Hold fast to your dreams, for without them life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly. – Langston Hughes
Spread your wings and fly!
What does that mean?
This quote urges us to hold on to our dreams. In this context, I believe dreams is more of the ‘inspiration’ or ‘lofty goals’ connotation than the ‘fantastic daydream’ one. When you know what you truly want to do, what your dream is, the quote urges us to hold fast, or hold on tightly, to them. There is also, I presume, the implication to not let go.
The analogy the quote provides is that a life without dreams is like a bird with an injury that prevents flight. I believe the analogy says that the single biggest distinction of birds is their ability to fly (certain birds excluded, of course – I’m looking at you, penguins, ostriches, and emus). Similarly, the ability to dream is the single biggest distinction of humans. Without our dreams, we are as lost as a bird who has lost the gift of flight. And that is a very sad thought indeed.
Why is having a dream important?
For some, the word ‘dream’ has a negative, fantasy-land, implication. For the purposes of this blog post, I would like us to agree that having a dream means to have a goal or plan which is motivational or inspirational, and is at least remotely possible. The dream is important because it can help you stay focused and energized, and in it for the long haul.
To me, the whole point of having the dream is the motivation and the inspiration that it provides. People who have a dream rarely suffer from progress-stopping doubt. There will always be doubt, the result of the trials and tribulations which are part of the human existence. But people with a dream will persevere and keep working towards their dream. Day after day, month after month, year after year. That is what a dream can do for you.
Where can I apply this in my life?
As I am still raising children, most of my dreams revolve around them. Most of the others I have had are now waiting quietly in the background, waiting for their turn. For me, it has to do with priorities and the numbers of hours in a day. I dream about them being successful and happy (both by their definitions). One of the few personal dreams I now foster is to be able to make a difference with this blog.
Lets start by examining what dreams, hopes and aspirations you still harbor. Run through all the different aspects of your life, work, play, family, friends, groups, and associations. What do you have dreams or aspirations to do in each of those areas, and any other areas that I might have missed. They don’t have to be huge or grand, even something as simple as fixing up a car would qualify, if there’s enough passion in it. Grab some paper and write a few of these down.
Now that we have some of your present dreams on paper, let’s look back and see what dreams you had earlier in your life. Think for a few moments and remember the dreams, hopes and aspirations did you used to harbor, when you were young(er). Take each major chunk of your life and consider it.
For me, that would include married (before kids), before married, just out of college, in college, in high school, and earlier. What I would like you to look for is something you have forgotten, something that, on remembering, caused your heart to race or you to sharply draw in a breath.
This should be something you still have some interest in, and some level of passion towards, and add these few things to the list. For me, that includes playing music. I had forgotten how much joy can be found in simply playing music. I even broke out the old trombone, and found that it still works. My lips, not so much.
Take a moment and look at your list. Let it sink in. Do you feel some energy in you, thinking of all your different dreams? Is there one that really calls to you? Is there one you really want to get busy working on? Is there an old dream you can rehabilitate? If you wanted to play on Broadway or Carnegie Hall, can you find a local drama group to act in or a local band to play in? If your dream was performing, it should still work. If your dream was fame, you were probably not thinking very clearly, right?
I hope your wings are feeling stronger now than they have for a while. Take a moment to stretch them, and then take to the wind, like a bird. Live your life and enjoy your dreams. Even if you never achieve them, the journey towards them should be amazing!
From: Twitter, @MySimple_Life
confirmed at : http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/l/langstonhu390939.html
Photo by sufw
Happy Birthday to Langston Hughes, born this day in 1902.
