Like many other people about my age, I find myself thinking about dreams I have/had and how to achieve them or decide if they are worth achieving. So, without further adieu, I will let you in on a few of those dreams. (Side note: some are less dreams and more goals I am setting for myself, but still, achievement of said dreams/goals is the point.)
Dream #1: To become a published writer
Due to the nature of my job, I have circled around this goal and sideways achieved it. I have written short stories and poems that millions of children see each year, but I think I would like to write a book at some point. Perhaps for children, since that is where my current talents/thoughts lie, but we will see about this.
Likelihood of achieving said dream:about a 6, on a scale of 1-10. There is no doubt in my mind that I could write a book, even a children’s book, but the likelihood of getting it published is wherein the trouble lies. But, toward that end, I am going to start writing down ideas, thoughts, things that grab me, and see if I cannot get at least a short story out of said notes.
Dream #2: Have a job I love
I always have a hard time listening to people complain about their jobs, namely because I have very little to complain about. Also, in the last few years, I have strove to become a far more positive person than I have been in years past. I have known for many years that I wanted to work with writers and editors in putting out a product many will love. Originally, I thought that meant books. Now, I realize that lies elsewhere.
Likelihood of achieving said dream: 10. I have already done this. Though I may complain some days or get stressed, that is just a part of life. I LOVE my job. I feel so lucky to have stumbled into my line of work, and I cannot imagine leaving it anytime in the near future. Having said this, I challenge others to find this kind of joy in their daily work – there is always SOMETHING to like about a job, no matter how hard you have to work to find it. If you don’t like your job, find a new one. If that is not feasible, find something else that will fulfill you in a way work cannot.
Dream #3: To be happy and healthy in all endeavors
Sometimes, I tend to focus too much on the negative. I also have a bad habit of letting the rest of my life interfere with eating/cooking healthy foods and working out. This is more of a goal, but I would like to begin working out at least 5 times a week, with a little cardio all 5 days and a little weight-training 3 days (to start). I would like to cook a meal at least 3 times a week, more if the meal does not include much in the way of leftovers. I do enjoy some forms of exercise, and though I hate to clean up afterwards, I actually like to cook. I even like to cook healthy meals. I just HATE cleaning up.
Likelihood of achieving said dream: 8. I have become a much more positive and upbeat person, and I am actually pretty happy with my life thus far. It will be relatively easy for me to cook this summer, at least after my vacation. The hardest one for me to start is the exercising, but if I hold myself to 5 days a week (a week being Sun-Sat), then I know I can get that done. I tend to make myself feel guilty if I miss a day in a 7-day schedule, but 5 days will allow for a little leniency (and post-work happy hours, of course).
Dream #4:To make a difference in someone else’s life, more for them than me
This really comes down to volunteering. I like volunteering. I like knowing that what I do is going to make someone else’s life more manageable on some front – even if it just means putting a smile on his or her face for a few hours. I have not volunteered much since college, and I need to get back into this. It makes you feel good to do something good for someone else.
Likelihood of achieving said dream: 8. My church has several opportunities for volunteering, including Habitat for Humanity. My biggest obstacle to overcome with this is shyness. I am ridiculously shy around people I do not know – completely absurdly so. I want to get over this hurdle that I have had for many years. Volunteering will help, since I will have to meet and interact with new people. Plus, I think my love of volunteering will allow me to jump over that hurdle – even if I stumble a time or two.
Well, wish me luck in trying to achieve these things. I will keep you (whoever the hell reads this) updated as to my progress. Perhaps I will even post a story, poem, or idea on here in the hopes of reaching dream #1. As far as cooking and exercising goes, all bets are off until after Rome, though I may try to work out a little next week in anticipation of the massive amount of trekking we will be doing all over the city. Until then, dream on, dreamweavers!
