Dreams, Passions, the Desire

I was chatting with my friend Patrick last week and our conversation sparked an intense inspiration in me that I haven't felt in so long! It was about dreams, passion, desire, sacrifices, etc. It isn't about love, well of course love would be included along the way. It is about US, our lives and our goals- our dreams.

He has been reading a chapter in a book, focusing on Desire. He said that in it, he learned that many people dream but not many have the desire to reach the dream. Here are the questions he asked me, to kind of light the inspirational fire and of course ignite an intriguing conversation. I love intellectual conversations. Okay, okay, here are the questions that he asked me and I now ask YOU:

1. What are your dreams?
2. Do you have the desire to make those dreams a reality?
3. What will you give up in order to make that happen?
4. What happens when you finally reach that dream? What's next?
5. How do you know if it's the right dream?

These are all incredibly wise questions and I felt they deserved well-examined answers. Here are my thoughts:
Yes, many of us dream and not many have the desire to reach them. And not all dreams are the right ones, therefore not all are worth the sacrifices. But I believe that if one finds within themselves their skills, talents, and passions then they will be able to dream the right dream and if they have the desire, they can reach the dream. If it is the right dream, it will be worth the sacrifices. And if it is the right dream, there will be no "what next" because the dream gives back-- not to ourselves but to others. And we will keep dreaming and keep reaching and serving and inspiring others to find their own purpose in life. That is my belief.

When people are asked "What are your dreams?" you always hear the common answers: "I want to be a millionaire," "I want to fly a plane," "I want..." I want, I want, I want. I think that to dream the right dream, you first have to discover what God has planted inside you. What are your skills? What are your passions? And the even bigger question- what do the people need from you? What do you have to give the world? You don't have to adopt a child or start a caucus or anything. But you should look deep inside and find out what is pulling at your heart. Many people who were abused as children work at their healing and then go on to reaching out to others who have suffered the same pain. Many people who now run domestic violence shelters, work as doctors, or even artists, give back to the world through their own healing. You'll know your dream is the right dream if it is tugging at your heart and soul, and involves impacting the world in a positive way even if not in a big way.

Someone once told me that there is only one difference between people who dream big dreams and people who do big things-- action. Do you have the desire to make your dream become a reality? Talk is cheap and only good for entertainment. If all you want to do is dream, that's completely your right and your prerogative. But I ask you, what kind of life are you living if it is not a purposeful one? Find out what it takes to reach your dream. Are you willing to do it? If not, ask yourself why not? Don't make excuses, give a valid answer.
What will you give up to make your dreams become a reality? As a single mother, I know it's hard to juggle school and work, life, children, and all the things in-between. But I don't ever plan on using my kids as a reason to stop pursuing my education. And you shouldn't either. Nothing puts a more negative impact on your child's self esteem than letting them know that they caused you to stop your life. Instead, you should be leading an example for them! Even if you can only take one class a year and spend the rest of the year reading books. Do something that keeps you on the path to fulfilling your dreams! Stepping stones may be small, but they lead you somewhere. Let your children see you working to attain your goals. This tells them that life is important and valuable!

What happens when you finally reach your dream? Once you "get there," keep on dreaming and work for OTHERS instead. This is where you are most purposeful. When you finally reach your dream and think you're done, you have failed! What a waste it is to believe you've fulfilled your purpose and you're still alive! LOL Seriously, once you believe you have reached that position, it is time to give to others if you haven't already. Make your dream serve others, humans and animals alike.

How do you know if it's the right dream? This is just my opinion and it may make sense only to me but I believe it. It is the right dream and it is worth the sacrifices if you've reached that last paragraph above and finish til the last sentence and implement it.

Happy dreaming, everyone.