What is your dream? Are you trying to live it?

[Sarah Brown]

When you were growing up what did you hope to become?
What is your childhood dream? What is your grown-up dream?

In my childhood dreams I wanted to be a mom with at least six kids, travel all over the world, have lots of animals, and design houses. I also wanted a donkey... and I had one for two weeks until we sold it on Craig's List- Now I have a Llama. My "grown-up" dream is to build new sustainable rural towns and revitalize old rural towns...and be a mom with at least 10 children. One of my most important dreams/goals is to teach my kids to love learning and working, that's easy.

[Brian Morgan]

Interesting thing is families "used" to work out of necessity as a first priority. Many people farmed because they needed the food. Plus many had a business, simply because there was no "industry structure" (factories) to employ people and make goods. People needed food, they grew it, people needed clothes, they made them, etc.

I do think the majority of people work a job because they have to have the money. It's definitely not a world in which the majority gets to pick the job they enjoy - at least the perfect career they they'd like to do.

I know several people that enjoy factory work or perhaps similar work (where you clock and then clock out and never work outside of the POE) simply because they want to put their time in and then go home and live their life, be with their family.

I'd say it would be a gross overestimation to say that 1/2 of 1% of the people in America (not the world) are doing or will ever do the job or career that they desire, and they love it. Less than 0.005% - just what I believe.

- Brian

[Loree Everette]

Sarah,
I love this question.

I’ve always been an independent spirit. So, it’s no wonder that after the last recession, I found myself starting my own commercial design firm instead of trying to move to another firm. Over the last 7 years, I’ve been given the gift of the opportunity to create a business that is so me, inside and out, that I can’t imagine a life where I don’t do what I do every day. It’s often stressful, with deadline and finances, but it’s equally as amazing in that sometimes I can’t believe that people pay me to do something I so truly enjoy. The best part is helping people build their dream, seeing them succeed, and knowing that I had some small part in their happiness.

My family has a farm northeast of Indy that I would like to remain a working farm, with the sounds of new just born piggies being born, a single light in the barnyard, and a million stars above while generations share stories on the front porch is the only future I can imagine for my beloved home. Now, just how I work this into being able to continue with my design firm in 10, 20 years, we shall see.

Thanks for letting me share,

Loree

[Wanda Stine]

Loree, you have a beautiful dream! I hope to find a similar one for me and my family! Keep dreaming---maybe your design firm and your family farm have a shared future!

Thanks for sharing----I found your comment about the barnyard and millions of stars very inspiring!

[Loree Everette]

Thanks, Wanda! I don't think we have the opportuntity to see stars like that often anymore, with city lights and traffic. One of my favorite memories is laying in the middle of a country road with my highschool friend on the night of a meteor shower and watching the flashes of light disappear behing acres of corn fields. It's amazing that something so simple (and FREE) can stick with you for so long.

I'm glad you are living your dream!

Warm regards,

Loree

[Michael R.]

These questions are proving more difficult than at first glance. I guess I'm not much of a dreamer. *shrug*

[Wanda Stine]

Hi Sarah, I'd like to answer your question just by saying that I always wanted to be an artist when I was a little girl. I also had a dream of becoming a wife but never thought either of these possible (I didn't think I was good enough as an artist and didn't think I'd ever be loved by anyone enough to marry me). But God provided both so I am living both of my dreams...just not exactly how I expected it to be. But thats okay Because He knows the outcome and my trust is in Him! I hope you get to see your dreams come true with rebuilding rural towns, Sarah! You have the kind of "dreams" that get others excited enough to be a part of them!

[Deanna Sipe]

I used to dream about being a dancer.

We lived way out in the country in a house my father build with a big picture window in the living room. I realized that at night if you opened the curtains the picture window became somewhat of a mirror. I was always so happy when my parents were out after dark and I had the house to myself. I would turn on the music, move the furniture out to the edges of the room and make my own choreography and dance as if I were on be best theater stage, dance with all the heart, expression and passion you could ask for. It was the most alive I knew how to feel.

[Brian Morgan]

Great question, my dreams have changed over the years. No longer have the desire to slide down the FireHouse Pole daily, like in first grade. Today I want the "freedom" to travel. To enjoy life rather than work in a business. That to me is important. Perhaps marriage into a Billion Dollar Inheritance is an option? Ha - Brian

[Brian Morgan]

Some folks succeed in accomplishing financial/business and their life dreams inherently, need no guidance or study to "tweek" their directions in life.

For those wanting to hear theory's on "how to manifest" your dreams; Deepak Chopra (author) and Wayne Dyer (author) have written a lot about this topic and the dynamics of "what does and doesn't work" when attempting to manifest desires consciously.

Deepak has some rather interesting ideas on creating your future that he says he's come up with through various research/reading and studying religious/esoteric materials and also by way of studying just "how" nature creates. Wayne Dyers ideas seem to parallel many of Chopra's or vice versa. Then of course there is Anthony Robbins who's main motto IMO is "run as fast as you can and faster tomorrow". I found Tony's ideas helpful in motivating me early in life, but was not a Tony fanatic like some I have ran into, I didn't pray to the guy... Anyway "seeking" to change is the first step...many people in life IMO are not that much believers in seeking or changing ... I think that's too bad, changing your ideas, beliefs, and simply learning new things is in my mind a great way to grow as a person in this life.

- Brian

[Brandon Sobotka]

I've always wanted to change lives and make a dramatic positive impact in peoples lives including my family, friends, colleagues and whoever else. I have a dream of being the best in everything I choose and commit myself to. Specifically I dream to be a great leader in many of the various roles of my life. I have an endless, passionate commitment to doing this I'm enjoying the ride.

[Jeff Zuber]

I think you are completly right in the difference between the two. A very wise man once told me that "a goal is no more than a dream with a plan of action, without the plan of action it's no more than a pipe dream." Those words have served me well.

I too am searching for "The One" again. May I suggest that you spend some time with Jodi Stone here on SI. Jodi's company is the Soulmate Detective and she has been a HUGE help for me. I highly recommend her.