For many years, I’ve held big dreams in my heart and an abundance of wanderlust in my soul. Travel, adventure, writing, photography, inspiration, encouragement, nature, animals, art, music, exploration, discovery, healing, philanthropy, imagination, creation, parenthood, partnership, family, friends, strangers, a tribe. These are things that have always sparked magic in me. As a child, my answers to the common question of “what I wanted to be when I grew up” would bounce around wildly to encompass those things. I didn’t understand what “choosing only one path” or “creating a stable income to support yourself” meant… until I did. That is the moment I allowed the wonder of childhood to slip quietly out the window of my heart along with the fairytales and dreams.
And, this so-called adult life began.
For me, it was at the ripe age of 13 when having a car to drive at 16 meant working hard at multiple jobs after school and on the weekends to save up for the purchase, insurance, fuel, maintenance and a little spending money for fun. I thought I was being responsible and showing determination to go for what I wanted. And, I was. But I didn’t realize the true price that was being paid. The last years of childhood, freedom, lazy days with my friends, dreaming, bike rides, beach days, creating bonds and memories to last a lifetime. Yet, the rewards were also great. Perseverance, accomplishment, dedication, integrity… and a light blue Volkwagon Cabrio Convertible to drive those friends around in. Oh yes! In my mind I was really living!
For you, stepping over the line from childhood into adulthood may have happened at high school or college graduation, marriage, becoming a parent, etc. Or, perhaps, you chose to never grow up like Peter Pan, Frances Ha or Geoffrey the Giraffe from the dreamy toy shop that once was called Toys R Us. If you are in the latter category, you may have found the Wonka Bar with the golden ticket or you had more resolve than the rest of us who traded our toybox for a timeclock. And, hey.. I applaud you and I’m a bit envious to be honest.
Everyone has their own journey. It is neither right or wrong, but always perfectly delivers exactly what we need in time. Sure, at times we drudge through the cold dark valley far longer than we would care to and at times we stand jubilantly on the mountaintop with sunshine on our face longer than we feel we deserve. But in those highs and lows we find ourselves.. our strengths and weaknesses.. and we stretch and grow into our next way of being that will serve us and others in what lies ahead of the next curve. In the moment, we don’t know what we don’t know and the rearview mirror is always wiser than the windshield. But don’t look back for too long. Life is now!
My journey has taken me on adventures I never could have dreamed of, lows I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy and highs that would warm my heart for everyone on this planet to experience in their perfect time. I am grateful for each person, moment, struggle and opportunity that has molded me into the person I am today, right here, right now. Yet, the stardust and moonbeams still speak to the child inside of me who never gave up on that magic. The one who reluctantly unfurled their fingers from the balloon string to let go of childhood, knowing they would find another way and held onto the possibility of a much different life while the days and months and years of responsibility and obligation paved my path.
“The journey of a thousand miles must begin with one step”. (Lao Tzu)
Most often, that first step is not represented by physical movement. Rather, a decision, a declaration and committed action to make something happen that otherwise wouldn’t.
Today is a new day. Today is THE day I step forward in declaration and commitment to pursue my passions, to share my God-given gifts, to shine my light as a beacon to all who are searching, to encourage and inspire others to dream and help them create the magic tucked away inside their hearts, and connect everyone to the beautiful human experience we are blessed with in this world.
That means YOU! I am honored that you are here to share this journey with me.
So, I ask… what are the dreams of your childhood heart? And, what are you willing to do to make them real?
Start today!
With love, gratitude and blessings,
Rachel
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