Striving for Our Dreams Shouldn't Make Us Forget the Joys of Today
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Chapter 1: The Journey Begins
The idea that "I'll be happy once I achieve this" is a common pitfall that can cause us to overlook the beauty of the present moment.
In 2020, life felt like the Wild West. There were toilet paper shortages, and faces masked by bandanas became the norm. It was during this perplexing time that my partner, Greg, and I decided to take a bold step. We left our jobs, embraced our curiosity, and launched The Dare to Dream Podcast to chronicle our adventures.
As we pursued our dreams more earnestly and honed our aspirations, the pressure that initially weighed us down started to lift. It hasn't been a straightforward journey; we've encountered highs and lows, and there’s still a long way ahead. However, during Greg's trip to Japan, we recognized that the ultimate destination, wherever that may be, is not what truly matters.
I cherish that chaotic chapter of our lives; it opened our eyes to endless possibilities and inspired us to invest in ourselves. If not now, then when? We embarked on this adventure to motivate others to take that initial leap. That's all it takes to alter the trajectory of your life. Since we began this path, creativity, passion, and love have become our guiding lights. This is the greatest reward that following your dreams can offer.
While in Japan, we enjoyed coffee and lemon sours, discussing our bold aspirations. Whether hiking or relaxing on a hostel porch in the rain, we contemplated the lives we aspire to lead. Yet, we pondered whether achieving those dreams would truly bring us greater happiness than we feel today. The age-old question remains: once I reach that point, will I finally be satisfied?
Alan Watts, the 20th-century philosopher, noted, “Human beings seem to be happy as long as they have a future to anticipate.” Whether it’s a promising day ahead or an eternal life beyond our current existence, if our happiness hinges on future events, we may find ourselves chasing an elusive mirage, ultimately losing sight of the present.
While having goals is crucial for motivation, it’s essential to avoid losing ourselves in the pursuit. We must feel that we are making progress toward something meaningful, even if that something is simply discovering what ignites our passion.
Yet, the pursuit of our dreams should never obscure the wonders of today.
While exercising in a sunlit local park, Greg and I expressed our gratitude for being alive—an acknowledgment we don’t take lightly. We are here, physically capable, and present in this moment.
This life is a precious gift, and we felt like kids reveling in the joy of existence—because that’s what life is about: savoring every second that passes. Our purpose here is to relish the marvel of being human, which cannot be altered by reaching a mythical finish line, accumulating wealth, achieving status, or increasing our follower count.
As our dreams have taken shape, the initial pressure we felt has surprisingly diminished. It’s vital to set your goals and identify your guiding star; having a direction is important, but so is letting go of the burden. We trust that we will arrive where we are meant to be, but what truly matters is to appreciate every step of the way, even when the journey is painful.
As you gaze at that distant, shining star, remember that it’s perfectly acceptable to pause and follow the beauty of the starry night, even if it leads you somewhere unexpected.
This narrative was originally shared in my weekly newsletter, Citoyens du Monde, sent every Friday morning. Join me to stay updated on my travels in Japan and beyond.
Section 1.1: The Call to Adventure
Taking the leap into the unknown can be daunting, but it’s often where the most profound growth occurs.
Subsection 1.1.1: Embracing Change
Section 1.2: Reflecting on Happiness
Happiness is often thought to be tied to future achievements, but what if it lies in our present experiences?
Chapter 2: The Inspiration of Today
In our quest to document our journey, we realized the importance of enjoying the moment.
The video titled "Sing along Songs: It's Wondrous from Wondrous Journeys - Disneyland Lyric Video" captures the essence of joy found in the present. It reminds us that while dreams are important, celebrating the journey and the here-and-now is equally vital.