For as long as I can remember, I’ve had crazy dreams of what I want to accomplish in my life. Dreams have ranged from being the female Indiana Jones to being a New York Times Bestselling author, and almost everything in between.
Some dreams were fleeting. Some still live on in pure daydream mode (I mean, who doesn’t want to be Indiana Jones?). Others are still the big life dreams I’m working to achieve someday.
Before I had kids, it was easy to put off the work to an unspecified future date. I have my entire life in front of me, so why not waste entire weekends binge-watching Top Chef?
When my sons came along, I operated in pure survival mode for the first few years. The learning curve for being a parent is long and hard. Over the last year or so, I’ve felt myself starting to come out on the other side.
Parenting is still incredibly hard, but I’m learning to trust myself more. I know what I’m doing. I have a handle on the day to day (most of the time).
At the same time, my sons are now in first grade and preschool. They’re starting to talk about their own goals and what they want to be when they grow up. It’s becoming increasingly important to me that I set a positive example.
I want them to see me working hard on my goals. I want them to see my success. To see me struggle.
I hope they learn the importance of working hard. That what we want most won’t miraculously appear in front of us, but that we have to put in the time and hours to achieve it. I hope they learn that it’s okay to run into obstacles. It’s even okay to fail.
It’s in the obstacles and failure that we learn and grow the most.
And in return, they provide me with the enthusiasm and motivation only our kids are able to provide. And they’re given permission to dream their own dreams. And to pursue them with vigor.
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Photo Credit: Pixabay