tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27133722.post1549680839863953136..comments2023-10-10T05:32:51.897-07:00Comments on the world according to b: A Dream Not Fully PursuedUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27133722.post-4733013328851552252008-04-27T08:07:00.000-07:002008-04-27T08:07:00.000-07:00Thanks for showing me this post! I totally get it...Thanks for showing me this post! I totally get it. I like you refuse to be that woman, BUT I have to temper my desire to go to Paris with my present situation. I know it's coming but it won't happen today or tomorrow. I look forward to reading the rest of your blog.The Franco Fille (francophile)https://www.blogger.com/profile/15578464003695065831noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27133722.post-5082056730634894952008-01-11T10:02:00.000-08:002008-01-11T10:02:00.000-08:00Oh no, I understood exactly what you were saying i...Oh no, I understood <EM>exactly</EM> what you were saying in your post and the subsequent comments. I was just being snarky. I'm with you. I don't think dreams are frivolous. They're integral to who we are, which should not be defined solely by employment or outside controls.Randal Graveshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08728992897551848531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27133722.post-71286199925063893062008-01-11T09:33:00.000-08:002008-01-11T09:33:00.000-08:00Randal... I'm going to stop being Pollyanna on thi...Randal... I'm going to stop being Pollyanna on this string of comments. We all have to decide what is best for our lives and rather than challenge people, I simply want to inspire and I can get carried away from that at times.<BR/><BR/>Yes, I agree that we all have impulses and urges. When I speak of dreams they are entirely different. That inner calling is not an urge or impulse. It is a part of who we are, we are born with it. <BR/><BR/>It sounds like being a writer is a part of that seed of you/your dreams. And all the thoughts of Europe, strawberry wine, etc. are visualizations you draw upon to awaken that dream. The material aspects stripped away... there you are, a writer. That's really what I'm referring to when I speak of my dreams but I must have convoluted that in this post and prior comments.<BR/><BR/>Work should be a rewarding aspect of caring for one's basic needs and that of the family/society. But that should be one aspect of a person's life, not the only aspect.Bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01482104257045322117noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27133722.post-22920814065350929102008-01-11T09:27:00.000-08:002008-01-11T09:27:00.000-08:00Matt... We can go back and forth on this to no end...Matt... We can go back and forth on this to no end. We CLEARLY do not see eye-to-eye on this and that is okay. I too often want to inspire others to see what I see: that life is beautiful and there isn't some punishing God making us go through life believing we are sinners. But I get carried away in this hope and forget momentarily that we are all different, holding often very different perspectives. This string of comments has taken my post in a very different and unproductive direction.<BR/><BR/>The largest obstacle in our dialogue is that we are regarding "dream" in very different terms. And when two people engage in dialogue of dreams (or anything) but they each bring a separate definition of the term, it muddies the conversation incredibly, as they are actually discussing two different things.<BR/><BR/>Please accept my apologies if I came across as defensive or made inappropriate assumptions about your character. We are obviously very different people and that is fine. I don't see either of us as wanting to harm people, society. We both want to enhance society by our presence and may just go about that in different ways. <BR/><BR/>Best wishes in your endeavors.<BR/><BR/>Sincerely,<BR/>bBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01482104257045322117noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27133722.post-26026407107576509982008-01-11T05:36:00.000-08:002008-01-11T05:36:00.000-08:00b, what's stopping me? Once you have a couple of r...b, what's stopping me? Once you have a couple of rugrats running around, there's a bit of postponement. Perhaps when they're both out the door and off to college or whatever they want to be doing, I'll see what the cards hold. ;-)<BR/><BR/>As for urges, or temptations, those words are merely archaic labels used by those in power to keep people from enjoying life. And lest this fall further into a back and forth of diatribes, I'm not suggesting we all get buck naked while sipping strawberry wine and not go to work while submitting to hedonism full time. Although parts of that don't sound all that bad. Muah. <BR/><BR/>Sometimes I have the urge to write. Sometimes I have the urge to get drunk. Sometimes I have the urge to make love to my wife. Sometimes I have the urge to trek through Europe, penning bad poetry in various cities while taking in the sites. Sometimes I have the urge to cry at a piece of music. If those are temptations, then let me sin.<BR/><BR/>And at some point, I'll still go to work because I have bills to pay.Randal Graveshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08728992897551848531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27133722.post-15093680365541411812008-01-11T05:22:00.000-08:002008-01-11T05:22:00.000-08:00"inner voice that urges us toward our dreams is ou..."inner voice that urges us toward our dreams is our soul and not some reckless temptation?"