November 6, 2022: It’s Never Too Late to Follow Your Dream
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”
– C.S. Lewis
What does it mean to follow your dream? It means doing something that makes you happy. As children, we believed in both magic and the power of dreams. Sometimes those dreams were lost as our interests changed, responsibilities took over, and time limitations seemed insurmountable; but we are never too old to dream. Figuring what our dream is can take a significant part of our life’s journey, but once we do, we can take the steps to put those dreams into action.
At both our shows and in the Art Gallery I belong to, I ask the artists how they discovered the passion for what they do. Many times, the stories will reflect a later in life return to a long held dream. In discussions with my customers/friends I frequently hear the comment, “You are so lucky to be able to follow your dream”, I wish I could.” This is inevitably followed by “I will, when I have time, when the kids leave, or when I retire”.
Recently, a gifted artist joined our gallery. As I was helping him set up his display, we got talking about his experience as an artist. His work was amazing and I was truly in awe of his versatility in a variety of mediums. I was absolutely astonished when he told me that he had only recently returned to art making after retiring from the Ironworks. When in high school, he was passionate about it, but during the years that followed, he never seemed to have or make the time.
While the encouragement to “follow your dreams” is a well-known one, what does it mean in practice? With all the chaos and uncertainty in our modern society, it can be a challenge or unrealistic to choose to follow what makes us happy. But to make this choice doesn’t mean turning our lives upside down, or creating more stress. Once we’ve determined what our dream is, we can begin with simple “baby steps”. The first step is to ask yourself,” What is it I really want in my life at this time and for the future?”
Dreams can distract you from the negative events in life. You will weigh up what is more important, your dreams or the drama. Drama seems obsolete when you are passionate about following your dreams.
-Joel Brown
After you’ve determined your dream, you can begin to put into motion the resources you need to actually make it happen. The resources can include everything from education, cost, and resources, to support and time. Time always seems to be the most common deterrent. Depending on your dream, it can be as simple as carving out a few hours a week to an activity that you love or as complex as changing career directions. In any case, the steps to actually follow a dream can take many forms as unique as each one of us, but all require a powerful combination of courage, commitment, dedication, self-discovery and work,
“Live the Life of Your Dreams: Be brave enough to live the life of your dreams according to your vision and purpose instead of the expectations and opinions of others.”
– Roy T. Bennett
Two sweet friends decided that once their children were out of the house, they would fulfill a long-held dream of having a unique local store which featured work from area artists. As it was a new chapter, they named it “New Leaf” in Laconia, NH. Now in their second year, their charming store is thriving, chock full with unique products. Another family member is following her dream of going back to school to get a degree in Art therapy and counseling. Her hours of study are on top of her 40 hour work week, and management of her extensive gardens and animals. The work load is challenging, but since it’s leading her to her long term goal, it is a path she is willing to embark on.
“It’s never too late for a new beginning in your life.”
Joyce Meyer
While our current world is filled with uncertainty, from environmental and health issues to the political wars in our country, it is important to recognize each days as a gift. We only have a finite amount of time on this planet, and it’s important to make the most of it. Follow your dreams, even if it’s a small one……these steps can change your life in joyful ways you never expected.
What is a dream that you have? We would love to hear your thoughts and discover how you have made it happen or what steps you can take.
We’ve included some inspirational quotes as encouragement and motivations. As always, we appreciate the time you took out of your busy day to read our blog. We invite you to share it with someone who might find it meaningful.
Best regards,
Wendy Oellers-Fulmer
Inspirational Quotes:
“If one advances confidently in the direction of one’s dreams, and endeavors to live the life which one has imagined, one will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.”
– Henry David Thoreau
“The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams.”
– Oprah
“So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable.”
– Christopher Reeve
“It’s never too late to be what you might have been.”
George Eliot
“If you take responsibility for yourself you will develop a hunger to accomplish your dreams.”
– Les Brown
“Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.”
– T.S. Eliot
