Our dreams, once recognized, become an extremely powerful force for change in our lives. It is our dreams which motivate us to action. It is our dreams which determine the path that we choose to walk, as is shown in the actions we take and the resulting ripples they make in the world around us. As we move through life and come to determine those things which are most meaningful to us, we also come to realize that there are many many things which daily entice us off the path of our dreams. Against these we must guard ourselves most assuredly.
The key in continuing down the path of our dreams, once we have recognized them as such, is to remember them. If we can effectively, and regularly, remember our dreams then can we effectively choose to continue down the path towards our dreams. If we forget our dreams we can expect (and pretty much guarantee) that we will be distracted time and time again from the path we wish to walk. It is amazing how quickly this can happen. It need not take a week, a month, or even a year. It takes but a moment to forget our dreams as we walk and progress down the path beneath our feet.
Let me clarify: when I say ‘dreams’ I mean those things that seem to rise up from the depths of our souls and call for expression through us. They rise up and move us to action time and again and no matter how many times get distracted. We are reminded of them at every turn.
So what is your dream? What is it that is seeking expression through, and rising up from within, the depths of your soul?
There are three types of things which distract us from walking the path which will ultimately lead us towards our dreams. For the purposes of this post, I have labeled these distractions: the good, the bad, and the ugly.
The Good. The things, people, events, and opportunities which invite us to leave the path are not always bad as one might think. They are often times good, noble, pure, and just causes in which we see a way to make a difference, help others, learn new skills, or change the world. This week I have had to look at the virtues inherent in each of the opportunities presented to me and decide if, even though they were noble in and of themselves, if they truly helped me walk the path towards my dreams, or if they subtly changed, or altered, the trajectory of the path upon which I walk so that in the end I miss my destination all together.
The Bad. There are, as we all know, distractions and invitations thrown our way which invite us to leave the path of our dreams in pursuit of the trivial, self-absorbed, indulgent, or shallow weaknesses of our individual characters. We all have them. The key is to recognize them, mitigate them, and avoid them and their inherent triggers at all costs. Any action or decision which brings our weaknesses to the surface or allows them expression through the world around us must be avoided for it is in the expression of our weaknesses that we are slowed greatly in our walking. It is in making these decisions wisely, where we choose to place ourselves, and how we choose to act, that we can overcome the negative influences which also seek to keep us from our dreams.
The Ugly. Just as we desire to walk the path towards our dreams, sometimes others want us to walk the paths that leads to the achievement of their dreams. If we don’t see ourselves in that same role, or fill it to their satisfaction, they may come to resent us. Still, some may desire that we walk no path at all—for if we walk a path towards something of worth their own conscience will tell them that they should be forward walking. If they have already given up on their dreams this can be a painful invitation, and an unsettling reminder. We must not allow anyone to remove us from the paths that lead us towards the achievement of our dreams.
There is opposition in all things. As we move continually towards our dreams there will be influences which seek to coerce, entice, seduce, or even force us, from our path.
I think of these things today because this has been the experience of my week since I last wrote. I know the big rocks in my life and the dreams towards which I walk. I have been tempted this week to step off the path of my dreams, ‘just for a moment’, in the pursuit of other worthwhile things and opportunities. I have also been tempted this week to place myself in situations and places where my weaknesses are invited, even encouraged, to come to the surface. I have fought to keep myself upon the path of my dreams and guard myself against the onslaught of these influences, both good and bad.
Walking the Path | The Truth
It is the journey that makes us who we are. It is in the very act of choosing where we spend our time, or to which influences we choose to say “yes” or “no,” that we learn the lessons needed to achieve our dreams. It is in remembering our dreams that we find the strength to say “no” to the many good things which would pull us from the path of our dreams. It is in remembering our dreams that we find the strength to resist the invitation to place ourselves in places and situations, or with people, where our own weaknesses will be brought to the surface. In so remembering, taking strength, and choosing wisely, we guard ourselves upon the path which will ultimately lead us to achieve our dreams.
However, in order to achieve our dreams, we must first become the person required to achieve them. That will only happen as we walk the path which leads towards them. Only there will we find the experiences, lessons, and situations which will teach us all we need to know and shape us into who we need to be. The sum of who we are tomorrow is the result of the path we choose to walk today. If we choose regularly to walk the path which will lead us towards our dreams then in time we will become the person necessary, and capable, of achieving them.
Once we become the person required to achieve them, our dreams will take care of themselves. This will only occur as we guard carefully against all distraction and keep ourselves doing what we know we must. It will only occur as we do “first things first and second things never” (Stephen Covey), and continually remember the big rocks of our lives and futures.
Today I invite you to explore your own lives and the good, the bad, and the ugly inherent therein. Decide today what you will do. Find a way to remember your dreams regularly. Take strength in knowing what you must do and stand firm, guarding yourself upon the path of your dreams. Go now, and remember, that it is only in the face of the strongest winds that the strongest trees are created. As the winds of life blow through your life may you keep your eye on the prize and walk the path towards your dreams… and if there is no trail, may you have the strength to make one…