"A daydream is a meal at which images are eaten. Some of us are gourmets, some gourmands, and a good many take their images precooked out of a can and swallow them down whole, absent-mindedly and with little relish." -W. H. Auden
I know a lot of people who dream. They dream of winning the lottery and being rich. They dream of getting rich quick and join Prime America, Mary Kay, or another multi-level marketing program. They dream of getting thin and healthy. They dream of writing a book. They dream of a lot of different things.
Unfortunately, a lot of them only dream but don't take action to achieve their dreams.
A friend of mine tells me, "I can write a book." She also says, "I could write a book if I had enough time. But I'm too busy right now."
Her version of being too busy? Going home after work and watching recorded soap operas.
I used to watch recorded soap operas years ago. Then I realized I could use that time to write or walk in the park or go to the gym.
It's not that I don't like soap operas. I really really enjoyed watching them. I was hooked. But then I decided I wanted to accomplish things in my life, not just watch other people accomplish things so I stopped watching so much TV and started using my time more wisely.
Of course there are times in our lives we don't have the luxury to work on our dreams. This week for instance, I've been working 13 hour shifts everyday since Wednesday to help Haiti. A co-worker of mine who is also a romance writer, is probably in Haiti right now reporting on it for her day job.
The majority of us can carve some time out of our normal weeks to pursue our dreams. It may not always be as easy as turning off the TV or multi-tasking. It may mean working full-time and going to night school, or working full-time and writing at night and weekends.
I also know a lot of people who pursue their dreams. They get up early or stay up late to write. They take college classes after work. They work extra-hard. They often sacrifice.
But those who stay the course achieve their dreams and know the sense of accomplishment that comes with it. And that in itself is great success and satisfaction.
Dream big. Work hard. Enjoy the fruits of your dreams mixed with your efforts.
Recent posts you might like to read:
Don't Be Quick To Quit Your Day Job
When Do You Write?
Why You Should Consider Library Booksignings
Make Sure Pretentious Words Don't Turn Off Your Readers
Are You Writing Me Into Your Book?
Dont Give Up Too Early
Must Write Must Write Must Write!!!
You'll also want to see what Amarinda Jones, Anika Hamilton, Anny Cook, Barbara Huffert, Brynn Paulin, Bronwyn Green, Dakota Rebel, Kelly Kirch, Molly Daniels, Sandra Cox, Regina Carlysle, and Cindy Spencer Pape are up to, so make sure to visit them also. :)
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