What happened to my dreams?!
If you’re reading this, it’s safe to assume that you are an adult. You took time to read words that weren’t in a social media caption or music lyric, so YES…you have to be over 25.
Many of you are finding your way in this great big world.
You are exploring: 1. Industry – work, school, trade, hobby or skill 2. Relationship – friendships, romantic partnerships, colleagues, children and/or relatives
Once upon a time, there was a third, equally significant, category: 3. Dreams and Desires
As you navigate this whole ‘adulting’ thing, meeting your basic needs, supporting others and mixing in some recreation, that 3rd category appears to disappear.
Where did those dreams go? They seem to have been swallowed up by responsibilities. Let me be your voice of reason. Don’t let those dreams die! They must remain active, so you can not only exist, but truly live.
Do you want to: -Start a school or mentor others? -Travel the world? -Play an instrument? -Speak another language? -Impact your community? -Start a non-profit or support group? -Bungee jump, sky dive or take a balloon ride? -Write a book?
Writing a book was one of my dreams. I’ve always been verbally expressive. My elementary school teachers can affirm that fact. Writing came as a natural talent at an early age.
I have minimal skill in crafts, sewing, decorating, baking, athletics and many other areas, but words…Yes, I can master words.
As my communication skills developed, I dreamed of one day becoming: -A News Reporter -Talk Show Host (Who didn’t want to be Oprah?!) -A World Renowned Author
-A Judge
While on the adult journey of exploration, Industry and Relationship infiltrated my life big time, leading to more jobs and people coming and going in my life than I care to recall.
I ultimately ‘arrived’ (I use this term loosely) at my current standing with: -A wonderful husband, -Four amazingly unique children, and -A private practice career as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
But, wait! What happened to those dreams?! I must admit that over the years they sank like boulders in quicksand. The blessings I'd attained in Industry and Relationship, did not erase my innate calling for dream fulfillment.
Ultimately, I fought to resurrect one significant dream from the list.
Through support, perseverance, grace and sleepless nights, I became a published author (the ‘World Renowned’ part will come later).
The images included in this post are from my recent Book Release Gala for The Emerging Healer: Adding insight and impact to your mental health work Chevonna Gaylor, LMFT
I share these personal images with you to motivate and inspire.
I know it can be easy to get lost in making a living and meeting others’ needs, but I implore you to take hold of your dreams. Reigniting your spark will illuminate other areas of your life, as well.
Keep shining, my friend…
