Today, January 13, is National Make Your Dream Come True Day.
Your Dream
Everyone has a dream. However, not everyone pursues their dream. Some people just like to imagine one day doing it. And that’s okay if that’s all they want. Other people keep their dream to themselves, never breathing life into it by saying it out loud. Maybe they don’t try because they’re afraid of failure. Maybe they fear being laughed at because they feel their dream isn’t “important.” Whatever the reason, they keep silent.
But dreams can come true. I’m not talking about unrealistic dreams—I sadly accepted long ago that I wasn’t going to play professional football for the Dallas Cowboys. I’m talking about attainable dreams, even if they seem improbable.
Don’t think your dream isn’t important because it isn’t big or inspiring. It’s your dream. It can be as easy—read one book a week—or as challenging—write and publish a book—as you want. Making your dream a reality is possible; it just takes commitment and dedication . . . and frequently, hard work.
Did You Know author Mark Twain said: “Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.”
Betty Williams
One dream men and women often share, especially older adults, is finishing their education. Many left school to get jobs and help support their families. Others left to join the military and do their part during World War II. And some, like sixty-nine-year-old, Betty Williams, get pregnant and drop out. Both of Betty’s children did the same, dropping out of school as teenagers to have kids. But they eventually went back and got their high school diplomas and even pursued higher education. They were the inspiration she needed to reach for her dream of going back to school and getting her high school diploma.
In August of 2023, Betty Williams realized that dream. At sixty-nine, she was the oldest graduate in her North Philadelphia school district’s adult diploma program and was asked to be the featured speaker at her high school graduation. “I hope my story helps someone that is afraid or thinks they are too old to go back to school and receive their diploma,” she said. “I’m here to tell you that you can do it. I did it and so can you.”
Martha Rogers
I’m a writer. I’ve written articles, short stories, and blog posts, but my dream is to publish fiction books. Until that happens—thinking positive here—I find encouragement in author Martha Rogers.
Martha’s lifelong dream was also to write and publish fiction novels. When she retired from teaching, she pursued that dream. It took a while, but her dedication and hard work finally paid off. On her seventy-third birthday, she received her first book contract. By the time she died last year at age eighty-six, she’d published fifty Christian fiction novels and novellas. And she didn’t write in just one genre. She wrote children’s books, cozy mysteries, and historical and contemporary romance novels. She’s proof that you’re never too old to chase your dream.
Did You Know acclaimed motivational speaker Earl Nightingale said: “Don’t let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it. The time will pass anyway; we might just as well put that passing time to the best possible use.”
Final Thoughts
We often hear about older adults who accomplish their dreams late in life. Their stories can be very inspiring. On the other hand, when you’re older and hear about a young person who has already accomplished big dreams, it can be a little discouraging. Don’t fall into that trap. Be inspired by others, but don’t compare yourself to them. We’re all individuals, with individual dreams. It’s not a one-size-fits-all kind of thing. Your dream fits you, and only you.
In 2024, live by Martha Rogers’ philosophy: Never give up on your dreams. Turn your aspirations into achievements no matter how long it takes, and never give up chasing your dream.