I started to do a blog about all of my deepest, craziest dreams and desires – all the things I would like to do but just don’t have the nerve to talk about. Things I’d secretly like to do but don’t have the time, money, resources, fame, élan, hutzpah, drive, ambition, vision, knowledge, or opportunity to do. I thought -- Hell, I’ll just put them on out there.
But I couldn’t do it - for a lot of reasons. For one thing… what if I never do them? Does exposing them to air cause them to suddenly disintegrate? Maybe we get that feeling partly from the old custom to never tell a wish or it won’t come true. Maybe it’s biblical: “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:19. So we learn on some level to keep them under wraps, these dreams. As long as they remain unspoken, they are every bit as real and possible as the things we have done.
Is there a safe room where you can go and announce your heart’s desires and get a good reading on the outrageous meter? For me, I think it would be scarier than going to confession, which, let’s face it, is one of the darker childhood memories, I would think. I’ll bet there is NOBODY out there who has fond memories of going to confession. I hated it with a passion.
Sometimes, I think it’s important to say things out loud, or they never get a chance to happen. I have been a firm believer that speaking your goals aloud helps you accomplish them. However I recently read an article that made the case for not telling everyone all your plans, goals. I think it was saying that sometimes you get ahead of yourself and then just peter out, that way. Telling other people my dreams and aspirations is hard for me. And while I’m being honest here, I may as well admit that a lot of times I don’t want anyone else’s input or encouragement. I know, I know, that’s crazy. Non-productive. Self-defeating. Blah blah blah. But true.
These are the steps I am going to take to address this:
Sometime between now and January 30, I am going to post here – on this very site – ONE of my secret dreams. As for the rest, I am going to make a list and maybe tie it up with ribbons and treat it kindly. Perhaps I will burn some sage and dance in a circle around it, chanting and drumming -- who knows? But if only by making that list, I am going to honor all the secret dreams.
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i love love love this post. i think you speak for all women on this subject. and so, when you decide to post one of your secret dreams....i'll not say a word to discourage or encourage.
ReplyDeletesecret dreams... I have lots of dreams about travel to exotic places and other things I want to do. I guess I want to keep some of my wilder ideas secret because that way I can think about them *without* a memory of someone's consternation or disbelief or mirth or whatever reaction might result if I say something like "I want to go to the jungles of Borneo and see if they are still full of leeches like I read about in that book".
ReplyDeletesecret dreams and heart's desires. what a wonderful subject for a book.
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I think you can rob some of the energy from your dreams if you blab too much about them. There is a danger you'll become someone who does nothing but talk, talk, talk but never takes action. That said, I think at the right place and time, it's good to share some of them. Or find creative ways to shout them out to the world. I sometimes create my passwords based on desires I have. When I wanted to move to Kansas City, I logged into my work computer every day with KC2000. That was one dream that came true.
ReplyDeletei've heard you should write them down and carry them in your pocket. but again i think that is goals. but i guess it would work for dreams
ReplyDeleteI'm realizing my truest dreams are rooted in my childhood. They're kind of a compass, they keep me heading in certain directions. I have to respect the great power they have to draw me towards some things and send me running away from others. Whether dreams are ever realized, they have a value that can't be measured.
ReplyDeleteNice way to put it, Michele.
ReplyDeleteoooh that IS really good stuff, Mich. what a beautiful thought.
ReplyDeleteyou guys are so good at expressing your thoughts. i'm enjoying reading it all. p.s..laura----i'm getting impatient for a new post!
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