your dream and lots of wall space to post it (or them). I like to write more than one sheet.

 

It's here... and it's time!

By Mitch Matthews

Okay gang...

It's time.

It's time to come take a stand for your BIG dreams.  It's time to help some other dreamers out.  It's time... to possibly get some help on YOUR BIG dreams.  It's time to have a little fun in the process!

If you want to get started a little early... here are BIG dream sheets, one more time:

Here's the regular dreamer sheet: Download big_dream_sheet_v7.pdf

Here's the dreamer sheet for military families: Download big_dream_sheet_v_military.pdf

Okay... and here are a few final Q&A's:

Q: What if I can't stay until 10 pm?

A: That's okay.  The  BDG is designed to allow people to come and go.  As you'll find out tonight, we have a new way to get your dream sheets back to you, so you don't have to stay until the very end.  But our suggestion is get there in the beginning so your dream goes up right away.  Then stick around as long as you can to connect with and encourage as many other dreamers as you can.

Q: Can I post my dreams anonymously?

A: Yup.  When you register at the BDG, you will be given a dreamer number.  You can use that on your dream sheets.  The dreamer numbers are kept confidential so you can get your BIG dreams down on paper and get 'em out there... and not have to worry about who knows!  Plus, if people leave a comment on your sheet, you can choose who you reconnect with!

Q: Is this a kid-friendly event?

A: You bet!  Kids are the biggest dreamers on the planet and we have a thing or two to learn from them on dreaming BIG.  Not only are they welcome, we're planning on them being there.  We have a kids corner set up that will allow kids to draw their BIG dreams, make bracelets to remind them of their BIG dreams and have some fun in the process.  This will be a "No-drop-off" area though.  Although we have some fantastic volunteers, we won't be set up to monitor kids that are running solo.

Q: Is there a catch?  Is this a set up for something?

A: Nope.  There's no catch.  No sales pitch.  This is just something that got started out of necessity (click here to read the story), and it continues because BIG dreams keep getting launched.  Plus, it's made possible by an amazing group of volunteers who continue to get behind it to make it possible.  Granted, It may not be super high-tech or ultra glamorous... but we figure it doesn't have to be.  It's simply REAL people working together to get BIG dreams done.

Q: Okay... can you give me the specifics again?

A: Yup.  Just click here to find out the when, the where and the who.

So... come.  Bring some friends.  Meet some new ones.  Dream BIG! 

It's what you were created for... right?

BIG dream gathering hits the airwaves!

By Mitch Matthews

A quick thanks to BIG Ken and Colleen from Star 102.5 for the shout out this morning!

I had a great time talking with them about the BDG tomorrow night!  They are BIG dreamers and freakishly cool encouragers of dreams... so it was a perfect fit.

Later today, I'll be back on the air with J. Michael McKoy on Mac's world on 98.3 WOW FM. 

As many of you know... Mac is a black belt level BIG dreamer and he's a lot of fun to talk to... so, listen in... and spread the word.

And if you've listened in on one of these interviews and want more specifics on the when, the where and who of the BIG dream gathering, just click here for more information.  Or just scroll down and find out more!

Then, come dream BIG tomorrow night!

Dream BIG with your Mom!

Okay... it's a little late. 

Are you still looking for a good Mother's day gift?

Why not bring your Mom to the BIG dream gathering to post one (or 10) of her BIG dreams?

Do you know what they are? 

Do you know what she'd write down?

Why not ask her?

Why not bring her?

She might just surprise you!

Click here to get all the specifics.

Call her. 

And Tuesday night... go pick her up.  Bring her down to dream BIG.

You'll have some fun and it just might be a Mother's Day gift that changes her life!

See you there!

Thanks to the Des Moines Register!

By Mitch Matthews

Thanks to everyone at the Des Moines Register for helping to spread the word about the next BIG dream gathering!  (To read the article... just click here.)

We're excited about it!  It'll be at the Polk County Convention Center on May 13th, from 6:30 to 10 pm.

And... we hope you're coming to post some of your BIG dreams... to possibly get some help on those dreams... to possibly help some other BIG dreamers out AND... to have a little fun in the process!

If you want to get started on writing down your dreams... you can download your BIG dream sheets by clicking here: Download big_dream_sheet_v7.pdf

NOTE: If you are in the military or are in a military family, you can download your special dream sheet here: Download big_dream_sheet_v_military.pdf (If you'd like to read more about why military families get a different dream sheet... click here.)

If you want to wait to write your BIG dreams down... that's okay too.  There will be 1,000's of dream sheets available at the event!

Also know that when you come on Tuesday night... you'll be assigned your dreamer number so you can post your dreams anonymously. 

Lastly, remember... this is a FREE event... with no hidden catches or sales pitches. 

Sound good?

Still have questions?

Well... if you do, you can click "comment" below or send us an e-mail at contactus@doyouQ.com.  I'll be doing one more podcast which will be set to air on Monday.  In it, I'm going to answer any additional questions that we get about the BIG dream gathering. 

So submit any burning questions and we'll try to answer them on Monday. 

In the meantime... be thinking about those BIG or small dreams (because you know they are there)... and be asking your friends to come with you to the next gathering! 

Then, we'll see you on Tuesday night!

Another BIG dream gathering podcast!

By Mitch

Okay... so if you need a little more inspiration to get your dreams percolating in preperation for the gathering on May 13th, here's another BIG dream gathering podcast.

It's an interview with BIG dreamer: Elizabeth Saunders.

