I believe the essence of life is to have a dream or a goal. Actively pursuing something of importance is the very thing that will make you feel alive, young, stimulated and happy. A person without a dream or a life goal is OLD, whether your age is 20 or 100. I’m not talking about goals to sell more houses or achieve a higher position in the company you work for. These aspirations are wonderful and certainly have a place in our lives but I’m talking about “heart dreams.” Something that feels right when you are doing it; something you would do simply for the love of it if you could.
Maybe it’s working with animals, writing and publishing a children’s book or the poems you love to write. Maybe it’s building a shelter, changing a law, teaching horseback riding to children, creating the perfect secret garden in your back yard or turning your love of gardening into a full or part time job. Maybe it’s taking a loved one or yourself to the homeland of your parents or to live on the water on a boat.
We have become so accustomed to society telling us what to expect and want. We have been cautioned to plan, be realistic and careful and somewhere along the way we may have lost a viable dream. When I ask friends what their dreams are for the most part their answers are surprisingly vague. Instead of hearing passion I hear resignation and what they believe to be realistic and achievable. When I ask what they love, the conversation is entirely different. This is when I see and hear passion. The more they talk of what they love the more animated and enthusiastic they become.
When I ask what happened to these dreams and why they haven’t acted on them there is always a “but”. I love animals but you can’t make money working with animals unless you are a vet. I love the water but… I love to travel but… I love to cook but… When you allow yourself to dream and leave the “but” out of it amazing possibilities will surface.
“To reach a port, we must sail – sail, not tie at anchor – sail, not drift.”
– FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
Here are some tips on untying the anchor:
- The first and most important part, know what you want. I think it helps to brainstorm with a supportive friend. Whether you brainstorm with someone or alone, remember, your dreams don’t have to be realistic. Brainstorming is about letting your ideas and passions flow.
- Once you have uncovered your dream or passion, begin to research it. Look for articles, schools and books on the subject. Make contact with someone who is doing what you love. Volunteer in your spare time. When you immerse yourself in what you love, doors will open and people to help you will appear.
- Remember, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You may find variations of your dream that are satisfying and you might find yourself moving in more than one direction. Stay open.
- It’s the journey that is the most satisfying. Have you noticed the people who are the happiest and most positive are the ones who love what they do? Keep your momentum going and track your goals and progress; your plan and dream will evolve.
Here are some inspiring examples of people I have known or read about that dared to find their passion;
- I knew a woman who took tango lessons. She found she loved it and it turned into a passion. She became really good at it, found a dance partner, built a tango pavilion in her back yard and amassed a group of tango dancing friends in Europe and all across the country. When I spoke to her thereafter she was enviably alive, young, interesting and interested.
- I read the story about Nola Ochs on MSNBC who graduated from college with her granddaughter at the tender age of 95.
- Or perhaps you remember watching the 2008 Heroes awards program. I was inspired when I watched the original airing and found reading the stories online again even more motivating. Your dreams are not insignificant and unachievable. Read these stories and you will see how believing in and pursuing your dreams can enrich your life and the lives of others.
Time is our most precious commodity. Find your passion, live your dreams today, tomorrow may be too late.
“Don’t do nothing because you can’t do everything. Do something. Anything.”
Colleen Patrick-Goudreau