we're briefly dreaming

also: how to overcome the fear of pursuing your dreams

this week i wrote about a dilemma close to my heart — struggle between pursuing my dreams and what is practical. if this resonates with you, please leave a comment & like!

childhood is a precious time because you live in momentary bliss. a period where you can do whatever without much concern.

as we get older, we are taught to care — about consequences and reputation. encouraged to do things that prop up our lives by some material standard. all of this combined causes people to do funny things, like spending time with people you don’t really like just to boost your network, or doing something purely for the sake of prestige.

becoming an adult means facing many trade-offs, including between your dreams and adjusting to the realities of the world. before going to college, everyone has shiny dreams. make education equal. advocate for accessible healthcare. open a stationary cafe. all of that is stripped once in college, as college graduates get pigeonholed into similar stable paths.

a stable life is not bad per se. i think it is a luxury to live a stable life. but we are taught to believe that a stable life is the only path. that it is for our own good and that pursuing what we really want is far too risky and far too scary.

living a life you really want, one true to your vision and dreams is scary. because only you can see the vision you have and there are likely no examples to follow suit. you will have to take leaps of faith and you will make mistakes. no one will really pay attention and those who do will probably doubt you. but even with all that struggle, which can span over years, nothing is guaranteed.

but i think it is far scarier to look back on my life with regrets. wishing i had lived differently. wishing i took more risks because i was simply too afraid, too sold on the idea of just stability, when i knew i wanted more for myself. dreams don’t have to come true. but if you don’t at least make a serious attempt, then your dreams will morph into regret.

remember that you are the main character of your life. you know what it is you want. you define your very definition of success. hold on to the vision you have for yourself.