Laundry might be my least favorite chore ever. So, when we moved into our house a few years back, I decided to make my laundry room appear to be a happy place. It’s painted bright yellow with signs like the one you see above hanging on the walls. I wish I could say it worked and I love spending time in there, but…well, that may or may not be true.
As I was unloading another load of laundry last week, I stopped and looked at the image on the wall (pictured). My arms were tightly wrapped around half a dozen or so clean, fluffy towels that were begging to escape my grasp, but my eyes were fixed on this sign. It was if I were seeing it for the first time. Nevermind the fact that I’ve passed that sign daily for nearly three years. On this day, I just stared at it, taking in the words–let your dreams take you places. It was strange, but I began to get teary.
Of course, I believe the words printed on the sign; I share a similar message with students and educators all of the time. But as I stood there, hunched over, propping my leg on the wall to keep the clean towels from making their getaway to the floor, I thought, have I allowed my dreams to take me places? Have I acted on these thoughts swarming in my mind? Does doubt paralyze me? Do I allow critics to get in my head and question my motives? If so, then why?
As educators, we are often pouring ourselves into others and motivating them to follow their dreams. However, I wonder if sometimes we doubt our message when we preach it to ourselves? Why? If it is a lofty dream, just take baby steps toward it. Why not? When doubt creeps in and says, “What if you don’t attain your dream?”, say to doubt, “But, what if I do!” We will never know unless we try.
Who knows, maybe your original dream will morph into something different as you approach it. Enjoy the journey.
You only live once. Dream big. Take action.
And…
Let your dreams take you places.
I am an educator who values the individuality and uniqueness of others. Writing the blog R.E.A.L. is an outlet for me to pay it forward by sharing ideas, influences, lessons learned and exposing a little vulnerability while encouraging others to maximize their R.E.A.L. potential, as well.
This is so true! Doubt and fear are our enemies in the battlefield of the mind. Keep rockin and changing the world!
Thanks, Marsha. The mind is so very powerful, isn’t it?
You ROCK, girl!
