Having a dream for your life is extremely important
In fact, dreams are essential
However, many people stop dreaming at a certain age
Probably believing they’re too old?
Or maybe because they work too hard
They become busy at home and with their careers
But beware
Dreams are what life is made of
‘Lifesaver’ by Simon Brushfield (2008) Acrylic and oil on board 60cm x 40cm (Private Acquisition)
I want to share with you a startling fact
Here’s the most common regret people say on their deathbed…
Point 1. “I made a living, but I never really lived”
So sad
Make sure you don’t have that same regret at the end of your life
Time is precious
Live life to the fullest right now
And to do that, here’s what you need…
A personal dream for the future
I want you to think about a dream you might have right now
Anything
Something you feel really passionate about…
If you’re following a dream, here’s my desire for you, in this article
I want to help you
Please understand this…
Point 2. Despite what most people think, being a dreamer is not easy
It’s tough
Very challenging
It’s not easy living with big dreams
Actually, it’s hard work
Having a dream that you’re serious about, can cause many problems
Those living close to you will be affected too
They may not be happy automatically enrolled in your dreams
But these are healthy problems to deal with
Particularly, if it’s a big dream, you need to be ready for trouble in the future
So count the cost before you start
And listen up
Here’s 12 reasons why your dream is so incredibly important…
1. Our dreams create the future
2. They give us guidance in life
3. And personal power
4. Providing meaning and purpose
5. Dreams build personal integrity
6. They also give us control
7. Channeling our efforts
8. Providing freedom of choice
9. And teaching commitment
10. They help us set important goals
11. And decide what we really want
12. Dreams help us value what is most important
So when you hit the bumpy road ahead, you’re going to be ready
The following words will hopefully prepare you
But firstly, here’s what you must do…
Point 3. Commit 100% to your dream and however long it takes to fulfil
Be willing to face all obstacles on the road to living your perfect life
This is what I’ve experienced
And it might happen to you too…
People will love you
Others will hate you
You’ll feel the thrill of excitement
And a rush of adrenalin
Plus, the agony of defeat
Some nights will be lonely
Anxious
And depressing
Other times you’ll feel totally inspired
You’ll be physically elated
And then exhausted
Emotionally drained
Confusion will overwhelm you
And your sanity will be tested
Enemies will walk over you
And spread hate
Your opponents will attempt to ruin your reputation
People will deceive you
And laugh at you
You’ll feel embarrassed
And ashamed
For days, months, maybe even years, you’ll have zero money
And zero support
Some days you’ll want to give up because the pressure is too much
Sigh!
‘Moonlight’ by Simon Brushfield (2010) Acrylic and oil on board 90cm x 60cm (Sold: private acquisition)
But don’t let those difficulties stop you
Because your dreams are designed to stretch you
Here’s the truth…
Point 4. Problems help us grow
They test our strength
And illuminate our weakness
We discover our limitations and learn to live within certain boundaries that strangely enough, give us freedom. Boundaries that don’t restrict, but rather help us grow
Your best life is just around the corner
So hold on tight
For the ride of your life
And watch your dreams come true
This is me…
I’ve been a dreamer all my life
Dreaming comes naturally
And I enjoy it
At night I dream a lot of crazy stuff, some dreams I understand, other dreams I have no idea of the meaning
I’m also big daydreamer
In my quest to becoming a successful artist, I’ve encountered what seems like an unending list of obstacles
However, I’m still alive and moving forward
Some call me vague, complaining I’m away with the fairies
And I agree, I’m often absent minded
Thoughtful
But also forgetful
Being an artist, I spend much time in my imagination
Which is fun
Therefore, it’s taken me a long time to get where I am today
Yet many dreams still remain unfulfilled
However, it’s important to remind myself, I’m definitely much closer to my goals than when I first started out
So I continue
Getting a little bit better
A little bit stronger
And a little bit wiser
Everyday
Some days I only have enough energy to take tiny steps and keep the momentum going
Other days I take large steps
But I’m confident my dreams will arrive
However, I need to remain patient
They’ll happen at their appointed time
In the most perfect way
But here’s the best thing about dreaming big
Point 5. It’s exciting, who knows what might happen next?
Our dreams inspire other people too
When others see your dream taking shape they think…
“Hey, maybe my dreams could come true too?”
Inspiration is contagious
But here’s a strange truth I’ve discovered…
Many people don’t even bother to dream…its all too hard for them
However, a genuine dreamer inspires other dreamers
To imagine great things
Like Martin Luther Kings ‘I have a dream speech’ when he called for an end to racism in the USA
Dreams are important
They help us to understand that our current reality is not set in stone
Dreams help people believe in the impossible
So people, all around the world, get to work believing things are possible, because one person, Martin Luther King spoke out, and dared to dream big
Like dropping a pebble into a pond
Our dreams create ripples that effect people’s lives
Dreams are very powerful
They live long after we leave this planet
When you pursue a personal dream, over time, this is what you’ll probably notice in yourself and the people around you…
Hope grows
And love flourishes
When I was younger, I used to make things happen by sheer will and determination. Especially, if someone told me I couldn’t do something, then I wanted to prove to myself that I could. But it was exhausting and that wasn’t the way I wanted to live
So now I’ve decided to relax
I’ve learnt to not work so ridiculously hard
But go with the flow
Let things happen naturally
Knowing that when all things are in place, I will receive more than I could ever imagine
But it takes one essential ingredient
Dreams are made of this stuff…
Faith
So what is faith?
Faith is being absolutely sure that what you hope for will come to pass
I know I’ll still encounter problems along the way, but I’ll deal with them calmly and confidently
No person or obstacle can steal or destroy the purpose I’ve been given on earth
So I follow Winston Churchill’s stern advice…
“Never Give Up”
Here’s a wild thought…
I’m told my destiny has been known since the beginning of time
Amazing
The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 6:10…
“Everything has already been decided. It was known long ago what each person would be. So there’s no use arguing with God about your destiny.”
Ahhh
What a relief
I’m not to blame for this crazy life
And these wild dreams
I think about this scripture all the time
A beautiful modern home in Brighton Melbourne featuring an abstract painting created by Simon Brushfield. The home owner bought the painting first and then designed the rooms colour scheme second to compliment the artwork
But here’s what keeps me going when things get really difficult…
Point 6. Paying attention to personally significant signposts along the way
Everyone receives signposts
But not everyone pays attention to the little things in life that might mean something
I mean anything
• Maybe a rabbit running on the road
• Or a beautiful sunset during winter
• A brief phrase that you overheard in a conversation
• Or someone coming into your life at the perfect time
Whatever
Signposts are essential
And here’s why…
Final Point. Signposts carry intimate special meanings for each individual
They give people hope for the future
Many years ago, this is what happened to me…a perfect signpost, appropriate for that moment of my life
It was personally given to me by a famous Australian artist
His name was Pro Hart
At the time, we were both artists in the same group exhibition and together we participated in a marketing event for our Sydney gallery
So I took the opportunity and asked the famous celebrity artist for advice
I was a young painter at the beginning of my career, and Pro Hart was an old artist at the end of his career
The advice he gave me included only three words
But the phrase stuck with me ever since
Pro said in a gentle Australian accent…
“Trust in God”
I was surprised
His clarity cut right through my confusion
Thankful for the simplicity of the message, I walked away satisfied, and it has kept me going through the many ups and downs of my art career
Maybe reading this article was a signpost you needed?
Have these words helped encourage you with your dream, or given reassurance you’re on the right path?
Please leave a comment below
I’d love to hear your thoughts
