Is the song “Dream On” by Aerosmith now stuck in your head?? Good. It’s a good one. And it has to do with what we are talking about today. Dreaming. It’s a new year. We can argue that a new year doesn’t really mean anything…it’s just another day. There is some truth to that. But there is also something to be said for Mondays, a new month, a new school year, an anniversary, or a birthday – they are days that are markers for meaning; something that deserves acknowledgement. So we can say it doesn’t mean anything or we can say it is a fresh start, a chance to reflect and renew, to learn and grow…and Dream On.

Most people take some time to consider the turning of a page of a new year to be more than just a party and another reason to pop the champagne. We reflect on the previous year – the good, the hard, the ways we changed and learned. We plan ahead for the new year – what can improve and how can we continue to progress. One thing we can forget about is dreaming. Remember when you were little and would day dream and play make believe? Didn’t we all at one time dream of being a teacher, dancer, astronaut or check out cashier? When did we start just planning…and stop dreaming?

A big part of a new year is the opportunity to dream again – big make believe, how is that possible, dreams. I admit, I am all about a new planner, journal, new goals and habits, books, and give me a highlighter and a good pen and I am one happy planning nerd. I can get so focused on the planning and the goals, that I forget about the why. Often times the why and the process is the most important part. It’s not always about the result, it’s about who we become and what we learn along the way.

I just finished a new year goal setting workshop, and I am reading a book by Jenna Kutcher, “How are you, REALLY” and as much as they are about growing and goals, they are just as much about dreaming and fun. It’s been a long time since I really allowed that to be a part of the process and I have been missing out. The coach leading the workshop shared some of her bigger dreams – HUGE dreams – that have been on her heart and list for years. She doesn’t know when she will accomplish them, but it doesn’t prevent her from dreaming about them coming true one day. Jenna Kutcher talks about getting in touch with the child like curiosity and play that we lose along the way – that getting back to our creative sides can make life not only fun, but our goals even more achievable and worth it. I mean, what’s the point if we aren’t enjoy it and having fun, right?

I believe we were each created for a purpose. That we are each unique in our own way and if we are here on this earth, it is to live out our purpose to make a difference and an impact on the world around us. That purpose has been with us since birth and has only grown as we have – it never goes away. And what better way to tap into that purpose than to dream? Dream the big impossible dreams of our childhood where anything and everything was possible. Think back to who you were as a child…what did you love to do, what big dreams did you have, what were your talents and passions? Now, think ahead to your future. When you retire and have all the time in the world, what do you see yourself doing and how are you spending your time? DO MORE OF THAT. Let’s bridge the gap between the dreams of our childhoods and the hope of our future and bring more of that into our present…for a life full of purpose, joy, ease and fun. So, dream on…

Dream On…

Your Inner Voice