By Belva Davis
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
"Don’t be afraid of the space between your dreams and reality. If you can dream it, you can make it so." These words from respected journalist Belva Davis carry a powerful message about daring to bridge the gap between aspiration and achievement. As a standout Belva Davis quote about courage, it encourages anyone striving for more to see challenges as opportunities, not obstacles. This insight is especially meaningful for those seeking inspiration, offering real hope that dreams can move beyond imagination and take shape in daily life.
What Does This Quote Mean?
At its core, this Belva Davis quote about courage urges people not to shrink from the distance that often exists between what we wish for and what currently exists. The "space between your dreams and reality" is that gap where ambitions can feel like they’re impossibly far from coming true. Davis doesn’t just acknowledge this gap; she tells you not to be afraid of it. Fear of failure, fear of judgment, and feelings of inadequacy often live in this space, keeping people from trying.
Literally, Davis is saying that it’s normal to feel a distance between dreams and where you stand today, but that gap should not discourage you. Dreams, by definition, are ideas, visions, or goals that do not exist yet. Reality is the present moment, the circumstances around you right now. Often, this creates tension—a feeling that your goals are too big or out of reach. Davis’s point is that the mere presence of that space is not a verdict against you or your dreams. It’s simply the first step on the journey.
Metaphorically, Davis invites you to honor your vision and trust that it’s possible. The phrase "If you can dream it, you can make it so" is a call to action. It suggests that the creative power to imagine something is evidence that you have, or can discover, the resources and persistence to bring it to life. The courage comes not from ignoring the gap, but from facing it with possibility and self-belief. In other words, your willingness to bridge the divide is just as important as the dream itself. This quote is an antidote to self-doubt—a reminder that taking steps, even small ones, toward your dreams, is the only way the gap narrows.
How Can You Use This Quote in Life?
1. Pushing Past Doubt
Let’s say you’re considering a new career, but the distance between where you are and where you want to be seems huge. Remember this Belva Davis quote about courage next time you feel overwhelmed. Instead of letting self-doubt dictate your actions, acknowledge those fears—and then move forward anyway. Break the dream down into small, manageable actions, like updating your resume or contacting someone in your desired field. Each step, however small, closes the gap between imagination and reality.
2. Embracing Learning Curves
Starting something new—whether it’s running a marathon, learning a language, or pursuing higher education—almost always involves feeling unprepared at first. Davis’s words can motivate you to accept that discomfort is part of growth. Whenever you stumble, remind yourself that everyone who succeeds once stood in that same space between knowing nothing and achieving something. The presence of that gap means you’re growing.
3. Taking Creative Risks
Artists, writers, and entrepreneurs often see their finished goals in their mind long before anything exists in the real world. When progress is slow or doubt creeps in, return to the wisdom in this Belva Davis quote about courage. Trusting your vision—and refusing to fear the unfinished, messy beginnings—helps you keep showing up. Try setting aside dedicated time each week to work on your project, regardless of immediate results. With time, the space between your dream and reality will shrink.
4. Developing Patience and Resilience
Dreams take time. If months or years pass without immediate payoff, it’s tempting to give up. Davis’s message reminds you to treat the journey as part of the process, not just a hurdle to overcome. When frustration arises, celebrate your progress—no matter how small. Write down milestones or journal about what each step taught you. The path itself builds resilience and prepares you for the next leap.
5. Inspiring Others
Living out this quote also means being open about your own beginnings—the struggles, fears, and uncertainty. When you share how far you’ve come, you inspire others to take the first step across their own divide. Your story can become proof that dreaming boldly and working persistently does lead to results. Sometimes, just knowing someone else has walked that path makes it easier to take the risk.
✨ The Motivation Message
Let these words from Belva Davis light a fire within you! The gap between dreams and reality isn’t a wall—it’s a bridge waiting for your first step. You don’t have to be fearless or have all the answers to move forward. You have permission to aim high, to falter, and to learn as you go. Every action, even when you feel unsure, is a sign that you believe in the value of your vision.
You are more capable than you think! The courage to take small steps, ask for help, or try again after setbacks is what brings your dreams closer. If you can imagine the future you want, you can take real steps to make it happen. Today—yes, today—you can choose to invest in yourself and your dreams. 🌟 Your possibilities are bigger than your doubts. Don’t wait until you feel ready; start now. Challenge yourself: do one thing this week that moves you even an inch closer to where you want to be! The world is waiting for what only you can offer. 🚀
About Belva Davis
Belva Davis, who was born in 1932 and died in 2022, was a groundbreaking American journalist and news anchor. She became the first Black female television reporter on the West Coast, breaking barriers at a time when opportunities for women and minorities in the media were extremely limited. Throughout her career, Davis faced discrimination and open hostility, but her determination and professionalism set a new standard for integrity and excellence in journalism.
Davis’s worldview was shaped by her experiences as a trailblazer; she understood firsthand how daunting the space between dreams and reality could feel. Her reporting brought attention to critical issues—civil rights, social justice, and everyday stories that deserved a voice. The quote encapsulates the hope she advocated for, both in her work and her personal journey. For Davis, courage was not just about facing the world, but about confronting one’s own doubts and taking steps forward anyway. Her legacy continues to inspire all who read her words and remember her remarkable life.
