Have you ever had a dream for yourself? How long have you had this dream? I know people that dream all of their lives about something and never fulfill their dream. I know my Grandma worked hard all of her life, saving her money, so she could travel in her later years. For my Grandma, this dream did not come true. Instead of traveling like she wanted to, the money was spent to keep her in a nursing home after a stroke. Looking back at this, I grieve for my Grandma's lost dream.
Many things in life we have no control over. For my Grandma, I am sure she did not plan on having a stroke and living out her life in a nursing home. Maybe, we should not have dreams that may look to be out of our reach? I don't think so, because if we look at the definition of the kind of dream I am speaking about it says:
My greatest dream has always been to write a book. Now publishing that book should be part of that dream, but I have always just said, "write" a book. For many years this dream has been about as far away as the Sun. The past few years this dream is looking like it will become a reality.
Where do we find the courage, deep inside of us, to pursue our dreams?
Columnist Graham Harris said this about courageous people:
"The most courageous people in the world are those who are committed to discovering how they can get the best out of themselves. Individuals, who are committed to learning about and changing, their habits and beliefs in order to fulfil their dreams."
When I think of courage, many people throughout history come to mind,
-Abraham Lincoln
-The Pilgrims
-Holocaust Survivors
-9/11 Rescue Workers
-Our American Soldiers throughout our country's history
-Rosa Parks
-Martin Luther King Jr.
-My Pioneer Ancestors
The list of courageous people could go on and on. I could also put down on that list every person that was at the LDS Storymakers Writers Conference last weekend. The definition that Graham Harris gave of courageous people, defines the attendees of this conference. I could feel the energy of the many people wanting to learn the most they could about the writing and publishing process. The power is inside each of us to try to become what we want and are capable of becoming.
I want to end this post with a quote I really love. It says something that we should all remember, whatever it is we are trying to pursue in our lives.
"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow. ~Mary Anne Radmacher
I am in the midst of a huge life change that, if I'm completely honest, scares me to pieces. Reading this post gives me new resolve to go forth in trust and enjoy this new adventure.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sheila! I'm so glad I know you!
Beautiful Post, Sheila. Pursue that dream of writing and then publishing a book. It is a very attainable dream.
ReplyDeleteWe must never, ever give up on our dreams. Even though they may not always come to fruition, some small part of them always do. While your grandmother saved and dreamed of traveling the world, instead she had a safe, warm comfortable place to stay after her stroke. Had she not dreamed, she may not have been as well taken care of in her time of need. It is all perspective my friend. Besides, once we shuffled off this mortal coil, traveling becomes a breeze. Believe very much that your grandmother can fulfill that dream.
Dreams change the world. We never give up, we simply look at that obstacle and decide, do I climb over it, go around it or charge right through it. It doesn't matter which path, because you will come out the other side. Never, ever could I have dreamed I would be where I am politically. I did dream of being published, but I never dreamed of being a publisher.
Dreams remain fluid, Sheila. That is how they become attainable.
Just my two cents. Feel free to delete my friend. We love you! You're awesome.
I have had different dreams in my life and I've been able to attain most of them. Now my big dream is to make the world a better place for those who have Down syndrome. I want my son to have as many opportunities as any other child and I want him to live in a world of love and compassion. Maybe it's too big of a dream, but I'm going after it anyway.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!!
That would be a beautiful wonderful world, Rebecca.
ReplyDeleteOur dreams are what keep us going and give us hope. And the thing about dreams, once you accomplish one another pops up. And another. And another. I loved your quote about courage. Great post, Sheila!
ReplyDeleteI have such wonderful friends! I am so glad that this post touched you, the way it did me,while writing it.
ReplyDeleteThank you also for your wonderful comments. I am lifted up and inspired by all of you.
I loved this post, Sheila. Just what I needed today--thank you! You've taken the first steps toward fulfilling your dream--woohoo! There's no stopping you now!
ReplyDeleteMy courage has been waning in the face of red-tape/obstacles I'm trying to sort through. I want to start a non-profit foundation to help homeless children (as well as those who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned) express themselves through art and writing.
I'm trying to finish my second picture book, The Essay. It's all about finding your voice. The proceeds from the book (and my first which will soon hit stores) will help fund what I need to do. Though there's much to try and accomplish right now, I'm thankful to have the opportunity to help others!
Candace, I look up to you in so many ways--you are my hero!
I love your dream, Rebecca! You can do it!
Kathi, you are right. Our dreams keep us going and give us hope!
Sorry, Sheila! This was much longer than I intended.
Lori, I would love to know more about your foundation and the picture book. I would like to feature all of your information on my blog when you are ready for me to help you. I think it is wonderful that you and Rebecca have such wonderful and loving goals you are working towards.Thank you for posting and don't ever worry about leaving a long post. I love to hear from you. :)
ReplyDeleteSheila--sincere thanks for your interest! I will be in touch. If you are not already familiar with Zach Bonner (The Little Red Wagon Foundation) here is his site:
ReplyDeletehttp://littleredwagonfoundation.com
Zach is a twelve year old who has stolen my heart! He is currently walking across America, from Florida to California, to raise funds for homeless kids. I am trying to get together donations to fill backpacks for him to distribute to homeless kids in Los Angeles. I want to drive down and meet him when he gets to Phoenix. I love him and what he is doing.
Be in touch soon, and thank you!
I am a little slow reading and commenting on your post, but I just want to say that I have always been impressed by your courage, Sheila, and your desire to follow your dreams. You can make it happen no matter what gets in your way.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I love this post.
ReplyDeleteI'm following you now. Thank you.
Very inspiring post! And I loved the photo of the Cowardly Lion. He's one of my favorite characters.
ReplyDeleteYes, life can be scary, but what do we have if we don't try to reach our dreams? Not trying is one way to insure failure.
Thanks for clicking to follow my blog. I've clicked to follow yours, too. :)