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.
