Here at the DreamAnvil we believe that dreams are born in the fires of our passion, forged by our desires and tempered by our skill. This is the motto of the site and something I chose intentionally. Each phrase signifies a part of the dreamer’s journey. This month we are looking at that slogan and parsing out its meaning.
Nothing can stop a dream dead in its tracks like the sudden, horrifying realization that we are not qualified to complete it. Much like the cold water bath used in the forge to cool metal, our skills act as a brake to the fiery passions that first set us down this path. A cold, hard reality in a world of ideas and endless possibilities.
When we set out to do something on a scale like conquering our dreams, it is important to remember that those dreams are going to be limited to our current skill sets. Artists must have an eye for composition, writers a way with words, pro athletes a freakish amount of physical ability. Those who have never picked up a pencil will find it difficult to find a publisher on their first try. Those trying out for the sports team should do more than be really good at them on a video game (unless you’re vying for a spot in the MLG). Our skills and abilities will dictate how our dreams pan out. They define our ceiling, temporary as it may be. As dreamers it is our job to bring that ceiling down.
You see skill sets will change over time- Not might, not perhaps, they will absolutely change. As we go through life absorbing the world around us we will pick up new skills. New points of view. New applications for the skills we already have.New methods for accomplishing our goals. It is another reason why I refer to our dreams as a journey. Regardless of if you succeed or fail; you will be in a different place than when you first started off. As our skills change, so to do our dreams and our goals. We are constantly reaching, constantly improving, constantly try to get better for the next step.
Our skills, as limited as they may be, are often seen as a hindrance. So often humanity looks at what they cannot do instead of what they can do right now. Our skills are seen as something we need to improve or develop before we can chase after our goals. They are a burden to bear. A phase to push through. No. No, our skills are much, much more valuable than you might be lead to believe. I have been told that the Japanese katana gets its trademark curved blade when the smith takes the red hot steel and plunges it into water or oil. This is the imagery we should all think of when considering the relationship between our skills and our dreams. Our skills, much like the water, help to shape the dream. It gives the dream substance, changing its shape and structure in the process. It is not a limiting factor, it is vital to the integrity of the dream itself.
By no means should you look at your dreams and say, “I just can’t do this.” No one is born with the ability to describe a rainbow on paper, we have to learn how. No one is born with the ability to paint a scene that takes our breathe away, we have to learn how. What you can’t do today is just that. Something you can’t do right now. What about tomorrow? Or a month from now? A year? You can do this. Let your imperfections and flaws shine through right now. Let them give you a distinct voice. Whatever you do, just keep chasing those dreams.