Creating a Life of Meaning

I believe Randy Pausch was able to achieve many of his childhood dreams because he was inspired by many different things. He was curious, had great parents who gave him permission to dream, and never lost his childlike wonder in life.

Dreaming is an important part of life. It gives us things to hope for and look forward to. It challenges us and gives us something to strive for. It allows us to use our imaginations, create,  and get out of our comfort zone in a non-judgmental, non-threatening way. Sometimes life changes, and sometimes life changes us. If the plan does not work, change the plan, not the dream.

One of my childhood dreams was to become a mom.  I grew up in a family of 13 children and watched my mom and the way she taught us.  As a child, I dreamed of having a beautiful home and many children.  I have in fact realized that dream.  I am now a mom to 4 great kids.  The dreams and plans don't always map out exactly how we envision them though.  I was not able to have more than 4 kids, but when I look back on it, it is perfect just the way it is.

Another childhood dream was to become an actress.  In a family of 13 children, you must make your voice heard, or possibly get lost in the shuffle.  I was a middle child and a force to be reckoned with.  I knew how to make my voice heard and was a natural-born leader.  I am not afraid to speak up and speak out.  I believe I could in fact make that dream a reality if I still had the desire and lived in the right location.  As for now, I'm perfectly content in my childhood dream and reality of being a mom to 4 of the greatest.