<BR/><BR/>These days, no. I think it's a cumulative reflection of all the media and marketing we've been exposed to since we were born. Some of the these things we encouter click with something within ourselves, and some don't. But very little of it is real. Of course, we make it so, somewhat, by acting it out in real life. Life imitating art, etc.<BR/><BR/>As for the suggestion that I'm in denial... no, of course I'm not. As I said, I'm simply not a dreamer. I don't find it useful, and it bothers me a bit to see people considering their own existence to be so important.<BR/><BR/>Of course, my comments are directed at the whole concept of dreaming and this recent notion of "self fulfillment". Dreaming is a plan B, from my perspective. It's what you do when things didn't work out for you.<BR/><BR/>"And if you believe in God, why would you believe that God would create such a mediocre existence for us and yet, allow us to think and feel so deeply?"<BR/><BR/>Because there's incredible power and beauty in the ability to restrain yourself from your urges. It's what makes us human. It only looks mediocre from the outside, and to those who don't understand what's going on inside.mattbghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00531548248683577666noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27133722.post-3723787671740844862008-01-10T22:07:00.000-08:002008-01-10T22:07:00.000-08:00B,I read a quote by H. H. Munro:"The young have a...B,<BR/>I read a quote by H. H. Munro:<BR/><BR/>"The young have aspirations that never come to pass, the old have reminiscences of what never happened.”<BR/><BR/>I for one will live a life with no regrets! This is my real dream.<BR/><BR/>I understand. I was not implying that you were egotistical in any form, btw.<BR/><BR/>I do need a limoncello.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27133722.post-89163711567387941862008-01-10T21:47:00.000-08:002008-01-10T21:47:00.000-08:00Colleen... Yes, I fully recognize that we project ...Colleen... Yes, I fully recognize that we project our perspective/desires/expectations/etc. onto other people. It is impossible to fully suspend all those aspects of ourself. I know that in past relationships, my boyfriends/husband gave me a certain look that conveyed that I was projecting my "fairy tale" too enthusiastically. And a similar look was reciprocated when they projected their fatalism onto me. <BR/><BR/>I appreciate different perspectives and dreams. I guess I'm always disappointed when I'm misunderstood (and when assumptions are rashly made about what I say) but I need to appreciate where that comes from.Bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01482104257045322117noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27133722.post-61279613453297118142008-01-10T21:30:00.000-08:002008-01-10T21:30:00.000-08:00B,To a person not seeking a "dream", it is a lavis...B,<BR/>To a person not seeking a "dream", it is a lavish concept. For example, I know a couple with two children that think going on a vacation to a different country is a "dream." I.E. lavish, unobtainable, and out of the question. Another couple who has 3 children under the age of 9, I think, sold their house and traveled around the world. (the book "one year off".) Obviously, dreams are very relative to the sayer.<BR/><BR/>I think that people respond to things out of the ordinary depending on their own experiences. Rather, they try to overlay their own experiences on other people. Though it's egotistical, it's a way to get to know (or choose not to know) someone.<BR/><BR/>With that said, can you email me B from my blog? I can't find your contact info.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27133722.post-54734602608791024542008-01-10T21:15:00.000-08:002008-01-10T21:15:00.000-08:00Colleen... I wonder if I am being obscure in writi...Colleen... I wonder if I am being obscure in writing about my dreams, making them sound so lavish and selfish? Really, you know what I am getting at and that's what really matters.<BR/><BR/>Your thanks are not shallow at all! I appreciate you so very much as well. Things will get better if we keep taking those steps and yes, ice cream helps too! :)Bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01482104257045322117noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27133722.post-40635589606237611212008-01-10T21:08:00.000-08:002008-01-10T21:08:00.000-08:00Matt... In response to your second comment: Wow. I...Matt... In response to your second comment: Wow. I think you completely misunderstand what I say here. Perhaps the confusion lies in the term "dream." I am not referring to desires for material objects, for a lavish lifestyle in Paris, etc. There is a HUGE difference between desires/pleasures and dreams/callings. I am referring to the latter here. <BR/><BR/>This isn't about entitlement whatsoever. And absolutely, we should be useful human beings as members of a society. But what constitutes useful? Isn't the artist just as useful as the scientist? As you recognize, if we all wanted to be trapeze artists, the world would be a circus (that thought really creeps me out!). And if we all wanted to be scientists, the world would be a laboratory. And this idea is exactly what lies at the heart of dreams: we all have unique callings. Being a doctor may be someone's dream, just as being a writer is mine. And there are other callings in our lives that emerge or have always been there. They are experiences... the essence of being alive. <BR/><BR/>Growing food is absolutely essential. And yes, we've lost sight of the value of