Many of us are dreamers, our minds filled with visions of far-off places, exciting ventures, and aspirations for a "better" life. We're constantly encouraged to "follow our dreams" and "live our best life." But what happens when these dreams don't materialize as imagined? Does an unfulfilled dream equate to an unfulfilled life?
As an eternal optimist and dreamer, I see potential everywhere. My dreams range from globetrotting adventures to entrepreneurial pursuits. It's this mindset that led to the creation of Soulful Mentions, a business born from a shared passion for journaling with my friend Zenisha Gibson. What started as a simple idea for a daily inspirational calendar has evolved into a website, email community, social media presence, and our first published journal.
However, the reality of pursuing dreams often differs from our initial vision. Life has a way of complicating things, leaving us to snatch moments here and there to nurture our aspirations.
The concept of "think it, and it will be" is one I grapple with. While it's true that every tangible object started as an idea, the journey from concept to reality is rarely straightforward. Dreams evolve, much like our brains adapt through neuroplasticity. The dreams I harbor now are vastly different from those I had in my youth.
This evolution led me to a crucial question: Should I pursue all my dreams? My instinct has always been a resounding yes. But what about the dreams that may never come to fruition, like visiting every place in the world? Would falling short of this goal make me a failure or mean I haven't lived life to the fullest?
But the more I think about it, I've come to realize that dreams are an integral part of who we are. They fuel our passions and drive us forward. My love for travel, for instance, has guided me towards a career as a travel writer and blogger. While the reality might not match the initial dream exactly, it's a work in progress that I’m happy I pursued.
It's important to acknowledge that not everyone is a multi-dreamer like me. Some may have a singular, focused dream, and there's value in that level of dedication. However, for those of us with a myriad of aspirations, it's worth considering that some dreams might be best left as just that: dreams.
The act of pursuing a dream can sometimes be less appealing than the dream itself. Moreover, if we fulfilled every dream, where would our minds escape? Even in a life we love, most of us need the occasional mental getaway and dreams can help us do exactly that.
So, should I pursue my dreams? Should you pursue your dreams? Here are a few criteria that I have come up with over the years that have helped me narrow down the dreams I should pursue:
1. Persistence of the Dream
Consider whether a particular dream has been a constant in your life. Even if it's evolved over time, a recurring aspiration might be signaling its importance to your core self.
2. Daily Manifestations
Notice if elements of your dream appear in your everyday life. These synchronicities could be subtle hints pointing you toward your true path.
3. Is it a hard “no” or a hard “yes”?
When opportunities that support your dream arise, pay attention to your instinctive response. A full-body "yes" or an immediate sense of capability, regardless of the details, might indicate a dream worth pursuing.
4. Dreams as mental escapes
Remember that not every dream needs to be realized. Some fantasies serve us best by remaining as pleasant daydreams or sources of inspiration.
While pursuing our dreams is admirable and often rewarding, it's equally important to recognize the value of dreams themselves. They shape us, inspire us, and provide mental refuge, and oftentimes lead us to our destinies. Whether realized or not, our dreams contribute to the richness of our lives and the fullness of our experiences. The journey, with all its twists and turns, is what truly defines our "best life."
And as Zenisha would say, “Big dreams can’t come true if you don’t dream big”.
Commentaires