LIfe Dreams

Most of us have Life Dreams at different phases in life -- particular things we’d like to do or accomplish during our lives.

Some of these we do.

Some, we don’t.

Of the latter, sometimes we outgrow our dreams.  Maybe as a teen, you aspired to be a rock star...and now, at fifty, you’re content to avoid the musical limelight.  It could be that in your twenties you dreamed of climbing Everest someday...but now that trek appeals less. 

Other unfulfilled dreams don’t go away. They niggle at the back of our minds for decades.  Maybe you always wanted to visit Paris.  Or publish a book.  Or get a bachelor’s degree.  Or learn to tap dance.  Or build an adobe house.

It’s up to you to decide how important your unfulfilled dreams are.  Not how doable or practical they are -- how important are they.  To you.

If you have any important unfulfilled dreams, guess what?  You’re turning fifty.  If you don’t tackle them now, then when?  Take that trip.  Write that novel. Sign up for classes.  It’s only ‘too late’ if you don’t start now. (If you’d like more on this topic, Barbara Sher’s book is highly recommended).

Julian Fellowes wrote his first screenplay at the age of fifty.  It was entitled Gosford Park and won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.  His subsequent scripts?  The Emmy-award winning television series Downton Abbey.  Are we glad he didn’t think it was ‘too late’ for him to start writing screenplays?

Activity:  As you reflect back on your life, what have been your Big Dreams at different stages of life?  Write them down.  Of these, put a great big checkmark beside those you actually did.  Congratulate yourself for your accomplishment.

Now, for each unfulfilled Big Dream: decide if they are still important to you.  

For unfulfilled dreams that are no longer important to you:  let them go.

For unfulfilled dreams that are important, ask yourself:  what actions can I take to move forward on this? 

Some dreams might require modification.  If not Everest, maybe the easier Kilimanjaro?  Or a mountain closer to home?  Or maybe you just want to spend more time hiking?

Some Life Dreams may seem impossible or impractical at this juncture.  If it still feels important to you, then ask yourself what might be a reasonable substitute.   What would be a similar experience you could take action towards?   For example, if your Life Dream was to be a professional dancer, but it’s not physically possible now, what is?  You could take classes -- or teach them.  You could organize a dance showcase.  You could find similar others and make a practice of going out dancing together.  What aspect or elements of your Life Dream can you experience? 

Your ideas and feedback are welcome.  Message me or leave a comment below.