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In today’s culture of instant gratification where everything is available at the touch of a button and success is measured in viral terms, we tend to dismiss anything that doesn’t result in instantaneous, mega success. So what happens if your dreams appear too big, too difficult or too impossible to attain?

I am a dreamer and I believe that everyone who has a dream should pursue it and discover the possibilities that exist in the process.

A dream, that “strongly desired goal or purpose,” usually applies to something better than what you have. You live in a shack and dream of one day living in a big beautiful house. A waitress fantasizes about owning her own restaurant; a high school athlete aspires to play in the NBA; a copy editor wants to write that best-selling novel. One person desires to travel the world, another to attend college or become a doctor.

The list goes on with dreams as varied as there are individuals, but they all indicate a strong desire to be somewhere, do or have something that seems totally unattainable.

Dreams give a sense of direction, something to reach for. The problem is most people talk about their dream and do nothing about it. When I spoke of going back to college as an adult to complete my bachelor’s degree, several of my friends indicated their desire to go back to school as well. I graduated several years ago while they never attempted to even register at a university.

I have dreams that came fully true; some that came partially true and some that never materialized, but I keep dreaming. Some of my life’s desires were fulfilled purely as a blessing from God. I did nothing to set the circumstances that put them in motion.

However, in most cases if you really want something, you have to reach for it by taking the necessary steps in the direction of achieving it. Like Walt Disney said, “Dreams can come true… if we have the courage to pursue them.”

A lot of people are deterred by the fact that not all dreams become reality, and fail to consider the benefits of acting on theirs. Reaching for those inner desires in your heart gives you something to strive for, and helps you set goals for yourself. Following your passion keeps you actively engaged. The effort stretches you and empowers you.

Consequently, even if you don’t reach your intended target, you’ll still be further ahead than where you were. Les Brown, the motivational speaker, says it best, “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”

I say follow your dreams and keep the faith. Sometimes, however, the blessing may not be in the intended destination but rather in the process that makes your life considerably richer and so much more interesting.

Dream! Believe and achieve! But most of all enjoy the adventure and the wonderful journey that is life, for following the vision in your heart keeps your spirit alive.

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Danielle Coulanges is a teacher who’s had a renaissance career as an entertainer, a fashion designer, business woman and compliance officer. Her true passion however has always been to write, and she uses her diverse experiences to observe life and reflect on it in her writings. 

Danielle, who returned to college as an adult, graduated from New Jersey City University in New Jersey with a major in Economics and a minor in English Literature. She served as the publisher and was a featured writer of her division’s quarterly newsletter when she worked at a major financial services firm in New York. 

She also writes essays and short stories and maintains a blog. In 2008 she published Cads, Princes and Best Friends, a memoir of relationships gone awry, that shares life lessons about love and faith. 

In May 2012 she became a first time recording artist at age fifty plus with the release of her single “We Are One,” a song with a strong social message. An album of original inspirational and gospel songs, “I Live by Faith” (her life motto) is due for August 2012.

More information about Danielle, her writing and her music can be viewed on her website at butterflypublication.com.

For more information, please visit butterflypublication.com

This Post Has One Comment

  1. Danielle – I agree that dreams help keep us motivated and focused. As you and others remind us – even those that don’t come to the hoped for outcome teach us and enrich our journey. Congratulations on your multi-tiered accomplishments.

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