those basic things because we are so overwhelmed with privilege and materialism. But again, when I speak of pursuing dreams, I value such useful and necessary acts highly. Pursuing one's dreams does not in any way show disregard for such basic social responsibilities. But just as we have a responsibility to society, we have a responsibility to ourselves and to that inner calling. If we all truly followed our inner calling, I have no doubt that this world would be a much better society. We would find a way to feed ourselves and such, I guarantee. <BR/><BR/>Paris is not about wishing I were someplace else. It is about exploring life and participating in it fully. To do that, we have to leave the comfort of what we know to be open to what is out there. This is called learning and growing. We can't accomplish either in a stagnant environment.<BR/><BR/>Again, you severely misunderstand me and my pursuit. This is not about eating "fancy quiche" and entitlement for luxury and disregard for society or my country. How sad that you would think such. No, you are not a dreamer, and you are clearly not listening to your inner calling. You still think of it as a temptation that must be mastered.<BR/><BR/>You assert that there needs to be a balance between personal dreams and what society needs but you do not abide by such. You state yourself that you don't believe in dreams, after asserting that there should be this balance.<BR/><BR/>I don't blog about the taxes I pay or the weekly volunteering I do. I don't blog about being a voter or the many kind acts I kindly and freely commit each day. I don't blog about them because those are my social actions that I share with and contribute to society. My blog is my place to assert my dreams and share my thoughts, me, as an individual. <BR/><BR/>You say you are not bothered or stressed about not pursuing dreams but you spend time commenting with much conviction. That act tells me otherwise.Bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01482104257045322117noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27133722.post-81913036737655906772008-01-10T20:51:00.000-08:002008-01-10T20:51:00.000-08:00B,Thank you for your support. As shallow as this ...B,<BR/><BR/>Thank you for your support. As shallow as this might sound, it really means a lot to me. <BR/><BR/>Somewhere inside, I know that things will get better. little steps. In the meantime, I need ice cream.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27133722.post-29887159736933613882008-01-10T20:31:00.000-08:002008-01-10T20:31:00.000-08:00Matt... Following one's dreams is direction. And i...Matt... Following one's dreams is direction. And it is the only authentic direction one can take with their life. Are we to be robots, then? Are we to all aspire for the same lifestyle? Why would we be made unique if that is the case? <BR/><BR/>I think it is absurd to say that by the time one is 30, they should "be on the rails." The rails of monotony? The rails of being useful and not meaningful? What is useful anyway? Paying taxes, cranking out babies, accumulating material wealth?! <BR/><BR/>And if we should have it all figured out by the time we are 30, why do we continue to live beyond then? So we can procreate and be done with it all?! Pursuing one's dreams is more than useful, it gives life meaning and beauty. It makes us better for the world, for humanity. Procreation is one aspect of living but again, how do you then propose to explain why we are each unique, with a profound capacity to think and feel? <BR/><BR/>Life is a journey and self-discovery is a part of that journey. We are always learning and growing. If you want to live a robot existence, be my guest. I am sad for you. At the end of our lives, we can sit down and see who has regrets. I guarantee it will not be Colleen or I. Trust me... I have watched many people in my life get older (namely, my own father) and deeply regret going through the motions all their life, living half-lives, if you will. And if you believe in God, why would you believe that God would create such a mediocre existence for us and yet, allow us to think and feel so deeply? <BR/><BR/>Pursuit of one's dreams is not a selfish, childish pursuit. Nor does it reject biological purposes. Don't you think that inner voice that urges us toward our dreams is our soul and not some reckless temptation? <BR/><BR/>Negativity is a kind of death to me. And truly, it is one of the most useless uses of energy!Bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01482104257045322117noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27133722.post-9551960601245327982008-01-10T20:27:00.000-08:002008-01-10T20:27:00.000-08:00Matt,“Growing up” means different things. One per...Matt,<BR/><BR/>“Growing up” means different things. One person could have the education-job-family route and another could have education-military-job-moving to a different country path. My point is that growing up only means moving forward. Finding oneself should happen within each of those chapters. Each change—let’s say going from college to a job—we have to find our voice, our fit within that society. If a person spends their “life trying to find yourself and dying lost,” then it is a possibility they never had the chance to move from one chapter in their life to another for whatever reason.<BR/><BR/>A friend of mine told me that it was my “duty to have children”. It is not my duty. Many a famous and intelligent philosopher has asked this type of question(what is our life's goal, our duty) and hasn’t agreed on an answer. So by no means, philosopher or not, is it my duty to “raise the next generation.” Biology is different for everyone, including myself. Tread lightly in this category, Matt.