Since publishing Even if you don’t, I’ve been privileged to accept more than 15 speaking requests. I’ve loved each and every one of them. As a writer, there is truly nothing better than getting to interact with your readers.
I’ve had some very special events, and though I wouldn’t say I have a favorite, one that stands out is the opportunity I had to speak to a group of 6th grade students at Anderson County Middle School. They were one of the most attentive audiences I’ve had. But more importantly, they were a passionate audience.
When I told them I had dreamed of becoming a bestselling author since I was 5, I asked to see if any of them had dreams too.
Every single hand flew into the air. All 300.
With the unfiltered fervor of youth, they told me they wanted to be actresses, athletes, and surgeons, politicians, pastors, and teachers. There was even one girl who wanted to be a writer (remember the name Lakrissa – I’m pretty sure you’ll hear it again someday, or you might even see it on the featured shelf at Barnes & Noble).
They all had dreams. And they were all passionate about them.
What is it about age that dilutes our passion? Why do we allow time to redefine what we want out of life? How is it that trading our dreams for the perfunctory nuances of a 9-5 is considered a mature decision?
Don’t get me wrong – I have a 9-5. In fact, I have an 8-6 (or longer). Having a steady job is crucial and it’s a blessing. But the moment we allow ourselves to quit dreaming, to quit pursuing that which we are passionate about, we start to die. Our influence and impact wane, our charisma fades. We become bland, unadventurous, and unproductive.
As I told those 6th graders, dreams don’t happen by accident. They are not a byproduct of random interest or skill. I believe God gives them to us for a reason. He indwells us with a specific passion for a specific purpose, and provides us with the specific skills we need to fulfill that purpose.
Though giving up on our dreams and making the “responsible” choice is widely considered selfless, I would argue that it’s actually selfish. That isn’t to say you shouldn’t be responsible; I work my day job during the day and pursue my dream before the sun comes up and after it goes down. It’s tough, but not pursuing it would be doing humanity a disservice.
Giving up on your dream doesn’t just hurt you – it hurts us all. Because our dreams are God-assigned, they have a global and eternal impact. When we pursue our dreams, even if we don’t ultimately achieve them, we make the world a better place.
As I looked around the room that morning, I saw surgeons that would heal people, actresses that would entertain the masses, and leaders who might tangibly change the course of human history.
But they’ll never do any of that if they stop dreaming.
We would be remiss to overlook the enduring power of childlike splendor. That youthful passion, the innocent, unencumbered belief in the impossible has the power to move mountains, let alone the obstacles standing in between you and your dreams.
It’s not easy. Somedays I get tired and discouraged. Other days I’m tempted to change course and take an easier road. But when that happens, I stand up, walk across my office, and read the note taped to the wall above my desk.
Kailen understood the importance of dreams. Which is why, in the final months of her life, she made sure I never forgot the importance of mine, ever after she was gone. The note, which you can see as the cover image for this post, says this:
My dearest writer,
I believe in you and in all your dreams. You will succeed!
-K
I am not skilled enough to adequately convey how much that note means to me. I read it aloud every single morning when I get up, and every night before I go to bed. It is a guiding light when things get dark, and a source of humility and inspiration when things are going well.
I encourage you to find your guiding light. Rediscover the childlike passion you lost all those years ago. Dream again! And realize that even if you don’t “reach” your dreams, you will change the world merely by pursuing them.
The next time someone asks if you have a dream, raise your hand.
Check out my dream here: Read EVEN IF YOU DON’T: A Love Story
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