Dreams are not a one-size fit all, while there might be one that is held onto from childhood, in reality different dreams fit different stages of life. The childhood dream of being an astronaut was replaced by the more earthbound airline pilot. Not to tell my age, but at the time of those dreams, they were men only clubs. Since they were not achievable given the time and circumstances, they were put aside as unrealistic. Adult dreams of a college degree, family, and job were achieved to some degree. Others yielded to the pragmatism of caregiving.
I am hesitant to reveal my latest--and biggest--dream, to become a published author. Deep down there was the qualification of "New York Times Best-Selling author," to be published by one of the big New York Five. Luck can be as important in achieving a dream as talent. The right person at the right time gets the foot into the door, which is needed because talent can't be recognized if it can't be seen.
I am a published author and have been in some form or another for many, many years. Small presses, regional, and national offered contracts. Other works went the independent route. Even if book sale numbers aren't in the stratosphere, there is the knowledge that each of my works in the national and international magazines were read by more than 100,000 people.
The sad part about dreams is having to admit they won't come true. Although this is being posted in late spring, it was written during the cold dark days of winter in a hospital room. Whether you dream big or small, my wish is that your's not only come true, but that they bring you happiness. Be sure to visit some of the other authors in the challenge to see what their dreams were and if they came true.
~till next time, Helen
It is sad when we have to admit that some dreams won't come true. Your last paragraph really touched my heart.
ReplyDeleteThe hospital room was replaced by rehab, and now I'm back to caring for the family member at home. there have been some lifestyle changes but the dream of her coming home was achieved. At least for now. thanks for stopping by.
DeleteSome dreams we give up easily, some we allow to evolve and catch them in an unexpected way, and some we lose, and that loss can be traumatic and grief inducing, if the someone has nurtured and persevered around a dream for decades.
ReplyDeletelike yout comment about dreams evolving. I think part of being an adult is recognizing that not realizing a childhood dream does not mean you failed.
DeleteLetting go of dreams is hard, but sadly sometimes necessary in the face of reality.
ReplyDeleteVery exciting that your work has been so widely read. Here I was happy if I reached just 100 people. :)
I'd love my books to sell 100 copies (I think they have but in pirates' hands). Large numbers of readers is easier with distributions of 25,000 or 75,000 in each issue. And each issue was usually read by 3 or 4 people apiece. Of course, that was before the days of ebooks and free online newspapers. Sadly, many of those earlier publications have closed or no longer pay, just reprint promotional stuf or items for free.
DeleteThanks for stopping by.
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ReplyDeleteA lovely, thoughtful post, Helen. Your last paragraph touched my heart, too. I spent weeks in a hospital room with my husband a few years ago, but with a different outcome. I'm glad you have your loved one back at home.
ReplyDeleteWhat a thought provoking post. So true about wanting happiness to come with the dream. Attaining true happiness is the best thing ever. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat are we and where would we be without our dreams? What a lovely, lovely post.
ReplyDeleteI just finished reading Star Prince, by Susan Grant -- who is not only a Rita-winning author, but also a former fighter pilot and current commercial 747 pilot. You might enjoy her perspective.
ReplyDeleteMy dreams have had to be altered (I wanted to be published before age 20 and managed to achieve it before 50, lol!), plus some were never fulfilled (like marrying my HS sweetheart) or too lofty (marrying Harrison Ford!). Still, dreams provide wonderful motivation for getting out of bed!
ReplyDeleteLove your lofty dream. Of course, that might be motivation for not getting out of bed. :) Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteIt's so true about having to admit to dreams that will never come true. Helen, I just found two of your comments on my blog, in Spam. I took you right out of there! Hopefully, it'll never happen again. Don't give up on catching your dreams.
ReplyDeleteDreams of travel have had to be put on the shelf for an indefinite period of time. I hope that when it again becomes feasible that I'll still be healthy enough to do it. thanks for stopping by.
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