As you will hear, Elizabeth is full of energy, ideas and heart.  And she's putting all of that behind her new BIG dream.  (Click here to listen in.)

She's an entrepreneur, professional freelance writer and now... well... you'll just have to listen.

If you'd like to find out more about Elizabeth, you can visit her two websites at RealLifeE.com and grace communications, inc.

So... thanks Elizabeth for inspiring others to dream BIG!  Plus, thanks for being open to getting help and being open to giving help.  You are awesome! 

And... you are one more example of how REAL people get BIG dreams done.

Thanks for the BIG shout out from DMJuice!

By Mitch Matthews

We wanted to say a BIG thank you to DMJuice for their story on the BIG dream gathering!

Cara Hall did a fantastic job of capturing the BDG experience!  (Click here to read the article.)

Plus, it was great to read her take on Mandy's story, Caroline's story and of course... Mike and Lucas's story.  Shall we say... Alleyball anyone?

One slight correction.  Our videographer from 2007, didn't "fall through."  Brad, our super talented video ninja, got the "nudge" he was supposed to help in new ways for 2008. 

Yup, he stepped out from behind the camera into a different role for this next BDG. So, don't worry.  You'll still see Brad's smiling face around next Tuesday! And you can still check out many of his videos by clicking here.

And... Thanks again JUICE... for getting the word out!  You guys make a BIG difference in DSM!

Come dream BIG and get connected on May 13th!

Come to the next BIG dream gathering!

WHEN: Tuesday, May 13th from 6:30 to 10 pm

WHERE: The Polk County Convention Center (501 Grand Avenue, Des Moines)

HOW MUCH: It's FREE

WHY: This is a fun... safe place (no surprises or sales pitches) to write down your BIG dreams, put 'em up anonymously, and possibly get some help and/or give some help to other BIG dreamers.

It's people helping people and having some fun in the process.

Let's face it... it's how REAL people get BIG dreams done.

So bring some friends and come meet some new ones... and then... DREAM BIG!

Need some more inspiration?

Posted by Mitch Matthews

This is Caroline and Tenley's BIG dream story.

They're just getting started... but they might just inspire you to get started too!

(Oh... and listen in for Caroline's reason for missing the last BDG!  It was the best excuse we've heard!)

So... check it out... think about your BIG dream... then come on May 13th and get connected!

Another BIG dream podcast and interview with black belt level dreamer Phil Gerbyshak

Okay... here's another 15-minute podcast... or maybe I should call it a 15-minute bolt of inspiration!

Phil Gerbyshak is the real deal and he's got some BIG dreams!  The cool thing is that he's gone after many of them!

In this podcast, we'll talk about how he took a suggestion from Scott Ginsberg of "Hello my name is Scott" fame, that enabled him to write his first book.

We'll also talk a little bit about how Phil's started to clarify his next BIG dream even further and how that clarification is getting him closer and closer to getting to do it full time.

Click here to take a listen... get inspired... then bring your own BIG dreams to the next BIG dream gathering on May 13th.  Who knows what might happen!

Another BIG dream gathering podcast: An Interview with Charlie Anderson

Posted by Mitch Matthews

We have another 15-minute BIG dream interview to inspire you!  It's another story of a REAL person who's going after a BIG dream.

The interview is with Charlie Anderson who is a BIG dreamer and a BIG doer. 

You may have watched the video that captures some of Charlie's BIG dream, but I wanted to dig into his story a bit more. 

Listen in as Charlie and I talk about his BIG dream... (Click here to listen)

We talk about some of the people that have helped Charlie and how they've pitched in. 

For those of you who are needing to work on your BIG dream while working a full time job... listen in as we also talk about how Charlie has navigated launching this BIG dream as he's been working a 40+ hour/week job. 

As you are getting ready to attend the next BIG dream gathering, just let this story inspire you! 

Let it open up the possibilities around YOUR BIG dream. 

Then come... dream BIG and launch on May 13th!  (Click here for more info.)

Thanks for listening and thanks dreaming BIG!

BDG Podcast: Hear Mandy's BIG dream story that took her to Africa

By Mitch Matthews

Okay... so I had the honor of getting to interview Mandy Van Maanen about a BIG dream that got a boost at our first BIG dream gathering. (click here to listen)

Listen in on how she wrote down a BIG dream that seemed impossible, and then hear how... over the course of a year... the dream played out to become a reality!

And remember... we don't tell these stories as a "how to."  We tell these stories to inspire you to remember and uncover your own BIG dreams and get clear on them. 

Then... we hope that inspiration will enable you to think about why your BIG dreams are important to you. 

Cuz, we figure once you're clear on the "what" of your BIG dreams, and the "why it's important," the "how" of your dreams... will come.

Listen to Mandy's story and you'll hear how this played out for her.  It's an awesome and inspiring story!

By the way... do you have a BIG dream that's played out?  Let us know and maybe we can feature your story this way.  Just click "comments" below or send us an e-mail at contactus@doyouQ.com!

And... remember... you can come and meet Mandy at the next BIG dream gathering on Sunday, May 16th.  Click here for more info!

Come dream BIG and connect with other dreamers.

• When: Tuesday, May 13th
• Time: 6:30 to 10 pm
• Where: Polk County Convention Complex (501 Grand Ave, Des Moines, Iowa)

Come... relax... laugh... dream BIG!

And remember... even though it's FREE... there's no catch.  There will be no sales pitch!  This is not a set up for something else. 

It's simply a safe place where real people can come... dream BIG... and connect with other BIG dreamers!