The flame dances and twirls. Beautiful in its grace and power, it flows through the psyche melding ideas and desires together. The first instinct is to reach out and caress the flame, but its touch might burn. It might be too much for you, or too hard to accomplish. It seems impossible. Still, it dances, and it calls. Daring the dreamer to chase after it.
There are those who simply wish for their dreams and then there are those who chase after them. This is the second part of the dream, taking action. All of us dream, but not everyone is willing to work on achieving those dreams. Some are content with the idea that they will get around to completing their dreams “one day.” Others simply ignore the dream, hoping that it will leave them alone or go away. The dreamer grabs the impossible and drags it into reality. She is an active and willing participant in making her dream come true.
This is the ultimate goal of the Dream Anvil, to get others to engage with their own dreams. To take what was once impossible and make it a reality. The aim is to throw down the gauntlet and challenge everyone who dares to get up and chase their dreams. To do this though we have to be willing to get up and take part. Over the next year, we will talk about how to go about making your dreams real, give advice, talk about failure, tackle questions around motivation and so much more. But first, I need to do one thing. I need to convince you to get up off the couch. I need to persuade you to see the worth in doing the things that are hard. I need to show you that our dreams are worth it.
The scientist in me demands that I provide some sort of physical proof as to why you should chase your dreams, I have none. Many of my dreams remain in the future, as yet to be completed. The religious side of me wants to relate it all back to a creative God, which is a separate post, but also not a universal truth for everyone reading this. The only “proof” I have are my own journeys that have been made while running after my own dreams.
My dreams create in me a hope for what will be, a goal to orient towards and work on. I admit that the work is hard, sometimes it is tedious, and there are days when I just can’t. No matter, I can’t quit. I can’t stop hoping, and improving, and growing towards the me of tomorrow. Even if my dreams become so heavy that I have to set them aside something always happens to bring me back, a new spark, or an old ember flaring up with new life. I am always striving to be a better writer, a skilled artist, a better sister, daughter, friend, and ally to those less fortunate. My dreams create in me a drive to pursue, to improve, to be better at the skills needed to achieve them. It is an endless journey, one that can only take place once you have given yourself over to a life spent chasing the ethereal. Instead of despair, I find strength and courage in these things, knowing that what is an obstacle today may not be real tomorrow.
My passion for my dreams have inspired others to chase their own dreams and they, in turn, have gone on to inspire still more people. That is the future I imagine when I dream. A world where everyone is working towards something bigger than themselves. A world in which we strive not for the next rung on the social ladder, but toward our dreams. That will be a world in which all peoples are truly free.
Today can be the day you start your own journey. Dare to dream big, then chase after those dreams. Find your passion, let it guide you. Today can be your first step towards tomorrow. The first step always starts with you.