Comments on: Dream On, But Don’t Imagine They’ll All Come True

By: Jonathan - Advanced Life Skills

Jonathan - Advanced Life Skills — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:33:48 +0000

What a beautiful post. Please believe me Susan, compromise is not the answer. I know that many will say “that’s reality,” and for then it’s true, but that does not need to be your reality. Instead of compromising, how about harmonizing? Once you fully discover your true self, including your deepest passions, empowering and limiting beliefs, and personal values – the next step is to create internal harmony. This is the place from which dreams and passions naturally become part of our reality. When there is internal conflict, then compromise becomes the only option. Living in harmony with who you really are, on a core level, opens up new and exciting options. Love your blog, your honesty really shines.

Jonathan – Thank you so much for your words. I use this blog as an outlet for myself, to sort out my feelings, which are always subject to change. One day I have confidence in myself and my dreams, I know how to find and practice that balance, I have the courage to pursue what I’m looking for. The next day is filled with uncertainty, hesitation, and trepidation. I can only sort through those emotions by being honest with myself, and I can only hope that someone can relate to what I’m going through on some level, so that we can learn from each other.

Thank you for all of your advice. I think once I truly find peace with myself is when I can be open to the possibility of everything else. Getting there is a rocky road, but I’m eager to reach the destination. Thanks once again, and best wishes. – Susan

By: James

James — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:41:36 +0000

What a lovely post.

“What if I had nothing keeping me back, if I didn’t concern myself with others’ judgments or societal pressures?” I wonder the same thing too. How would people differ, if they did what they truly wanted to do, all of the time.

James – Thanks so much for your comment. I always find it amazing at how people are facing the same situations and questions, yet we don’t know it. What would the world be like if we didn’t hold ourselves back? Would a dream still be a dream if it were so readily accessible? These are all questions I’ve had to ask myself as I wonder if my own dream is one worth fighting for.

I always answer yes. Wishing you well, Susan

By: taniamccue

taniamccue — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 01:05:03 +0000

Oh my goodness. I stumbled on this blog semi-randomly and honestly have to say, this is just what I needed to hear. I have long struggled with balancing the practical with that which I am passionate about. As a wife and mother, I often feel as though I have a lot of responsibility which extends beyond my desires. At the same time, I am young and have such a yearning to strip away the excess and get to the core of something I could be very passionate about- other than my family. The reality (sigh, that practical side again) is that with a baby and a husband I love, I won’t get to live my dream of joining the Peace Core and living a life of service for a long time.
My humble advice would be, if you are unencumbered enough to do what your heart desires, then do it. Because life offers no promises, and you never know which moment will be your last.

Tania – I wish so much that I had the answer to this. Truthfully, though, I’m more confused than ever. And sadly enough, I think that most of us are. It’s true that I have so many opportunities now, as I’m not attached to anything and can go for it. There’s a lot that’s holding me back, though, and I wonder if I don’t take a chance now, if I’ll lose that opportunity forever.

I can’t help but wonder if, as we grow older, old dreams are replaced with new ones. It seems like you’ve found happiness in your family; as someone who doesn’t have that yet, I wonder if it would be enough, or if your dreams change to fit your circumstances.

At any rate, I very much appreciate your comments and I hope, whatever your dream, that that may be realized someday. All the best, Susan

By: aprilx

aprilx — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:38:12 +0000

I feel you. Absolutely.

I think the answer lies in strengthening our sense of self, which will, in turn, strengthen our courage and perhaps our faith, too.

I want to move to Germany. Visit the castles up and down the mountains, in the middle of lush forests… Walk around Berlin and master the German language. The present can get in the way because it can limit our imagination, our ambition, by making everything seem tougher.

I vote for hanging in there, not giving up, and slowly but surely working toward making those dreams a reality. I’m afraid that if I don’t, I will always regret it. Besides, there’s always time to go back home.

Aprilx – What a great, great comment — every word. I love how you write “the answer lies within strengthening our sense of self” because that echoes so beautifully with me. I can’t agree more that being self-aware, knowing and loving yourself, can make great things happen. Because I think with that confidence comes courage, and with courage, you can take chances. And when you take chances, dreams can be realized.

But how do you take that first step? Is having courage and being open to opportunity and chances everything? Or is there more that is stopping us; is life getting in the way? It’s a thought that I’m still so unsure of, and truly, you’re words have sparked something more that I’m questioning.

Thanks so much for your comments and thoughts. I hope that you’re able to follow your dream. – Susan