What would you accomplish if you could go back and start all over again? Do you remember when you were a child and the world was full of endless possibilities? As children, we knew we were destined for greatness because we simply could not fail at anything. Even if we did fail, we had an encourager and supporter to push us back up and to get us moving again. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and get back to it... that’s what we were told!
When do we give up on who we are? Do you remember being a kid and believing you were absolutely invincible? You knew, hands down, that when you grew up, you were going to change the world. You were going to be a ballerina, firefighter, movie star, professor, who also happened to be a doctor that flew to outer space. It was inevitable; it was going to happen. My question is: when does that dream end? Is it grade school? High school? College? Marriage? Children? Middle age? Middle-middle age or old age? When do we give up that dream; that desire to do better and be better?
Being 35 years young (SOON to be 36), I believe with all of my heart that my best is yet to come. That’s what keeps me motivated for tomorrow. Do you have any idea how many times I have been discouraged from pursuing a dream? I cannot remember, nor do I want to count. I have always done what I wanted from college onwards, but it has only been in my 30s where I have said, ‘to heck with everyone else.’ I’ve taken millions of chances. With some I’ve succeeded and other I failed horribly and miserably. The nice part is that I’m still kicking’ it. I’m still taking chances, and I am happy as a clam. I honestly enjoy my misadventures. I could write a book on all I’ve done wrong, but I could write a novel on all that has gone right.
I was semi-recently reintroduced to an old acquaintance from 20 years ago. Even in that first meeting with him, I could see that the light had gone out in his eyes. When we were teenagers, this gentleman was a golden child. The way he walked, the way he talked, the way he handled life... he was untouchable. He exuded confidence and people absolutely adored him or were in awe of him because of his accomplishments. Somewhere between 18 and 36 years old, he lost his dream. I don’t know what happened, but this I do know: in the short time that we have been speaking again, the light is beginning to get brighter. I believe he is finally making decisions that are in his best interest and listening to his conscience instead of letting life move past him. He is taking steps to be the person he wants to be.
This column is all about encouraging and cultivating the greatness that is within reach for every single person out there. We can all do what our heart tells us to do. Sometimes the smallest acts reap the greatest rewards. If we just listen to that small voice inside of us that tells us we can instead of listening to all the voices that tell us we can’t, imagine how spectacularly and gloriously life could be lived. We can all meet our potential; we just have to be willing to take that tiny leap of faith to get us there.
Until next time,
Meredith
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