Hi Friend,
This week stands out for several reasons. One, I did my last in-person event of the year. It seems early to be concluding work travel, but that’s how it goes sometimes. I still have a couple of big virtual gatherings I’m excited about. Two, we spent time reviewing this past year as we gear up for 2023. Turns out it was our best year to date in several categories. I’m grateful. The first half of the year was our worst ever, so the second half became quite miraculous.
Third, my friend David McLaughlin released his album, Raising the Dead. It’s a blues-infused romp through songs you’ve most likely never heard, but once you do, will only want to hear again and again! Fourth, my daughter turned 20. Fifth, I made a commitment that is going to enhance my life in every way. Sixth, I’ve been doing five different daily streaks this month that are keeping me focused.
David surprised everyone with his album release. He’s a musician, but it’s not his career. He snuck off to Nashville this summer where his producer friend assembled world-class musicians to record it all in a week. I’m not exaggerating when I say it will blow your mind! The production, songs and vibe are absolutely stunning. Please start listening to it now, before you finish reading this: Raise The Dead.
He arranged all these old blues tunes whose original writers have passed away, hence the name. When you listen to it, you will not get the impression that it was simply a passion project he wanted to do, with no intention of trying to do something with it. He’s not promoting it to get airplay or go on tour. He just always had it tucked in his heart to do some day. That day came.
Most Big Dreams Die
How many of us have said or at least thought we wanted to do something spectacular, but up to this point haven’t created an actual way for it to come to fruition? “One day I’m gonna…” is a rather common refrain from many humans. We like to see ourselves as full of potential, but dang it, lack cash, time or the right relationships to pull it off. Besides real life seems to demand all of our attention.
People who do accomplish the amazing must have some sort of advantage we don’t, right? They can’t have bills, kids, responsibilities or pressing demands like us. Because if they did, then our excuses for not accomplishing our own aspirations become a little more painful. We’d have to acknowledge or accept we just don’t have what it takes to pull off our dreams. That stinks.
They say people on their death bed never wish they’d spent more time at work. It’s suggested they wish they’d spent more time with people they love. You know equally they have to be regretting not attempting doing those dreams that had stirred around their soul for decades and now they’ll never know.
Take One Step Forward
You and I do have legitimate reasons we haven’t asserted ourselves towards the wild imaginations we’ve fancied. The responsibilities of real life tend to dominate our resources. Yet, could we make any small steps in that direction that might be interpreted as effort?
Dream Vacation – Have a brochure mailed to you from the destination.
Dream Home – Print out a picture and put it on your bathroom mirror.
Dream Accomplishment (book, album, art, design) – Buy an inexpensive tool that can be utilized for it.
Dream Job – Write out the title, get a pen from the company or an image of the product/service.
Dream Finances – write down an amount in savings and/or annual salary.
Any small step in that direction validates hope. People who spew and spat about big future things can be off-putting. Those of us who simply take one small step, once or twice a year, create the tiniest ripples of momentum. That may be enough for a future realization of our hearts desires.
Instigating ideas…
1. Listen to David’s Album.
2. Consider a dormant dream and its resurrection.
3. Take one small step this week.
4. Encourage someone you know who has dreams that seem so far off.
David’s album ends with this killer tune “Mother Earth.” Not only is the piano progression gripping, the reminder that we all end up at the same finish line is poignant. When these bodies of ours are buried, how many dreams will still remain in them? Is it possible to conclude life with every dream attempted?
What’s in your heart?
Even if it feels like a dream has died, is it possible to raise the dream from the dead? Our hearts contain life-giving juju so discerning a dream in our heart versus a dream in our head, can ignite belief again. That translates to a flicker of aliveness.
Being around others who are achieving their dreams also inspires. Obviously I’m enamored with my friend David’s accomplishment and it spurs me on to consider what I could accomplish too. I hope it does the same for you!
I would love to hear how you have kept dreams alive that take a long time to accomplish? Do you have any tips for taking small steps or creating reminders that keep it alive in your soul? Please Share!