Reframing the Dream: Turning the Impossible into Possible

Oct 31, 2025

Dear Survivor,

Healing from trauma is often a journey that feels like a battle against impossible odds. It’s easy to get lost in the memories of broken dreams—the aspirations and goals we had before our lives were changed. But here’s something important to remember: Just because the dreams you had before might feel shattered doesn’t mean your ability to dream again is over. Your dreams are not impossible. They might look different now, but they are still possible.

In the iconic song, “The Impossible Dream”, the lyrics say:

“To dream the impossible dream,

To fight the unbeatable foe,

To bear with unbearable sorrow,

To run where the brave dare not go…”

These words reflect the struggle we often feel in the midst of our deepest pain. Sexual assault can steal dreams, leaving survivors feeling like they’ve been robbed of their hopes for the future. It’s easy to feel as though the dreams we once had—whether they were career dreams, relationship dreams, or personal growth goals—are now out of reach.

But here’s the truth: Healing itself is a journey of reclaiming dreams. It’s about reframing the impossible into something attainable, finding purpose in the midst of the pain, and realizing that even broken dreams can be made whole again.

Reframing Dreams: Finding Purpose Beyond the Pain

1. Acknowledge the Pain, But Don’t Let It Define You: It’s normal to feel grief for what’s been lost in the wake of trauma. That’s okay. But don’t let the pain become your identity. Your dreams can still evolve. They can take new shape, based on what you’ve learned through your experiences. The old dreams may have faded, but new ones can be born—dreams of healing, growth, and hope.

2. Shift the Focus from Perfection to Progress: Sometimes, we dream about things that feel "perfect" or "complete." The journey to healing, however, is about progress, not perfection. Think of it this way: The dream isn’t about getting it “right” every time—it’s about moving forward step by step, even when it feels hard. You don’t have to have it all together today, but you can make progress every single day. Healing is progress.

3. Take Action Toward New Dreams: When our original dreams feel out of reach, we can still make small steps toward creating new ones. They might not be the same as the dreams we once had, but they can be just as meaningful. Perhaps your dream now includes peace, empowerment, new relationships, or a greater sense of self-worth. Start with small steps: practicing self-care, setting achievable goals, or even just taking a moment each day to reconnect with your body and your mind.

4. Healing Is Part of the Dream: Healing itself can become part of your new dream. You have the power to reclaim your life, even when the path is difficult. Each day you continue to fight is a victory, and it’s one step closer to realizing the dreams you have yet to discover.

5. Believe in a New Vision for the Future: You are not limited by what happened to you. The future is still wide open, filled with possibilities you may not even see yet. Your worth is not tied to the trauma you’ve experienced. You have the right to create new dreams, to build new hope, and to shape a future that feels meaningful to you.

Reflection Prompts for Survivors:

1. What are some dreams that feel impossible to me right now? Can I reframe them in a way that makes them feel more possible?

2. How can I start to build new dreams, even if they look different from what I imagined before?

3. What is one small action I can take today to move closer to a dream I thought was lost?

4. In what ways can I start to see healing itself as a dream worth fighting for?

5. How do I redefine progress in my journey, knowing that each small step is part of a larger, meaningful change?

A Prayer for New Dreams:

“Lord, I come before You with the dreams I thought were lost.

I surrender the hurt, the pain, and the confusion,

and I trust that You have a purpose for me still.

I ask for the courage to dream again,

to believe in a future that is shaped by Your love and grace.

Help me to see new possibilities for my life,

and to take steps towards healing and wholeness.

May the impossible become possible through You.

Amen.”

Closing Thought:

Dreaming again after trauma doesn’t mean pretending the past didn’t happen—it means finding the courage to hope again, even when things feel uncertain. Your dreams aren’t over. They may just look different than you imagined, but they’re still worth fighting for. You are still worth fighting for.

As you take your healing journey, remember this: You are not defined by the trauma you’ve endured. Your dreams can evolve, your hope can grow, and you can start again. You are deserving of a future filled with joy

, peace, and purpose.

Kathe'rine, Founder of Sparrows of Hope