What is it that you really want in life? What are your life’s goals? One of my life goals was to continue my education, but marriage, children, divorce, and the many responsibilities involved with single motherhood temporarily pushed aside my dream.
About five years ago, I pulled this dream out of mothballs and decided to enroll in graduate school. Last December, I finally walked across the stage to accept my Master of Arts in Liberal Studies degree. It was one of the proudest days of my life. I had stuck with the program long enough to make my dream a reality.
After graduation, I got an email from a woman who told me: “People like you help to inspire me. I’m older, so with working full time and then going to school in the evenings, it’s a lot to do, but it’s a lot like you said – well worth it!” I feel gratified and humbled that my example is helping other people believe in their dreams and are propelling them toward reaching their own goals.
Was there hard work involved? Absolutely! At times, did I doubt my ability to achieve my goal? Yes, I did. Once I complained to a friend that a task seemed impossibly hard. He looked me straight in the eye and said, “If it was easy, anybody could do it.” He recognized more of my potential than I did, and his faith in me renewed my confidence in myself. So, expect hard work, but surround yourself with people who believe in you, respect your dream, and want to see you achieve it.
People will try to tell you that you are too old, too busy, or that whatever you want to do is a waste of time. Don’t listen to them! I have an Aunt Reba who wrote beautifully funny and descriptive letters to her friends and relatives. Her sister Carolyn recognized Reba’s talent and encouraged her to write creatively. “You write such interesting letters,” Carolyn told Reba. “You should write stories.”
Some would have told Reba that she was limited by her lack of formal education, but with Carolyn’s encouragement, she began a writing career that has lasted over fifty years. At the age of 92, Reba finally saw a collection of her stories and books published, and she couldn’t be happier. A second volume, including song lyrics she has written, is currently in the works.
Your harshest critic may be the one in your own head. Turn off the negativity and start thinking positively! As long as it’s not illegal, immoral, or fattening, go for it! You have so much more potential than you know. Expect great things as you pursue your dream and don’t give up. It may not happen overnight, but if you persevere, you can achieve your goals. You can be the person you were born to be!