<BR/><BR/>By your timeline, I should have settled down 5 years ago and planned for a family. Sure, this might work for you and might be great for others, but that is a path that isn’t laid out for everyone. <BR/><BR/>How sad would it be to have stopped dreaming when one is 30? I’m sure your intent isn’t that we are who we are at 30 and progression toward something out of the “plan” should be looked down upon. But I agree that each and every one of us should move toward something useful. In addition, everyone should be a part of something larger than themselves.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27133722.post-39076603752221211222008-01-10T19:57:00.000-08:002008-01-10T19:57:00.000-08:00Colleen... I so feel what you are saying here. I f...Colleen... I so feel what you are saying here. I feel your struggle and that screaming voice inside of you. I too have allowed myself to lose sight of what being alive really means.<BR/><BR/>So often people misunderstand that pursuing one's dreams really and simply means that we want to live full lives, we want to feel alive. This isn't a selfish or ridiculous desire, it is an innate knowing... it is listening to the voice that is uniquely you. <BR/><BR/>The negative will always attempt to pervade. People that are not living full lives often resent those who are or who desire for such. And truly, some people just seem to refuse to "see." But you are not one of those people. And your soul is screaming to you right now... that is why you feel sick. Believe me, I know.<BR/><BR/>You will not fail if you give yourself to your soul completely. And I guarantee that you will not look back on your life one day and say, "I was such a fool for giving up that meaningless, well paying career to live in a new country l and experience new things." <BR/><BR/>I believe in you, Colleen, and I'm so not alone. The struggle gives the pursuit meaning. I know it is hard. I really, really do. There are days that I am so confident in this pursuit and then days in which I just struggle to shut out the negative voices all around me. But always know that I am here to support your pursuit.Bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01482104257045322117noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27133722.post-56337680451784754912008-01-10T19:39:00.000-08:002008-01-10T19:39:00.000-08:00b... on second thought, I think I agree with you: ...b... on second thought, I think I agree with you: living out our dreams is not a luxury, but the dreams to which we think we are entitled to in this part of the world are a luxury. We dream of things that people in less fortunate circumstances would not even allow themselves to dream; or they have far higher priorities as far as dreams go, such as giving their children a better life than they had themselves because such a thing is not assured.<BR/><BR/>Regarding "grinding to a halt", I am really referring to the above, and I'll explain why. We used to have self-entitled people on this continent providing bad, disinterested customer service at a cost probably ten times higher than good customer service is now provided by eager workers at offshore call centers. People participating in these developing economies are following their dreams, too. But their dreams consist of educating themselves in something that matters and making a contribution that matters so that their country will matter and, in turn, their children will matter. They are educating themselves in objective, useful things -- science, engineering, English (more useful to them than us -- they can translate). North Americans are going in the other direction because, for some reason, they can do the same or less than someone who may be more educated and willing in another country and make ten times as much money for it. It has to end. And, so, yes, travel will become one of the first things to go. We'll have to start doing things that matter again such as, oh, growing food and producing things of value.<BR/><BR/>I really do see the attraction in allowing everyone to express their unique talents to eke out a living. But, I put it in the same box as the ideology of the free market. I suppose I can best reply to this by telling you how I talk myself down from such temptations. It's quite simple: is there a demand for what I want to do? If not, I ask myself how I'd access all the things I do enjoy in my life if everyone decided that they were going to seek fulfillment as a trapeze artist. I think there has to be a balance between dreams and what society expects of you. Society isn't something separate from anyone in it.<BR/><BR/>And, if you were going to study something of interest, or some culture of interest, so as to put it to good use in society -- produce research, write historical accounts. And if you'are actually a part of the culture, simply participating in it is valid enough. But to participate in a foreign culture from afar, wishing you were somewhere else, cooking fancy quiche and listening to April March records doesn't do anyone any good.<BR/><BR/>Again, as above, I think there needs to be a balance between personal dreams and what society needs you to do. It's completely amazing to me that society -- North American society, in particular -- has been led into this idea of negative liberty, where everyone has freedom to not care about or participate in their own society at all. Ironically, negative liberty hasn't yet caught on to the same degree in France.