photo taken by my sister
Think about your greatest aspiration, the one you hold so close others are not aware of it. The one you tuck beneath your rib cage, past your sternum and nestle somewhere near your left ventricle. Right there. Feel it? Good. Stay aware of it for a moment. We’ll get back to that dream because there’s something else that needs to be addressed first. You feel it too, right? Something possibly smaller, but more deadly, restrictive. You can feel it pressing down on that little bubble of hope, threatening to pop it. You know what it is? I’ll tell you – uncertainty, fear, limited time/resources, life responsibilities, and more often than not, self-imposed excuses. Perhaps it’s even a twin feeling that your aspiration is too great or unrealistic to meet (note: you should always check this possibility before beginning any life-altering endeavor, but if others have done it through hard work, you might say it’s not so wild after all). Plan out baby steps and you will soon find that small feats accomplish great ones.
Think about the obstacles. You might not overcome all of them, or you may not even want to, but you can make alterations in your daily tasks to better support your goals. For instance, I want to be a published author, but know I must sharpen my skills before writing and editing through anything. I also need to learn the ins and outs of the industry to better my chances of securing a literary agent. Obvious “obstacles” include work, paying bills, stopping to take care of my basic needs (food, sleep, hygiene), errands, and social relationships aside from work. I can’t write 24/7. I don’t have the means or resources. Yet, I am willing to lose a few extra hours of sleep to make the time. Weekends are golden. I also put forth the extra effort needed to get experience. I was the editor for my alma mater’s literary magazine, working my way in the ranks from interested staff member to helping us win an award. I won a few poetry contests. I blog and freelance for online writing assignments. I have a ball.
When you want something badly enough, you make time for it.You seek resources and ways to improve. You never give up and push through even when discouraged. My progress toward this goal keeps climbing, not falling, but my life will not lose its meaning (I’m not talking to you, nihilists) if I never publish a novel. I will not regret the ride and I do not intend to stop blogging either way.
I believe in supporting personal luck and cultivating the ambition and tools to project myself forward. Keep it moving. Keep upbeat. Chin high. Pause when a breather is necessary. Sleep and wake up to begin again.
Such an encouraging post about believing in your dreams…….no matter what. I think you will succeed! It is tough, but easy to hold onto if it means enough to us.
Thank you! I think so too!