Making Dreams Come True

[Ann]

Hi Friends

Recent posts here have made me give thought to some of my behavior, like procrastination, perfectionism, and how I seem to be working against myself a lot. And part of it is that I am a dreamer, more than a realist, and that I haven't explored that part of who I am for a long time.

My life is good right now. My son is in program, and my life has become manageable LOL. In 6 weeks I am moving from the big city of Toronto to a smaller community that puts me in mind a little of "Cabot Cove" in Murder She Wrote, or even Mayberry LOL and it's quite a change. But it's a beautiful lake area and it means that my husband and I can work a little less and get ready for retirement in less than 10 years (a dream coming true).

And something I am trying to do for myself, to make one of my dreams come true, is to apply my skill (accounting) which is dull and repetitive, to something interesting and fun. I have no idea what it will be, and am already trying to think of ideas, but I know that it is important to me to be busy and to work at something that I enjoy. I have just done the "career" thing for too many years, and am grateful for the opportunities that I have had, but am ready for total change.

So I see this as a chance to be creative, to mold a dream and to make it come true. I have also taken the summer off, which is the first summer I have had completely off work in over 30 years - another treat to myself to prepare for the move and to plan my dream.

It occurred to me that regardless of where we are in life, age wise, financially, or health wise, that we have choices and can have dreams and work toward fulfilling them. Even small dreams can be put on the shelf because we find ourselves too busy or too scared to make the move. Dreams don't have to be about career choices, they can be about a hobby, or travel, or doing something special at home like redecorating or planting a garden, but they should be something special to our hearts and something that would make us feel like it is a dream-come-true experience.

My mother had a plate on her kitchen wall with a saying on it that read "You've got to have a dream, before it can come true", and I have always remembered that saying. I just have never really applied it before.

So what are your dreams, and what can you do to plan to fulfill them?

Hugs
Ann

[2stop]

Good for you ~Ann~!! You deserve some fun and creativity in your life!! You go girl!!~

Oh, I have so many dreams!! Where to begin??....

I really want to write movies about addiction, where it shows everything..from the death, to the hope, to the family affected, to the everything in between, would also like to do some documentaries, follow some people who are getting clean in various ways, talk with the family members devastated from it...

I really want to learn to fly a helicopter!!

I am working on some books I need to finish, and some books I have yet to start.....

I would like to join the Navy....

I dream of travelling around the world and just enjoying it all!!

I dream of building our fantasy home, designing it and all...

I dream of helping bring solutions to the problem of hunger in the world...it's so unnecessary!!!!

I dream of being a politician that is in it for the people...not my gain.....

I dream and dream and dream......
now I must begin the work!!!!!!!

Great thread Ann!!!~~

[Ann]

And good dreams 2stop.

I think that you can see, when you write them out like this there are many things you can do to make some or all of them come true.

Even small things, like volunteering in an area that interests you, or startng to design the dream home, are ways to take the dream and make them a reality.

You sound like you are a writer - so write. You don't have to finish it any time soon, but as you write it will grow into a story. Or it can serve as an outline for you to use later in your writing.

Sending hugs and prayers that all your dreams come true!!

Hugs
Ann

[SkyIsFalling42]

..wow..i am at a tee total loss here. have never had the audacity to dream before..just have always concentrated on living. this will take me a long time to accomplish i think.
Yes..i meant audacity...i have never felt i deserve to dream or to want or ask for anything. what an eye opener.

[2stop]

Oh Sky!! You have every right to dream and ask for what you want!!! You better believe it my dear!!! Now shoot for the stars..you don't need our permission..but you have all our support, we love you so much Sky...

If you didn't have to worry about feeling guilty or imposing etc..what is it that your heart desires?

[2stop]

One more thing.....

