Most people never chase their dreams and even fewer dare speak of them. We may share them with those closest to us, but to pursue them, that’s different. Pursuit is an action that is public nature, open to the scrutiny of others. Most of us would prefer to hold our cards close to us out of fear of the unknown, fear of rejection or, even in a strange way, fear of success. It’s important to keep our dreams alive because they are unique to us and they are part of us. And if we allow a dream to die, a part of us will die with it. A dream will never die in silence. What can we do to keep our dreams alive?

 Dreams Demand Authenticity

There is something about the early morning hours that has become sacred. It is as if God uses this time to take me aside and impressed his thoughts on my heart and will leave me with a sense of purpose before I allow others to seize my day. “I claim you as mine! I will lead, guide you and will protect you.” These thoughts serve as a beacon, something on which I can affix my attention before the winds of change blow and storms of life unfold.

A few days ago, I read the comments left by a visitor to my blog that my words and sentiments were…wait for it…”Super-fantastic, extraordinary, powerful words that demand action…to fulfill their destiny in our mindset and in our circumstances!” If I didn’t know better, I just got called out! Not by some faceless reader, but by someone who has walked in my shoes. Or should I say, I in theirs.

Dreams Demand Accountability

Tough words to consider, even more difficult reality to embrace before my morning coffee and bowl of mini-wheats.  Did I do everything I could and am I doing everything I should to make my dreams a reality? What am I leaving on the table? At the end of each day is there anything left inside of me that I could have invested to live the life that I believe is intended for me? If I have to ask, the answer must be one that I would rather not hear. It must be I could have done more.

Were my dreams reduced to mere words?

Words and thoughts without actions have the ability to diminish dreams to nothing more than musings on a piece of paper, or a decal on a living room wall. As for me, I prefer not to be remembered as one who simply wrote words of encouragement for others to read but as one who lived a life of purpose and of passion for others to envy.

Dreams Demand Acceptance

In the words of Martin Luther, the 16^th century monk, “Faith is permitting ourselves to be seized by the things that we do not see.” He understood that it would require faith to purse the unknown – faith in a Higher Power, faith in ourselves and faith in our purpose.

This week, may we allow ourselves to be seized, be consumed and be driven by a faith that we cannot see but still hold to be true. A faith that affirms that each of us were endowed with unique gifts and talents to relentlessly live out our calling for this time in history. If that can’t motivate us to get up each day, nothing will.

Dreams Demand Action

What are you doing to keep your dream alive? Is the pursuit of your dream on hold because you encountered something blocking your path? Trust me, I have been there! Is this dream still relevant, or is it time to find a new dream; one that aligns with where you are now? Ditto!

Thank you for allowing me some of your previous time. I look forward to hearing from you.

Ivy is disappointed that she didn’t contribute this week. Her idea of an extraordinary life and pursuing her dreams consist of chasing the cat and sleeping on the couch.

Thanks for reading, liking and sharing,

Al and his faithful companion, Ivy the wonder pup.