1. a series of thoughts, images, or emotions occurring during sleep
2. a visionary creation of the imagination
3. something notable for its beauty, excellence, or enjoyable quality
4. a strongly desired goal or purpose
My dreams? Well, they're just that. They weren't always just dreams; they were passions that developed into goals and aspirations--something I put all my energy, motivation, time and heart towards. Originally, I defined my dreams as definition #4 (a strongly desired goal or purpose). Now, I'm in favor of the definition #2 (a visionary creation of the imagination).
It isn't a secret. We all have our dreams; many of us aspire to become doctors, lawyers, or even astronauts (heard that). When we're young, we choose different paths depending on many variables; what our parents want, what we want, money, benefits, traveling, and other seemingly-important things.
It isn't a secret that many of us don't choose our "dreams" and "aspirations" based off of what makes us happy and what will help make the world a better place. Most of are a bit selfish in deciding what we want to do with our lives, whatever we may believe.
It's also not a secret that I've been pretty passionate about the same dream for awhile now: being a pilot in the Air Force in order to accomplish my goal of going to space. All of the hard work and extra effort through high school, to focusing all of my energy and passion to the subject matter relating to, doing every activity possible to earn the experience & knowledge to better myself, and simply being truly passionate about space & astronomy & the act of going to space...
I was fortunate enough to sit in an instructive seminar that Justin Patton presented about communication skills and maximizing our potential. The simple exercises we did (writing down our own values, what we find most important), really helped reassure the path I was dedicated to following.
Inspiring others. Space Bound. If I were to brand myself, that's what I'd want to be perceived by audiences alike. Inspiring others that no matter what the dream, you can reach it. The USA has this set belief that everyone is entitled to success by working hard. I was living the all American dream seemingly so.
Today, I received awful news that put everything at a cold still. Although I've done everything in my power (academics, focus, passion, values), this deciding factor was out of my control. My eye sight doesn't meet the regulations (that is, my near vision is 20/25 in lieu of the 20/20) in order to be a pilot for the armed services. Despite a life long dream of going to space, I have to once and for all admit that this dream was just that, a dream.
I can continue to ask "what if" questions, wondering if my sight would be perfect if I had eaten more blueberries, grew up eating red onions in lieu of white onions... However, this won't get me any further than where I am currently at this cold still.
Right now, things may seem nothing shy of being blue, but I know provided time, I'll discover a new passion that will lead to a new aspirations. I really don't have any ideas of what I'm going to do next, considering, for the past 11 years, I always wanted to go to space. Some may recommend becoming an engineer and getting on deck to becoming an astronaut that way; however, I won't be shy to admit I have no passion whatsoever to engineering.
I will share this with everyone; no matter how long we might have our eyes set on a goal, sometimes, they're just not reachable. We can work our little hearts out and be the most passionate about a job; but if there's something out of our control keeping us from that dream, we must learn to accept it & move on.
Will I have a new life-set plan tomorrow lined out? Most definitely not. It's going to take quite some time to "move on". The end of a life long dream feels worse than a bad break up. Right now, I will honestly admit I have no hope or reason to be motivated or passionate about anything. Possibly the most negative person ever. I've never had time to become passionate about anything else, and now I'm being asked to discover a new found passion. Quite impossible considering this passion of this dream was strengthened over all this time.
How else would you expect a person to react when their dream was just drowned in disbelief. It's a difficult reality to grasp, as I must accept that I didn't let myself down and that I didn't let others down. I'll be able to accept these new found realities once more provided time.
Time developed my life long dreams. December 3rd 2012 put an end to that dream once and for all. What's next?
Continue to dream, as they are what allow us to follow our aspirations and passions.
