Dream Big
Photo by Danielle MacInnes on Unsplash
My son said to me one time, “You need to dream big in order to go big.” So, about the time I turned 50 and faced a change in status as comprehensive hands-on mother, I decided it was time to dream. Hence, I started to write. With the mentoring and encouragement of accomplished local writers (met through local author Katrina Kittle’s Words Worth Writing Center) as well as the invaluable experience of the Erma Bombeck Writer’s Workshop (held here in Dayton), I began to experience life through the quickened type of my fingers.Dreams are born when the mind stills enough to listen to the heart. Allowing a simple idea to germinate or tending to a gnawing wish is transformative, regardless of age. I’ve learned in my new tenure as a writer that adding new titles to your life resume is easier than you think. While in my doctor’s office, I noticed paintings hanging in her exam rooms with her signature in bold letters. Yes, that makes my doctor an artist. My daughter-in-law captures tenderness and sweetness through the lens of her camera. Yes, that makes her a photographer. I recently met a marathon runner who was unable to run to the end of her street at the age of 50. Now, she has stack full of marathon completion medals. And when my grandchildren listen to Disney soundtracks in my kitchen, they really are a dancing chorus.Giving yourself permission to bring forth percolating ideas so they have a chance to meet reality is a gift we should all give ourselves. All of us have those hidden aspirations. But here’s the catch. If you’re anything like me, there’s a sabotage-in-chief that remains the unwelcome guest of the mind. It’s like she sits in a folding chair along the sideline of my imagination; you know, like one of those rude spectators that yells at the referee in a little league soccer game. That obnoxious voice, however, can only fester self-doubt if you allow it. If you keep your energy directed on the field, eventually, creativity will win.
There seems to be a multitude of obstacles which can discourage the pursuit of creativity. Most often, they are self-imposed just like the side-line shouter. But, I argue, it’s never too late to redefine and expand your story. Somewhere along the road of life, many of us might be discouraged from standing straight, raising our eyes towards the horizon, and making a declaration which expands our presence in the world. Saying out loud the “I am” statement connects the dream with reality. Failure might be inevitable, but then I think of Michael Jordan who was cut from is high school basketball team. It’s a good thing he persisted. His drive and insistence to pursue the goal of “I am” a basketball player worked out pretty well for him, I’d say.
And then come the questions . . . Could I really? Is this possible? What if it isn’t good enough? To which that shoulder-back determined part of me responds . . . Just do it! Who cares if the expression of our artistic talents doesn’t make the master class cut. If your painting hangs in your home and gives you joy, then it becomes priceless. Photos taken with your own camera are usually the most poignant and probably occupy a prime location in your home. Becoming a song and dance expert is as easy as turning on the radio. Most probably, the book I’m working on will never come before the Pulitzer Prize Board, but it doesn’t matter. I’m trusting a few good girlfriends will indulge me and put a copy in their basement bookshelf.I’ll be 59 soon, and am happy to report that I’m still dreaming big. If nothing else, the process of generating creative energy is exciting. Simple as that. I AM . . . having fun.