<BR/><BR/>Clearly, I am not much of a dreamer. I don't see dreams as being valid unless they're useful, and I don't miss not having fulfilled them because, honestly, who am I to feel entitled to that, really? And it doesn't bother me or stress me at all to think this way.mattbghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00531548248683577666noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27133722.post-78110186874216605162008-01-10T19:01:00.000-08:002008-01-10T19:01:00.000-08:00Inside our Hands, Outside our Hearts... I think th...Inside our Hands, Outside our Hearts... I think that behind this fear of failing to achieve a dream is a huge misconception. What so many people fail to realize is that the fulfillment does not come from obtaining or winning the dream but pursuing it fully. And a dream that we might perceive for ourselves is really a gateway to other dreams and a way of life. Life is a journey, not a destination. Our dreams should open us up to living full lives. <BR/><BR/>Yes, dreams do stir our souls and what better way to live one's life but in accord with the soul? <BR/><BR/>Again, Paris is a dream of mine but I realize that it is something tangible my soul identifies with and I know that pursuing it is going to be the gateway to a full life. <BR/><BR/>Thanks for your faith in me! :)Bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01482104257045322117noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27133722.post-23033396280026211752008-01-10T18:54:00.000-08:002008-01-10T18:54:00.000-08:00Richard... I would say it is never too late but th...Richard... I would say it is never too late but the longer we bury our dreams, the harder they might be to dig out. The hard part being that we have to reject that aspect of ourselves that allowed us to bury our dreams. We have to find courage and strength we've been denying ourselves for so long. Does that make sense? And yes, relatively, I seem very young to you but you are still vital and alive! You possess wisdom and conviction and what great gifts to bring to the pursuit of your dreams!Bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01482104257045322117noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27133722.post-54899563716358418432008-01-10T18:40:00.000-08:002008-01-10T18:40:00.000-08:00colleen, don't worry about it... it's called "grow...colleen, don't worry about it... it's called "growing up". Things that used to be exciting become old news and you start to realize that you need to give direction to your life so as to avoid spending your life trying to find yourself and dying lost.<BR/><BR/>Problem is, you're supposed to have found yourself by the time you're 30, I think. It's an age where your life is supposed to be on the rails so that you can start doing something useful with it.<BR/><BR/>I'm going to be really unpopular for saying this in a place like this, but by the time you're 30, you're supposed to be raising the next generation of human beings, and I think biology puts you in a state of mind to do that whether you like it or not. Fighting it is rather futile.<BR/><BR/>This existentialism is tiring me out :) It's worse than negativity, from my perspective.mattbghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00531548248683577666noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27133722.post-45943513790099633602008-01-09T21:36:00.000-08:002008-01-09T21:36:00.000-08:00I know, I see and I understand more than you know....I know, I see and I understand more than you know. <BR/><BR/>Your post reminds me that I am outside my body looking in most of the time. Like the posts above, you are not her. I've read your past posts. Though we haven't known each other long, you are in the right mindset. <BR/><BR/>For a few years, I've lost my passion, my care-free attitude. I have become "safe". I am not the person I once was. Now, I feel I'm loosing the desire, my heart. And it FREAKS me out! This is why I started my blog, to help get out of my funk.<BR/><BR/>I am the person that stays with a job because someone close to me was scared I wouldn't have enough money to live. I am the one that stays in a safe career because when I tried something different in the past, it didn't work. Therefore, the person I'm with freaks out when I want to make another change. Because they say that I haven't fulfilled my desire before why would it work now? Negative, negative, negative. <BR/><BR/>Now, I cannot physically move, I cry and I'm sick most of the time. I am not the person I once was. <BR/><BR/>I want to find her...she's in there somewhere.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27133722.post-14396259676455926842008-01-09T18:51:00.000-08:002008-01-09T18:51:00.000-08:00B, The truth is that many people do not seek out t...B,<BR/><BR/> The truth is that many people do not seek out their dreams because they fear trying and never succeeding. Failure would bring disappointment and maybe humiliation when they decided to quit. I believe that dreams are always feasible. They live inside our hearts and minds and it ultimately, as you know, we must grasp them or come to an understanding that maybe it really was not our dream to have. I think many people confuse wants with dreams. Everybody wants something, to do something, to love something. But a dream, a goal, whatever you wish to call it is destiny calling. It is something that stirs your soul and makes you hunger for it.<BR/><BR/>This woman in the movie seems like she wanted different things, but although it many have been a hope or wish, it was not something that would make her who she is destine to be.