Mr. Radio
Dreams and Contentment. A few days ago, on my way home from work, the radio announcer talked about hopes and dreams. He remembers his younger years, how his dreams took over much of his thoughts. His dreams were large and prevalent, appearing often in his down time. But as an adult, he stopped dreaming. He got caught up in the lives around him, his responsibilities and his daily routine. No more time for dreaming and no point in it.
Miss Jodi
This morning I had some time to kill between dropping off my daughter at her softball game and when the game actually started. I drove to a local park to do some reading, one that is known to have picnic tables, shade and beautiful scenery. It also happens to be across the street from a house that I lived in until I was ten years old. I sat down at a picnic table and looked up to see my old house. My eyes were drawn to the bedroom window where I used to spend my sleep time and some play time too. I remember that room well. I know where my bed sat, my desk sat, and my dresser stayed.
A Young Dreamer
And I remember looking out that window. The view consisted of my elderly neighbor woman’s house in front of me, the street to my right, our garage to my left, and grass down below. Many dreams swirled through my heard while looking out the rectangle glass. I imagined what my elderly neighbor lady might be doing inside her home. Or my room became a castle, my window an escape from captivity, the wall below one that I would soon shimmy down while holding on to a rope. Or sometimes I would just sit and stare through the glass, wondering what my life would be like as a teenager or an adult. Would I have friends that would stick with me through thick and thin? Is there a knight in shining armor waiting somewhere for me? What career path would I take? Would motherhood be part of my future?
Just after I turned 10 years old, my family moved to a different house just outside of town. I know exactly where my dreaming spot was at this house too. I would sit on the wooden railroad ties that outlined our garden, staring at the grove of trees farther behind our house.
As a teenager, my dreams weren’t quite as simple as before. I felt more pressure to make life decisions- college, career, where to live. But still I dreamed of the perfect life mate, the large house with a white picket fence, what pets I might have. My life was a blank slate, one I could fill however I chose. The fact that I could make my own decisions excited me beyond words. And while staring at the trees, my imagination went wild.
Dreams Are Gone?
But as the radio announcer shared about himself, my dreams have stopped. No longer do I imagine many different wonderful directions my life could go. My life for the most part has happened. My knight, my kids, and my job bring me joy. I have a home that I am happy in, and a dog that completes the family. I am caught up in daily routines, job, marriage, kids, bills, home ownership, car repairs, meal prep, relationships. Not much time for myself and my own thoughts among all of that.
Whether my dreams have been fulfilled or not doesn’t matter. What is done is done. No point in regrets. But it seems sad that I no longer dream. Why not always shoot for the stars? Shouldn’t one always have goals to reach for? Is it too late for me to do something different with my life if I want?
To answer my own questions, no, it is never too late to chase your dreams. If a person has something specific they want to achieve in life, there is almost always a way to make it happen. And he or she SHOULD make it happen.
Living In The Present
But I am also one that encourages satisfaction. It only hurts one’s self to constantly want more and more, or long for something different, something you don’t even necessarily intend to go after. Nothing is wrong with basking in what you have been blessed with. Beauty exists in looking at your life and liking what you see.
So while I miss the dreaming stage of my life, dreaming about life changes isn’t necessary for me any longer. I love the people around me and the path my life has taken. My spouse is my soul mate and my kids are my life. If I decide on a different career path, so be it. I will take that as it comes. But in general, I try to bask in the present. God has given me so much, and I am thankful.
Another “That’s Life” post you might enjoy- Mom’s Spring Break Flu- That’s Life
