We are loaded with potential, so is it any wonder that from a young age, we dream of what we’ll be and do in our lives? I revel in the possibility of one kind of “making it” or another along with everyone I know. In my family, I have one daughter who is going to be a doctor. The other dreams of the stage. My son’s visions of mountain peaks and long list of exploration destinations started young. Just like mine (though I’m inclined to lower elevations). And from the time I was eight or nine, I knew I would write a children’s book or several.
One day, MAYBE…
Close-held, important yearnings sometimes keep us up at night - WHEN might they come true? HOW do we make them come true? WHY is it taking so long?
For all our big, audacious hopes, the truth is, we live a reality of limited ability to realize our dreams. Because we encounter unexpecteds, unplanned alternatives, Real Life. Rugs may or may not be pulled out from under us, but even in a relatively uneventful lifetime, we’ll change, gain new information, experience gradations of possibility. We’ll need to twist and turn and evolve.
The illusion of control behind “Dream Big” cheerleading is insidiously dangerous. We can work toward a dream, work hard for it, compete with the best, and still not be able to make it happen. Yoda’s “there is no TRY” is equal parts inspirational and self-defeating. Sometimes, ALL there is, is TRY.
When life takes us on pivots and around corners, we embellish, change, dress down, or otherwise alter our dreams to keep them alive in some fashion. We can rarely prepare for the surprises that turn our potential successes into crushing defeats or long, long waits. For all its glorious potentiality, Life is full of a whole lot of Maybe.
Once upon a time, my teenage boyfriend (now husband!) framed this cool “How to Launch a Dream” poster and gave it to me for my birthday. It felt like an inspirational talisman, kind of magic. After years hanging in my bedroom, my dorm, even in our first apartments, I gave it to one of my children, and it’s never been seen again - alas.
But I love it still, for its upbeat, imaginative spirit and Hallmark surrealism, reminiscent of my 7th grade art class attempts to channel Magritte. Most of all, I appreciate its affirmation of possibility and acknowledgement of conditions. No guarantees - but Maybe sits alongside all the hearts and rainbows I could want.
Nowadays, I’m not so inclined to post big dream recipes on a wall. Instead, I wield journaled affirmations as I once did that poster - like a dream-protecting shield. I use generous, open-ended statements taken directly from The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, but they can come from anywhere. You can create your own. The key is to leave room for evolution. My favorite is “I am willing to create.”
Because, no matter the roadblocks, closed doors, challenging waits, lack of control, or times when there is nothing but TRY - it’s helpful to remember we can stay willing.
So, Dream on. Dream big. Dream often. But allow a long, wide, deep canyon of Maybe-Later-Perhaps-Someday-IF Only. However substantial it May Be, if we’re willing, we can learn to become comfortable there.
Believe in the magic of possibility,
Love your writing.
Thanks Marilee!