“Mom, when you were a little girl like me, what did you want to become, but you weren’t able to?”
This was just a simple question that my daughter, Greta (7 years old), asked me yesterday on our way home from the grocery store. It took me a while to respond. As a little girl, I had so many big dreams.
I dreamed of being a doctor, healing all of my stuffed animals from the most dangerous and most infective diseases was my main purpose! A few years later, I chose paper and colored pencils as my favorite toys because my new project was to become an architect, an artist.There were so many drawings, sketches and pencils throughout my childhood. While I was lost in my thoughts, reminiscing of my childhood dreams, Greta was impatiently waiting for an answer.
Life is full of compromises.
Of course I didn’t end up becoming a doctor or an artist. Instead, I studied biology, which I loved. But when I confessed to my sweet Greta that my dreams didn’t come true, she was quite disappointed.
I turned back the question to my little girl and she assured me that she’ll become an actress.
She’s quite a determined little girl, which is why she wasn’t happy with my answer. I could read disappointment in her eyes, and few seconds later she asked me a harder and slightly embarrassing question, “Why didn’t you pursue your goals?” Thankfully, we arrived home and our trip was over.
Later, when both kids were in bed, and I was in my own peace, I tried to answer her simple follow-up question. The conclusion I came to was life is full of compromises. Every time I had to make a big decision there were so many people around me saying what to do or not to do. They were telling me which way to go, if you will. I often listen to the people around me and landed on a different path. Though I enjoyed these adventures, I always knew I wasn’t quite where my heart would have led me.
Three years ago I had to decide again what to do in my life. Only this time I didn’t listen anyone but my own heart. Again, there were whispers…maybe I am too old to start a photography career, maybe I should follow my nutrition interest, or perhaps it would be easier to get a job with my Biology degree. I tuned out those whispers and I decided to follow what made my heart beat. And so my photography journey began.
When I look at my kids, both Greta and Ricky, I see myself in them. I see me when I was a young lady, full of big dreams, as well as creeping fears. I know times will come when they’re both approached with choosing a path. I hope when it’s time to make a decision, they’ll take a leap of faith. I want to be wind for my kids to fly, not anchor that keeps them tethered to my wishes for their life.
And what about you?
What about YOUR DREAMS? I’m genuinely curious about yours! Write in the comment below!