I wish for you Sky to see the tremendous beauty and love within YOU that you give to all of us....YOU rock my dear Sky..and you'll be rolling in your dreams when you see the awesome spirit that you truly are!!!!~

:kisshug:

[Ann]

[2stop]

How beautiful Ann!!!!!~

[SkyIsFalling42]

Ladies
I dont know why but this is making me cry!! I will come back to this..I need to do some separation and then some figurin..i wont give up.

[2stop]

Bless your heart..before long you'll be Sky Unlimited to replace the skyisfalling!...hoo-ah!! Love ya!!!~

[Paulie]

Dreams....wow.

Yes, I want to travel the world and see everyting I can see. I want to skydive next year.

My dream for my future is Paul and I being comfortable, being sober, enjoying eachother. Wow that sounds corny but it is true.

I want to go to school, did not get into my class this semester, but I will next semester. What do I want to take, English, why, I don't know it just always interested me.

I dream of not settling for things if that makes sense.

Wow - I need to think about this Ann. This is good for me.

[SkyIsFalling42]

Would our dreams be like goals only have no limits?

[Ann]

Sky

I think that our dreams are those special little plans that we have never had the courage to put into motion. Goals, but goals that take us somewhere that makes our heart happy.

Pauline has some great ideas and dreams, and with a little action on her part they will come true.

You can do it too Sky. Start with a tiny little dream, and then plan how you will make it come true. And then do it.

Life can get better - one little dream-come-true at a time.

Hugs
Ann

[JT]

Ann,

I walked on my treadmill today (which I usually don't do on Sunday) and while looking for something on TV I came across the local PBS station and this lady was talking about creating the life we want. About fulfilling our dreams and finding out just what our dreams are. I found her website for you. She has books, tapes and workshops. One is going to be in Chicago Sept 13th.

http://www.barbarasher.com/

Anyway she was talking about exactly the thing you are...No coincidences right?

She says that the things we love...the things that make our hearts pound and put light in our eyes and a smile on our face are the beginnings of fulfilling our dreams. A dream is doing the things we love...maybe for a living but maybe not. What you said about applying what you know to something you love is a perfect example.

She said to start gathering data...pay attention to what you really enjoy. What did you love in school, for instance.

In my case I loved reading and writing. I took every English and Literature course I could take. I took writing courses and speaking courses and I excelled in them because I loved them.

Another things is my recovery...makes my eyes sparkle and warms my heart.

I also love my home...I am a cancer...a nester, so my home and my garden are way up there.

There are alot of things I could do there...a writer's workshop, investigate councelling options, being an adult sponsor for Alateen (I have been asked) gardening and landscaping classes or even self study and work in my own yard until people are begging me to know how I did it! Decorating, antiques, refinishing wood, restoring old furniture.

See where I am going? She says that now...later in life (Humph) we have slowed down a bit...we have done the rat race thing (like you said above) and now we want to do some things like fulfilling dreams. It is a natural life evolution.

Anyway I think it is an interesting concept.

I am out of breath now! I excite easily...

JT

Oh and twin?? I cannot BELIEVE you posted this and I cannot BELIEVE I didn't see it until today.

[SkyIsFalling42]

"Life can get better - one little dream-come-true at a time."

Thank you Ann

[Paulie]

That is awesome JT - I will check that out too.

Ann - yeah good ideas but I never really thought of dreams before. I did not get sober til 31, had no dreams when I was using. This was on my mind today, hmmmm need to think more about dreams for myself, this is good!!!!

[Ann]

JT - Barbara Sher!!!! She is just the best speaker/writer/motivator in the world!!!

A friend and I went to hear her speak about a year or so ago, and she was speaking about women our age (menopausal and still kicking), and she is sooooo funny and equally wise.

I originally saw her on a PBS station, and just couldn't wait to see her when I found out she was coming to Toronto.

I highly recommend getting any of her books or tapes and then just sit back and wait to be amazed. This lady is a gift!!!

Now there's something I will treat myself with - I'll check my bookstores and buy something she wrote.

Thanks JT!!

Hugs
Ann

[JT]

Ok..this morning I overslept and thought...WHO has time??

