Dreams... Do you have one?

One of the things that can be drummed out us as we age is our ability to dream. When we were younger they came so easily. Somewhere along the way this ability, those delicious ever changing desires, ambitions and dreams become so deeply buried we seem to be unable to find them. Where did they go? They are buried somewhere beneath a huge pile of that’s not the way it’s done, it won’t work, you’ll get hurt, you’ll be a failure, you’ll starve and I told you so until finally you simply stopped dreaming and became sensible. I am sure that each of us has a defining moment seared into our memory that illustrates the well intentioned conditioning to be sensible and conform.

For me it came in my senior year of high school. One of the courses I was taking was art. Every year at Christmas time, and back then it was simply called Christmas time, one of the annual projects was to draw and paint a Christmas theme on the window of a classroom door. We were instructed to look at Christmas cards for inspiration and find one that appealed to us to draw. I remember being very enthusiastic about this project and eager to make my window special. In fact it was my secret desire to make the best window of all. That’s right; my window would illicit awe in all those who passed it.

When the day came we were each assigned a window. We were to draw it in crayon first and once the teacher approved our draft we would complete it for our final grade. I had found what I considered to be a tender winter scene with a delicate reindeer standing in the snow beneath a barren tree gazing reflectively off to an unseen horizon. I was putting the final touches on my masterpiece when the teacher arrived to survey my work. To my surprise instead of the praise I was anticipating she took one look at the window and announced that a dead tree was not festive and she unceremoniously wiped my work away. She proceeded to draw three large Christmas balls on my window with a giant bow at the top and told me to paint it. I tried to explain that I intended to spray snow for the reindeer to stand in and all the other ideas I had for this window and how beautiful it was going to be but she merely scoffed and hurried away to the next students window. At first I was horrified then embarrassed and hurt and finally I became angry. I looked at the window and told her I would not paint it, this was her window and work and she should paint it. Long story short I landed in the principal’s office, my mother was called and a lengthy discussion ensued. I don’t remember all the details but I will never forget the feeling. This was art class and it was my belief that art was supposed to be unique. Art was about the artist’s vision. This was absolutely not my vision of the Christmas scene it was hers and I refused to paint it or yield; and neither did she. She was the teacher – I was the student and we were deadlocked. Although my mom was supportive, she tried to get me to paint the window and let it go. I needed the credit to graduate and my teacher assured us both, with the principal’s support, that she would flunk me if I did not paint the window. Without the credit I would not graduate with my class. The result; I was transferred to crafts class where I made a series of ceramic and melted plastic ashtrays which I still have to remind me of the day.

The bad news; I was never interested in art or drawing or painting again.

As I sat down to write this article I realized I hadn’t thought about this incident in a long time. One of the exercises in my coaching program is to write a vision of your life if anything were possible. It sounds like such a simple and easy project and yet it is so hard to get a genuine full blown dream out of someone! It is so hard to reach down beyond the years of conditioning and pull out the vision or passion you have for “something.” Every once in a while we see a glimpse of those who dare to dream, follow it and find the joy and success that life is really about. Like the gentleman with cerebral palsy who was told nothing could be done for his walk. He followed his passion to dance and found his walk improved in the process. Or the increasing number of people we hear about who pursue their forgotten goal of a degree and graduate from universities with their grandchildren. There are many stories and examples of people finding and pursuing their dreams at 50, 70, 80 years old and beyond who are enjoying the rewards of their success. Look for these stories instead of listening to that trained inner voice that says you can’t, you shouldn’t or you won’t. There are as many successes as there are failures. Those who succeed do not give up on their dream.

My advice:

Step out of the box! Go to the library or book store and find a book about odd ways to make a living. If you haven't been dreaming in a while some of the outlandish ideas in these books can certainly tickle your funny bone as well as spur some new ideas and encourage you to explore some new interests!

Dare to dust off a long forgotten dream or craft a new one. Dig out your childhood photo albums and you'll be surprised at the inspiration those memories can spark. You may not want to be a ballerina anymore but the memory of how dancing made you feel might trigger an interest in becoming an exercise , yoga or dance instructor. Or maybe your love of dogs will entice you to create a pet camp! Dogs deserve a vacation too you know!

Take a small risk each day, in doing so you will eventually build your confidence and find your dreams are not so farfetched after all.

Success is as varied as the number of people who achieve it. Your version of success is really all that counts. Sometimes doing what you really really love is worth more than money!

Recognize you have the huge advantage of experience, hindsight and wisdom . It’s a degree that can only be earned after many years of living.

Finally understand you have of the most important piece of secret information; time is precious. Don’t waste it!

And now I'd like to offer you instant access to a free 21-Day Attitude Adjustment e-course. when you visit http://www.womenintransitiononline.com . You will also receive my bi-monthly e-zine with motivational and positive mindset articles on how to discover and shape the life you love, NOW.