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The power of dreams
11January 2010
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Times are tough. 2009 ended one of the worst decades in American history. Jobs lost in the millions, dramatic home sale declines and home foreclosures breaking all records in over 70 years. Not too much cause for laughter or smiles. Many would agree it’s hard to keep dreaming, even impossible, when reality keeps us all grounded. But maybe there is some small hope for optimism.
I’ve become rather creative in finding different ways to keep myself occupied these days. Activities I never used to have time for are suddenly within reach; things I only used to dream about doing have entered my daily routine.
I’ve been acting for over 40 years. While holding down a full-time job I
acted in community theatres , both in New Jersey and since 1989 Charlotte, N.C. It wasn’t easy to do this: working all day then coming home, eating a quick supper and going to rehearsals. The final week before opening night was always hectic, every night a late one. But the thrill of a live audience, the applause and laughter, made it all worthwhile.
I have started to do this again, only now I’m being compensated. An up-coming movie role, a chance to do some commercials, and being an in-person Ben Franklin impersonator , complete with authentic costuming: all stemming from my active search to do something I love. I am also tutoring students and adults in reading and English improvement. Helping someone to read better will enrich their lives, enrich no matter what path they take.
What it boils down to is taking risks in pursuit of your dreams. Without our dreams of making the world and ourselves better we might all fall into a bottomless pit of hopelessness and despair. Helping one another, supporting our friends when they’re down, volunteering a few hours a week for charity: as you lift up others you’ll find yourself uplifted too.
I’ve been unemployed several times. It feels like the world has abandoned you. We seem to identify ourselves with our work. No work = No identity. How can you dream about a better life when each day looks so bleak? I have no magic answers I’ll admit. But I encourage everyone, good times or bad, to dream on regardless. Take yourself
to a better place, each day, if only for a few minutes. No rose-colored glasses mind you: Reality is with us every day. We are, all of us, better than we imagine ourselves to be. We all have a magic spark of creativity and the drive to light the fire within.
Keep dreaming.
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