Dream Journal

To Dream or Not to Dream - that is the Question?

I’ve never been one who wakes from sleep recalling every detail of a dream.  I actually believe my mind shuts down, forcing my slumber to be a black veil of nothingness.   What I fail to accomplish during the state of mind and body, characterized by altered consciousness, I recognize fully during the hours of wakefulness.   Simply stated…  I like to Dream with my eyes open.

A few weeks back, I read of a mother who was having problems with her teenage daughter.  She was acting out and seemed unable to communicate her feelings.  This wise mom decided to bring her child to a quiet place where they could be alone.  Sitting across from one another – the mother simply placed 2 beautiful leather journals on the table.  She instructed her daughter to choose one and to begin writing her dreams on the pages.  She encouraged her to doodle her feelings and express her goals in pictures or with words.  The daughter smiled and gladly choose one, asking what the second journal was for.  “Oh, that one is for me, it's time I start dreaming again.”

Dreams take courage at any age, but from where I stand – dreams come with a deadline.   It is a middle age reality to see what goals have been realized, what dreams have been tweaked.  This is an easy view of the past.   But being fearless to envision the future with possibilities broader and deeper than anything you ever dared to image - is a serious journal entry, my friend!

I live with an illness that can make dreaming impossible.  Sometimes I have to hold off plans for tomorrow and simply get through the day.  It is in these difficult moments that I stare at the blank page – unable to lift the pen, unable to dream for myself.   I have learned to just relax in these moments and to not let fear rob me of the precious gift of dreaming. 

And there are days living with responsibilities too great to allow for such foolishness.  Dreams are hard to set into motion when the bonds of obligation hold you down. And then there are days living simply to please others, sacrificing the freedom found in selfish imaginings.

But still I dream. 

Many times altering them to fit new boundaries.

Oftentimes envisioning paths unknown.

But still I dream.

How I’d love to share some of my doodles.

Let you peek at my writings and glance in the direction of my hopes.

But instead of telling of my dreams

My life will be an open book
Showing them to you

in the very way that I live.

Is it time to start dreaming again?