What happens to a dream deferred?

– Langston Hughes

Are you living your dream?  Are you even aware of what your dream is?

For many of us, the answer to the first question is “no.”  And for some of us, the answer to the second question is also “no.”  If this is the case for the reader, then my question to you is…why not?

Langston Hughes is considered to be the leader of the Harlem Renaissance. A pioneer of his time.  And while this poem nay have been in regard to the “American Dream” for African Americans, he poses a relative question for the individual, and gives possible answers.

What happens when your dream is deferred?  Does it simply go away (dry up like a raisin in the sun)?  Or does it stick with you for a while, and then leave (fester like a sore, and then run)? Does it annoy you?  Make you sick (stink like rotten meat)?  Or maybe even just stay there….lingering while being covered with other stuff (crust and sugar over)?  Does it start to become a weight on you? A burden to bear (sags like a heavy load)? Or does it eventually cause a spontaneous, hostile, angry reaction (explode)?

It is my position that we are all put here for a reason.  We ALL have a purpose.  This purpose isn’t found by going out of our way to “find ourselves,” rather, it is something that is deep within.  Something that requires an introspective look.  But…the question is, what happens when we just…don’t go toward our dream/purpose?

In my experience, it becomes a heavy load.  Something that festers and I simply can’t shake it.  Left alone or ignored long enough, it can cause feelings of anger or even depression.  Of course, this is just me.  But I’m willing to bet money that I’m not the only one with this experience.  So then what does one do?

Surrender.  That’s what you do.  You give up *your* will and go toward your intended purpose.  Which can be is scary.  And depending on where you are in life, it can require a lot of sacrifice.   It may even be something that takes time, which is hard because you won’t receive immediate gratification.  But it WILL all be worth it.

If you are someone who has a dream and aren’t yet living it, I encourage you to take some time and make a plan.  The results of not doing so could leave you feeling unsatisfied, unfulfilled, discouraged, and ultimately like a failure.  I encourage you to take the very first step.  If you’re reading this, then I’m assuming you’re on a device that has internet access.  Look up your end result, your big dream, and figure out the steps that you must take to get there.

Make a plan.  Know what you’re going to do.  You WILL feel overwhelmed.  I’m telling you that.  You will.  Because you’ll start thinking about ALL that has to be done.  That’s fine.  But then take a deep breath, and break the big dream up to little ATTAINABLE (that’s really important) pieces.  Make small, reachable goals. And relax.

I am a believer that whenever you’re moving toward whatever your purpose is, the pieces WILL fall into place.  It may not be easy, and you may suffer some setbacks, but keep going.  You’re going to have to work for it.  And that’s fine. Put in the work.  People may not understand it.  SO WHAT?  It’s not about them. You want people who are in your corner and are supportive anyway.  THOSE are the people who are really going to make the difference here.  Why?  Because you’ll probably become discouraged and frustrated.  And you’ll probably talk to them.  And they’ll let you know that you CAN do this.  And then you’ll get your second (third, fourth, fifth!?!?) wind.

Chase your dream.  It’s worth it. And more importantly, YOU’RE worth it.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. – Jeremiah 29:11

Peace.

Email —-> TashaSays@Outlook.com
Twitter —> @TashaSaysDotCom