When Good Things Make You Restless: A Journey Through Dreams, Failures, and Faith

Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs just when we think we’ve got everything figured out. For most of us, the dreams we hold close—the promotions, the perfect job, or even the dream of migrating to a new country—are the very things we believe will bring us peace. But what happens when we don’t get them? And worse, what happens when those God-sized dreams don’t pan out, leaving us restless, uncertain, and feeling stuck? Join me as I share how I’ve wrestled with these feelings, failed businesses, and the lesson I learned about letting go of control—and letting God take the lead.

Good Things Can Cause Restlessness Too

    I once thought that achieving my dream career and getting that long-awaited promotion would finally bring the fulfillment I was looking for. Spoiler alert: it didn’t. I remember the frustration of watching those promotions slip through my fingers so many times, thinking, “Why isn’t this happening for me?” To add to the mix, there was the dream of landing my “perfect” job at exactly the “right” time, which, of course, didn’t happen when I wanted it to. Oh, and let’s not forget the cherry on top—my family’s plan to move to a French-speaking country (yes, complete with poutine and maple syrup) fell through too. So, there I was, feeling restless, wondering what on earth I was doing wrong, and missing what was really going on.

    You see, sometimes even Good things—things we genuinely believe are part of His plan for us—can cause us to feel restless when they don’t turn out as expected. It’s not that they weren’t meant for us; it’s just that we may be clinging too tightly to how and when we think they should happen.

    Possessions Can Also Possess Us

      Not only was I clinging to dreams, but I also tried my hand at different businesses—hoping they would be the answer. I went from running a traditional travel agency to diving into the world of online health and wellness products. Each time, I thought, “This is it! This will last!” But guess what? It didn’t. It wasn’t until a mentor told me to include God in my business plans that I had a forehead-slapping moment. Why didn’t I think of that in the first place?!

      And isn’t that the kicker? We sometimes try to possess these dreams or ideas so tightly that they start to possess us. The more we chase after them in our own strength, the more they can weigh us down when they don’t go as planned. But when we finally loosen our grip and make room for God in those dreams, suddenly, things start to shift—if not outwardly, then definitely within us.

      What Can We Do?

        So, how do we move from restlessness to peace, from being possessed by our dreams to being guided by God in them? The first step is to recognize that it’s okay to let go. Surrendering your plans to God doesn’t mean giving up—it means you’re making space for something greater to unfold.

        Start by rethinking your approach: instead of making your plans and asking God to bless them, why not invite Him into the process from the beginning? Trust me, it saves a lot of frustration (and face-palming moments down the road). The key is in the partnership—with God, not against Him.

        If you’re ready to let go of the stress and start walking in a new direction of peace and purpose, I invite you to join me on a daily podcast, where I’ve teamed up with some of the best mentors from various organizations. In 30 minutes or less, we’ll guide you through topics on personal growth, faith, and unlocking your full potential. It’s your daily dose of wisdom, with no fluff—just actionable insights to help you take that next step.

        Ready to grow with us? Let’s do this journey together! Go here to learn more.


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        I’m Marivic

        I’m a wife and mom of three, a professional and entrepreneur. I’m here to help people look, feel and do better each day, strive for excellence and not just do the minimum to get by. I believe in working wholeheartedly, knowing that God is our true Master and that He will reward us fully in the end.

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