Watching the evening news one would think the world is on its way to hell in a dastardly hand basket. Overpaid analysts have discussed the failing economy, housing crisis, plunging stock market, stock market, and ailing unemployment rates in ad nauseam. Life demands can feel like a relentless succession of jabs and body blows – ultimately making the pursuit of happiness seem impossible.
At the end of the day, when you’ve commuted ninety minutes to and fro, dealt with the bosses’ demands, used your last five and a half brain cells to figure out the kids’ algebra homework, what pile of excuses do your dreams lie atop? Is it the, “I’m way too busy” pile? Or, if you’re a professional procrastinator, could they be found in the “next year is my time to shine” pile? If you are a parent, maybe they’re buried in the bowels of the endless, dream-stunting “when the kinds go off to college” pile. Wherever they’re hiding, do yourself a favor; find them, dust ’em off, and place them on the front of your tongue and the top of your to-do list.
Your dreams are yours for the taking. It’s impossible to live a purpose-driven life without having a dream in tow. Your dream is your purpose. Your dream is the vision in the review mirror of your subconscious steaming like a YouTube video. Your dream is that looping audio on the favorites playlist in your brain, and it’s screaming to move up to your Top 10.
Speak and act in favor of your dreams daily. They’re not some old, out-dated concepts. Don’t place them on a shelf, as if they need to go through some pickling or aging process. Nor should they be manifested in the next generation or lived out in the lives of your children. God put those hopes and dreams inside of you to harvest in the here and now. This is the day to grab your dreams by the you-know-what and ride them into the sunset.
“So how do you make it happen,” you ask? You make it happen! Wear your dreams on your lapel like a name tag. Seek out those who do what you desire and ask for a mentorship. Align with resources who share your visions and feed your dreams. Do something everyday to promote your dreams, even if it’s just journaling. You must keep the dream on lit like a raging bonfire if it’s ever to become. Be bold! Dare to step outside out the monotony of your comfort zone and venture on the dreamy side. Most of all, remember ‘Ish #101 …
When referring to your dreams always use when, not if.