Happy talk, keep talking happy talk
Talk about things you'd like to do
You gotta have a dream, if you don't have a dream
How you gonna have a dream come true?
-South Pacific
The song floated from the stage and directly into my heart. “If you don’t have a dream…” How could a dream come true?
I read lots about people having dreams – taking ideas and making them happen.
I love it and think that their effort is wonderful and their ability to take the risks that are often involved in making dreams come true – or even giving dreams a chance.
What about my dreams? Do I dream and Can I make those dreams come true?
This is a question that I have asked myself on and off for the last few years. My dreams have changed from those I enjoyed when I was younger; or in graduate school; or a new parent; or even a few years ago when, in the end, I am not sure that I had dreams. Well, not really as I have continuously dreamed of the parent I want to be and that is a dream I am living and fulfilling daily!
But more than parenting – what about my dreams?
The words of the song encircle me like a warm blanket on these cold January days gently reminding me that there is magic in dreams. How have I let this idea out of my sight? I encourage my daughter to dream and eagerly support the dreams of friends and others believing that anything is possible; and yet, I have not taken much time to allow myself the freedom to dream.
Perhaps that isn’t true. The reality might be that I haven’t allowed myself to look at my dreams and try them on for size!
Because, really, I have dreams.
The funny thing about dreams though, when it comes to me, is the awareness that if I allow myself to see the dreams and let them out to play, I have to take the steps to fulfill them. I am not one that can inactively dream. The idea of having the dream of writing a cookbook or opening a little café or living in another country or starting a business and not actively working to birth or create it seems foreign to me. It is easier just to “not dream” than to take the risks required in making a dream a reality.
Yet, how long can a person live like that? How long can I pretend that I don’t have dreams beyond being the best parent possible?
How can I teach my daughter to reach to the stars and journey toward her dreams if I deny my own experiences to that end?
Modeling hard work and dream fulfillment and taking the risk are not possible if I don’t do them myself…
So that is what I am doing!
This year, 2011, my word of intention is “Inspire” in all its forms. And I feel and am inspired to take steps to fulfill dreams!
I am not only talking “Happy Talk” but I am dreaming because without dreams, I can’t make them happen… and this is the year when I make them happen or learn the lessons that the journey of that risk offers!
I am a little nervous and a lot excited… and I write this with a smile that reflects the warmth in my heart. It is going to be quite a year – a year when dreams come true.
6 comments:
I hear you. We have our "own" dreams beyond our aspirations to do our best job as parents.
But giving them a bit of head? We want more, and that may not be possible while we're still juggling the parenting and making a buck.
But it's nice to know we still have those dreams, or can renew them, and create new ones as well.
A reminder that is helpful, though at times - bittersweet.
TE -- Firstly, I think the dream of being the best parent possible is a lovely dream to have and I know if takes work, but you do a good job.
So, I'm curious. What dream do you plan on starting on and what's the first step. Sara's rule about working on dreams: The first step must be one that makes you smile to think about it:~)
I also really like your word of intention. I still haven't figured mine out yet, but I'm working at it.
I am inspired by your word, words, and by the infinite possibilities.
~laughing~
I am looking forward to hearing your story as it unfolds.
Hi TE .. you certainly inspire your daughter to dream .. opening her eyes to many things, sharing with her ..
The intent - to start taking small steps .. no more talking or dreaming .. moving on towards those dreams ahead ..
Have a great weekend .. Hilary
:) I'm so happy to hear you are choosing to dream this year! I completely understand what you say about not dreaming, because then you must commit to actions.
Inspire is a fantastic intention to have for this year. I'll be cheering you on from the sideline here - cheering you on to dream and take the small action steps - one after the other. I know you'll pick a pace that works for you and you'll be able to adjust it as needed.
I'm looking forward to hearing how this year unfolds for you :)
May inspiration guide your mind, spirit, and actions daily :)
Inspiration has become a more and more important aspect of my life.
You can already follow your inspiration in the little things: What are you inspired to do now?
Life gets a lot more exciting and refreshing when you live it that way.
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