Weeks before my 37th birthday, I ran into a nearby bookstore with my family. My husband graciously offered to watch the kids for a minute so that I could peruse books myself.
And almost immediately, a stranger started a conversation with me. In my complete shock, it wasn't the small talk one usually finds while out and about.
Instead, this 20-year-old kid shared his favorite growth books and biggest dreams for life. (Among other things, he dreams of retiring early to pursue his passions.)
As he spoke, I couldn't help but be mesmerized by the light in his eyes. And the passion in his voice.
And long after the conversation ended, I couldn't stop thinking about the interaction.
In fact, it left me a bit of an emotional mess. On the one hand, I was incredibly inspired. What a cool kid. What a stunningly refreshing discussion coming from someone that age.
This kid knew what he wanted out of life. And he was going after it. Isn't that how life should be lived?
But hours later, I lay in bed thinking. And feeling...exhausted.
I thought of my own dreams 17 years ago. And for the most part, I'm so grateful for the life I get to live.
But, then why did I feel so dang tired? Why did that conversation leave me feeling defeated?
Here's what I've come up with:
1. Everyone is excited about their dreams at the start. It's beautiful to have a vision that calls to you. But it's the daily actions and the grind that make those dreams a reality. This can be tiring. And not nearly as fun as the vision.
2. That conversation was also a message. It's been a while since I felt the fire in my soul the way I saw it in that 20-year-olds eyes. And perhaps, it's time to dig a little deeper and open up to new dreams.
I'll be starting this by making a bucket list, and a couples bucket list too.
What about you? Have you been dreaming big dreams lately? Perhaps it's time to dust off a few!
P.S. Remember: All things are possible, except skiing through a revolving door.
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