I went to see a natural healthcare practitioner recently and didn’t realize the depth that this little visit would convey. His glow shined through so obviously for the love of his work. He began to tell me his story of how he had worked for a multi-million dollar company, which was challenging, provided a high salary, but with a high cost - his health! So, after giving it much thought, he decided to take a leap of faith. He quit his job of twenty nine years and followed his dream. He opened a natural healthcare center with his wife. He said that although at the time he was terrified, he knew deep in his heart that if he didn’t make a change, he probably wouldn’t live long enough to enjoy his grandchildren. He had already been diagnosed with Cancer. After making this change to follow his dream, he felt as though he had much more purpose in his job and in his life. Therefore, he began to feel healthier, eat better and take better care of himself. He now lives a much healthier life.
This visit made me begin to think about dreams and how they affect people. Dreams give us hope and when they come true, they can provide us with joy and exhilaration. Dreams are so important for us to hold onto, and follow. When I feel a dream within, I listen and work towards the dream to make it become real. I am completely filled with energy, hopefulness, and happiness. Sadly, when people let go of a dream and lose it, something dies inside.
I began to think about people I knew who had followed their dreams. I remembered a friend who had a very simple job working in a park because it allowed him time and the appropriate atmosphere to think and write poetry that he so loved. Then, I began to think about the people I knew who due to fate, or circumstances, or just plain life, weren't able to follow their dreams. I remembered another friend who worked in state government for 30 years and couldn't afford to give up the benefits that went along with what he considered a dead-end job. I guess dreams don't always involve making millions of dollars or being the CEO of a large corporation.
It is difficult to get a supportive reaction from others when you want to follow your dream. Is it because others are frightened by the daring step of being vulnerable to open yourself up while truly following your heart? When we let go of our dreams, we let go or suppress a part of ourselves. That can make us empty inside, of emotions, or of hope. It can bring a lot of pain--because we're not letting ourselves reach for something that fulfills us. We're not letting ourselves try and if we never try, we will never know. There may be long periods of real dedication to get where you want to go, but notice every little step of success as you follow your path. Nurture your dream and you will nurture yourself. Whether the dream is a job on Wall Street or working for a non-profit organization, it is really entirely up the person. The first step to take in following your dream involves deciding what it is you really want to do with your life. Mostly, a huge part of it comes down to being able or willing to take risks. Once you discover what would make you happy, then to follow your dreams as best you can...
Oprah Winfrey once said, "I've come to believe that each of us has a personal calling that's as unique as a fingerprint - and that the best way to succeed is to discover what you love and then find a way to offer it to others in the form of service, working hard, and also allowing the energy of the universe to lead you."
Reach for your dreams, follow them, believe in them, and they can come true for YOU! No matter how big or how small!
This article originally published on March 18, 2008.
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