Now I have had my coffee...I will check out tickets to her workshop...road trip?? And I will check out her books and tapes...TODAY!

Hugs,
JT

[Paulie]

Well, I like that, second life after 40. How about starting 8 months before I am 40?? that works for me.

Okay, I have really been thinking about this one Ann.

My dreams -

I want to wake up everyday knowing that I share my life with my best friend.

I want to stay sober and share my recovery with others.

I don't want to settle for anything. That means being confident when I make a decision and trusting my instinct.

I want to be healthy and fit and feel good. This does not mean being model thin, this means feeling good.

I want to face my days without fear, without fear of the unknown understanding that God has a plan and being comfortable with that.

I want to take pride in my job even though it may not be my dream job it is what my partner and I do together. What we have built from nothing and how we take care of our family and plan for our future.

I want to be the kind of step mom that puts her kids first, that does her best to understand them and helps them to grow up secure and safe.


Well...I don't think that is what you meant Ann. Specific dreams...I don't know. I never was a dreamer, isnt' that funny. As a little girl I never dreamed of getting married or a wedding or anything like that. For a while I wanted to be a teacher, then changed my mind then I wanted to be a clothing buyer and travel the world for Macy's or Bloomingdales, changed my mind after 1 semester of college on that one....dreams, I don't know.

After my years of using and living in my car, living that life a drug user, this is a dream come true. A home of my own, a safe place from the world. A good relationship, I guess this is my dream.

WOW - I think I just had a major light bulb moment!!!!

[Ann]

Paulie

Fulfilling a dream is not the end of a dream, it is the beginning. Your life today is more than you ever dared to dream for (I know you well) and that is the greatest gift of all.

I have another dream, that I thought of recently. I would like to buy a very good camera and take up photography, and then use that skill to take unusual photos. Photos such as an old man and woman holding hands walking the beach, or of a child learning to ride a bike, but candid shots catching the moment. Where we are moving in October is an extremely scenic area with lots of caves, beaches, rock and many natural parks and hiking trails. Photography would be a good excuse for me to enjoy all of these.
This is a dream that WILL come true very soon. All I need to do is learn to be a great photographer LOL. And I shall!!

Sky - I hope you're learning to dream and I'll bet when you think of one, it too will be a lightbulb moment. Just let your mind go and see what comes up.

Hugs
Ann

[Juls]

What a great thread. One of my dreams is for world peace.

My personal dream is to own my own spa business.

To have a healthy marriage.

To do a good job raising my daughter.

To explore my art.

To travel.

To not live in fear.

To name a few,

Juls

[Paulie]

Fulfilling a dream is not the end of a dream, it is the beginning.

ann-

that made me cry! (not that that is all that hard to do - LOL, but it did).

You are right, you know me well!!!.

[SkyIsFalling42]

I am so afraid to dream!! But here goes:

1. I hope to someday see my daughter in recovery, honestly working a program. I would like to pull her into my arms and remember only all of the good times. When our bodies were one, and I felt her life moving in mine. Her first day of kindergarden, the girl scout badges, the good report cards. My beautiful giggling daughter before the drugs and alcohol.

2. That I will hold my grandchildren again. See where they sleep, cuddle and play ms. bunny and nineteno with them. See their beautful faces and hear their laughter again. Go for walks in the woods and throw rocks in the water. See the animals at the zoo again and go back to sea world. To kiss their forehead and cover them late at night and to know that they are safe and loved.

My only dream I guess is to have my family united. This is all I would want in this lifetime, I would ask for no more.

[2stop]

((((((((((SKY)))))))))))

[Paulie]

I can't get this tread out of my mind.

It was pointed out to me that I never dreamed that my life could be what it is now, and that is ABSOLUTELY true, and that is due to my recovery, my relationship with my HP and working the steps.

Now what? Now I dream of taking care of my family, growing old with my SO, playing with grandkids.

I just feel like that is not enough.