When I say the word “dreamer” what is the first thing comes to mind? Maybe you think of the artists; painters, musicians, sculptors and writers that have filled this world with so much creativity and beauty. But have you ever thought about the scientist as a dreamer? What about the architect? How about the doctor, or the pilot, the truck driver or the stay at home mom? Are they dreamers too? What about you? Have you ever thought of yourself as a dreamer? The truth is, you are. You just might not know it yet.
Like the late Jim Valvano I believe that everyone has a dream. From the day we are born to the day we die our lives are filled with dreams. So what sets apart those who dream and the dreamers? It’s action. The dreamers are actively pursuing their dreams. They look at the standard and ask why it has to be this way. They are told something can’t be done and they set out to do it anyway. They look up at unconquered mountains and want to climb them. They see the endless sea and seek ways to cross them. Dreamers look to the stars above and reach out to touch them. They make paths through jungle and desert, seek out what was once lost and discover the unknown. This is what makes the dreamer so special, because they dare to do the impossible.
The dream is not possible without the dreamer, and the dreamer cannot carry on with out the dream. They are in this together. Knowing that there will be challenges that lay ahead, the dreamer tightens their belt and into marches on ever further and further. Through countless days and nights the dreamer forges their dream, all the while shaping and being shaped by one other. Through fire the dreamer gives form to what was once a vague and fragile idea and drags the intangible into reality. This is what the dreamer seeks to accomplish when they set out on their journey.
The dreamers who have ventured forth in pursuit of their dreams have no easy task ahead of them. Our dreams demand the very best of us. Why? Because that is precisely what is required of us to bring our dreams into reality. We strive to excel at what we do, to master what is unconquerable. We write and write and write, growing with each completed project. For every milestone we pass the dreamer can stand a bit taller. With each success we take another step closer to accomplishing our dreams. When we fail (and we know we will) we get up, strengthen our hearts and minds and try it all over again. We bash against the wall of impossibility until it breaks.
Today I can tell you that there are dreamers all around you. We work in the cubicle across from you, we stand behind the register at the check out line, we serve you iced tea and greet you with a smile. Everyone dreams which means that anyone can be a dreamer, so long as they have the courage and the desire to dare to take action. Only you can make your dreams come true, won’t you come and join us?