“How did it get so late so soon? It’s night before it’s afternoon. December is here before it’s June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?” ~ Dr. Seuss
Time does get away from us. Time flies! And suddenly we’re older and not particularly happy with our lives. Where did our dreams go?
Maybe you’re barely hanging on in a crushing corporate environment. Maybe you spend all your time and energy trying to survive on a meager paycheck. Maybe you have all the physical comforts you need, but you just. Feel. Empty.
“Regrets. I’ve had a few.” I think we all do… but the biggest regret of all will be letting your dreams die.
So many of us do… let our dreams die.
Or they lay dormant, waiting for us to wake up, until one day, we realize those dreams are still there. They never left us, but rumble and grumble under the surface like an annoying gnat. Or like a naughty child tugging at our shirttails. Or worse, like a needle piercing our hearts.
But what do we do with them? Those dreams that nag us, that hurt us.
We say, “Oh, I don’t have time. Dreams are silly. I have responsibilities, now. It doesn’t matter, anyway.”
Well yes, yes it does matter. It does! Fulfilling your dreams can make you whole. Fulfilling your dreams can inspire others. Fulfilling your dreams can change the world.
You don’t have to wait for permission. Why don’t you go for it? What’s stopping you? Is it fear? Fear of failure? Fear of being imperfect? Fear of what others might think? Fear of reprisal?
Fear of spending money? Oh, we mustn’t talk about money, even though it’s just a tool.
Or do you feel guilty? Ah ha!
Have you ever heard the term “guilty pleasures”? Women often feel guilty for doing something good for themselves, particularly if they’re a mother. They give every ounce of their energy and attention to their family and have nothing left for themselves. And that’s how they think it should be. Forever and ever. Amen.
You may think, “When the kids are grown up, I’ll have time to do these things.”
But is that guilt? Or is it really fear displaced? Is it a convenient excuse not to pay attention to your dreams?
Well, it’s about time you awaken your dreams and move forward with them. Be an example to your kids, to your spouse, to the world.
So, how do you start? And how do you know your dream is right for you?
Dreams do change. They evolve with time. And that’s okay.
Dreams are very personal. You don’t have to get them right. And you don’t have to ask permission. They’re your dreams, not someone else’s. They are what you want them to be.
The important thing is that you do something about them. Make them “dreams in progress.”
Maybe your childhood dream is not what you need anymore. But how will you know unless you awaken your dreams from that time capsule and take a step forward into the dance? Do a Tango with your dream and see if the rhythm suits you.
Maybe you always wanted to dance on Broadway. That was your childhood dream. Maybe you could still do it or maybe you just want to dance again — anywhere. Maybe you’ve dreamed about doing the Tango in Buenos Aires. Well, it’s about time you hopped on a plane and did it.
What’s your dream? Do you want to travel the world? Do you want to sail on a tall ship in the Mediterranean? Do you want to see Machu Picchu before you kick the bucket? Maybe it’s not a trip of a lifetime, but one in a lifetime of trips!
What’s your dream? Do you want to make a movie? Do you have a smart phone? Then go for it. What’s stopping you?
What’s your dream? Do you want to cater events? You can start small and invite a friend or two for lunch. Make it a special event for them.
Maybe you don’t know what you want. All you know is you’re unhappy and unfulfilled. Maybe you had dreams long ago, but they’re buried and forgotten.
Be that as it may. There’s nothing stopping you from discovering a brand new dream.
In this case, you might need a sampler platter. It’s about time you stepped out into the world to sample it. Experience new things. It’s about time you found dreams that can bring joy to your life and to others around you.
Dare to do something different. Dare to make mistakes. Dare to stumble upon something you can wrap your heart around.
“How did it get so late so soon? … My goodness how the time has flewn!”
But it’s not too late.
It’s about time you started living your dreams today, living with joy, being a living inspiration to your kids, your partner, your friends, your world, and — yourself.
It’s about time you understand how important you are. How important your dreams are.
Not convinced?
Here’s a poem by Pablo Neruda that resonated deeply with me and shook me to the bone:
You start dying slowly
If you do not travel,
If you do not read,
If you do not listen to the sounds of life,
If you do not appreciate yourself.
You start dying slowly
When you kill your self-esteem;
When you do not let others help you.
You start dying slowly
If you become a slave of your habits,
Walking everyday on the same paths…
If you do not change your routine,
If you do not wear different colours
Or you do not speak to those you don’t know.
You start dying slowly
If you avoid to feel passion
And their turbulent emotions;
Those which make your eyes glisten
And your heart beat fast.
You start dying slowly
If you do not change your life when you are not satisfied with your job, or with your love,
If you do not risk what is safe for the uncertain,
If you do not go after a dream,
If you do not allow yourself,
At least once in your lifetime,
To run away from sensible advice.
What will you do today to start on your new journey, the journey to awaken or discover your dream?
It’s about time you started.
Dream big, then do something about it.
