As children we have dreams, visions, and fantasies of who we are going to be, what we are going to do and the places we are going to visit. We are also often encouraged to do our best and reach for the stars. However, something seems to happen to some of us on our life’s journey. The dreams are pushed aside, shelved and sadly, even forgotten. We even have ways of dressing it up when we think about it or talk about it. “Life happens,” we say, not realizing that the fulfillment of our dreams and achieving our goals is a part of life happening. A part we can be proud of and positive about instead of settling for one of mediocrity, lack-luster performance and existing instead of truly living.
So why do we settle? Sometimes settling is a result of a bad decision, mistake, traumatic experience or lack of financial support. These factors often contribute to hopelessness, limited education, demotivation, feelings of ‘it is what it is,’ or even, ‘why bother to try.’ Don’t get me wrong. I know success is not a one size fit all, neither are the measurements the same for everyone. However, I believe we all should pursue our dreams; achieve the goals we set for ourselves and become the best versions of ourselves. By doing this, we prevent frustration, anger, resentment from becoming a part of us. Becoming the best versions of ourselves also prevents us from pushing our children to become what ‘we’ wanted to be instead of who they were created to be. We do not have to settle..
It is time we realize that an unplanned pregnancy does not have to derail us. A divorce does not have to stop us. Being forced to drop out of school does not have to become a death sentence. Being incarcerated does not have to incinerate our dreams. An abusive situation or relationship does not have to determine the outcome of the rest of our lives. We can achieve our goals. We may have to change direction and take a detour when circumstances and events occur, but we can get to our destination. It will simply require a little more effort; asking for help and making use of available resources, but it can be done. The path may have to change, but the goal or dream should not, unless we have dreams of achieving something else.
We can do it. We can become all that we were created to be and achieve all that we set our sights on. There is no obstacle that a determined, focused, made up mind cannot overcome. Excellence is already within us. We were created with everything we would need to achieve our dreams and fulfil our purpose. Arete is already within our reach. Let us make it visible.
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