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“So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable.” ~ Christopher Reeve
I am sure you know plenty of ordinary people who have done things the world deemed impossible: a gangly little girl who grew up to be a beauty queen; an underachiever who earned a graduate degree; an abused woman who lifted herself out of her misery and created a better life for herself and her children.
Heck, I bet YOU have accomplished things that some folks say they could never do. Crocheted an afghan? Run a marathon? Jumped out of an airplane?
Published a novel?
These last four are dreams of mine, and in the past I created intricate daily schedules and detailed to-do lists to help me reach such goals. In this New Year, though, I am trying a different approach. I want to remain open to adventure and possibility, to spend more time with friends and family, to simply BE. And that can’t happen when my every waking moment is accounted for before I get out of bed every day. After functioning that way for many years, I reached the point that I almost didn’t WANT to get out of bed in the morning. I was so burned out NOTHING brought me joy. And that is no way to live.
So I hereby give myself permission to pursue my passions as a lifestyle as opposed to relegating them to items on a to-do list, to improve my daily habits around diet, exercise and housekeeping and otherwise simply follow the leadings of my heart. This is not the same as aimlessly stumbling through each day not knowing what is going to happen, merely reacting to events as they occur; on the contrary, I know what I want and am willing to work hard to get it. Just not on a predetermined timetable. I want to be free to live in the moment.
Will this decision diminish my chances of success? I don’t think so. Because regardless of whether or not I ever get that publishing contract—and I firmly believe that I will—there are other, equally important aspects of my life that will need tending in order for it to be truly rich and fulfilling.
What “impossible” dreams are you working to achieve in 2012? Leave a comment for a chance to win an autographed copy of Suzanne Brockmann’s “Kiss and Tell.” Happy Third Anniversary, Petit Fours and Hot Tamales!
by Pam Asberry
34 comments
Crochet an afghan? Run a marathon? Jump out of an airplane? No. Publish a novel, yes.I think you are right to live your life, sure lay the groundwork to fulfill your dreams, but not to the exclusion of your personal life. It’s like love. You can try to find it but more often it will find you when you least expect it.
I want to be more adventurous and try new things. I have been more open with sampling new cuisines.
I only went for my drivers license a couple of years ago now. I can drive around town quietly, but I’d like to have the confidence to hit the open road & take off for parts unknown. Well, up to the coast at least.
Jane,
I like your idea of sampling new cuisines.
Marilyn
You have such a great attitude, Pam. I know you will passionately achieve all that you desire.
Pam,
I LOVE your attitude. Every year I strive to become a better me. Some idea are crystal clear, like publishing a book. Others I’m still discovering. I’m hope you accomplish all of your goals.
I want to write three books this year. Not too impossible except it involves a big lifestyle change for my family
I also want to crochet again and I need to allow myself the time to do it.
Marilyn, I hope you’re right about finding love when you least expect it, because that’s one thing I’ve about given up on!
That sounds great, Jane! After my last birthday I vowed to try something new every day and blog about it; I gave up on the blog but my heart is still there. I especially love trying new food. Have fun!
Mary, one of the items on my bucket list is a cross-country road trip. I love getting in my car and taking off. Let us know when you make that journey to the coast!
Aw – thanks, Lindy. Chugga, chugga, choo, choo…
Sia, I think being our best self is ultimately the most important goal there is. I hope 2012 brings you many good things!
THREE books, Deb? Wow! And you’re going to find time to crochet, too? Well, if anyone can do it, it’s you. I wish you nothing but success in ALL your endeavors!
I want to run a 5K without regurgitating one or both of my lungs.
Go get ‘em, Pam!
You can DO it, Eric!
“Land an agent” is another item on my list. Congrats on landing YOURS, Sally!
My goal is to hopefully be able to stop jumping through hoops at all these new doctors’ offices and God willing help me find something that will help me lead a more productive and healthier life living with Fibromyalgia and what-ever else to diagnose me with this year. I am going to keep a smile on my face and thank God for each day I have here on Earth whether I am sick or not
I want to lose the extra 100 pounds I have put on over many years and be a newer, more slender, me at last. I have started working on it by eating right and taking in less food. Now all I have to do is start up my exercise regimen and keep up with it.
I love your posts, Pam. This one really struck home. I’m a To Do List maker, too, and you’re right. Sometimes that list makes me not want to do anything.
If you can’t find passion in your writing, you’re book won’t succeed, even if you do make your daily word count. Something I will take to heart.
My impossible dream is to become as successful as J.A. Konrath. That one really fits in the “impossible” category, but you never know what persistence will do.
Pam,
Enjoyed the post. Yep, all my dreams are still out there. Some come closer than they were before, but I believe many of them will happen. I wish you the very best and much happiness.
That’s a great attitude, Sheila. There are new medical breakthroughs everyday; I sincerely hope that the doctors will find some solid answers to make your life easier this year. Keep us posted!
You can do it, Cathy! Just try not beat up on yourself when you have the inevitable bad day here and there. It’s a process. But as you already know, the benefits will be worth it. Good luck to you!
With your work ethic, Linsey, there is no doubt in my mind that you will succeed. Just don’t forget about me when you’re rich and famous!
I believe it too, Maxine. (((HUGS)))
Sheila, I’m so sorry to hear of your illness. Fibromyalgia is horrible. I suffer from an inflammatory disease and it’s no fun. Hope they find a cure soon.
Linsey
Wow Pam, your post reminds me of my week of “rebellion” and it rings true. I want the passion of the event to fill me up and spur me forward. Yes, I know I need to keep writing and doing good things for my body, but by gosh, I want to have fun again. What a great post.
I know this will refill and rejuvenate your creative soul!!
Pam, I love the quote by Christopher Reeve!
Thank you for sharing your insight today. We do need to open ourselves to the possibilities found in every day life. Smell the roses, as they say.
I love to knit and have been aching to start a new project. Guess I might just do that very thing! Thanks!
I totally agree with everyone. You have a great idea here. I will definitely be rooting for you.
About jumping out of an airplane, I’ve done that. BUT I would definitely do it again. We should start planning a trip.
Tami
Thanks, Christine. There’s no point in pushing ourselves so hard that we lose our joy. Here’s to a joyful – and productive! – 2012 for all of us!
Thank you, Katherine. I enjoy knitting too; I’m not very good at it, but there is something restorative the process. I started a new scarf just last week. Have fun with whatever you choose!
Thanks, Tami. I need all the cheerleaders I can get.
As for jumping out of an airplane, I say once the weather warms up, let’s get a group together and GO FOR IT!!!
Pam,
I think you have the right idea. This is my year of being a better me. I’ve only been working on it the last couple of weeks and already feel better. Things for inspiring us all.
Good for you, Susan. I have finally figured out that the only person who is going to take care of me is ME. Glad you are already seeing positive results; hang in there!