<BR/><BR/>B, if your dream is to fly around the world, then do it. Don't waste time talking about. If you love something, love is so well that if you never see it again there will be no question that it was cared for or loved. Do it with determination and with all of the woman that we, your readers know you are. If you are going to dream, dream big, make a plan, and do it. We have faith in you. <BR/><BR/>TInside our hands, outside our heartshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04135186996993725893noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27133722.post-1597330462027538382008-01-09T17:12:00.000-08:002008-01-09T17:12:00.000-08:00It is probably never too late to pursue dreams. I ...It is probably never too late to pursue dreams. I look back and think how young I was (you are a decade younger than me and in my eyes you are very young with a vast future ahead of you. It is probalby no different from someone a decade older than me, looking at me and seeing so much potential in me. I have to learn to focus on that).Richardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08466885792177930052noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27133722.post-47189790324831580402008-01-09T13:32:00.000-08:002008-01-09T13:32:00.000-08:00LBR... Thank you for your ongoing support, includi...LBR... Thank you for your ongoing support, including your sharing this short with me. I am so happy to hear you say that you want to live a full life, too. You are a daily inspiration in my own life and I have absolute faith in your pursuing and living a full life as well. So fortunate to know you! <BR/><BR/>No chinese food and sitting around the apartment for us while in Paris. I had this great daydream yesterday about us being in Paris. I'll have to share it with you, as it felt so real and in its simplicity, it was magnificent! <BR/><BR/>Zen Chef... I think I really stirred the pot (pun very much intended) on this one, eh? In no way do I wish to aggravate people but rather, I want to inspire people as I've been inspired. I see potential in everyone and want for everyone what I want for myself: a full life. <BR/><BR/>Thank you for all that you say in this comment. It means so much to me. I truly do feel that I am already living out my dreams for again, it is the journey and not the destination. A dream for me is not a destination, not some finish line. It is a pursuit, a meaningful journey. And it is so exciting to imagine what will unfold for me along the way. I feel confident in my pursuit because I am very true to my heart and soul. There is no other way to live for me. <BR/><BR/>Thanks again for the encouragement!Bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01482104257045322117noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27133722.post-86637190445596293962008-01-09T13:24:00.000-08:002008-01-09T13:24:00.000-08:00Richard... discovering my life and potential have ...Richard... discovering my life and potential have been unfulfilled and unrealized is my biggest fear, too. But please tell me that you don't believe it is too late to change such?<BR/><BR/>I believe that we all have challenges and limitations in pursuing our dreams. Yet, what do we expect? That those dreams should just materialize for us without any struggle/effort on our part? How meaningless the dream would become. Dreams are journeys, not destinations, really. And any perceived obstacles in our lives simply require confrontation and choice. Yes, often those choices and realizations are difficult. But not impossible. And that is part of the necessary journey. <BR/><BR/>I really like that you returned to this idea of leisure. I agree that our lives are lacking in leisure. I think leisure enhances one's life incredibly. But I think so often it seems that we take a week of vacation and the leisure time we are suddenly allowed does not compensate for our true journey (the pursuit of our dreams) and we find ourselves restless and irritated by that vacation. Or enjoyment of that leisure makes us so frustrated that we get so little of it and that it might magnify our feeling of not living a full life. <BR/><BR/>Thank you for sharing this story! I love it. How true. Work should maintain a happy and comfortable lifestyle here and now. So many people relegate their happiness to retirement and then when they get there, they are miserable, even with all the money they have saved.Bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01482104257045322117noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27133722.post-83428628980946135712008-01-09T13:15:00.000-08:002008-01-09T13:15:00.000-08:00Randal... This is such a great visual representati...Randal... This is such a great visual representation... the glass separating one from their dreams! I so often feel that way... that there my dream lies, right before me, and yet I cannot touch it and live it but can only watch a still of it. What makes this even more frustrating is that the glass that divides is is really not glass at all, but merely the illusion of glass. All we really need to do is reach out and step into that dream.<BR/><BR/>For me, it isn't about possessing the dream. It is about living the dream, pursuing the dream and being among the dream. <BR/><BR/>I know you might be slightly cynical, Randal, but I think there is far more hope in you than even you might consent to admitting. ;-) What is your dream or one of your dreams? What do you think limits your capacity to fully pursue such?Bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01482104257045322117noreply@blogger.com