The death of a dream, and how to deal...

[SusanNorton]

Have any of you ever realized that something you've dreamed of for most of your life will never come true? How do you handle this? Do you find something else to aim for? Do you accept your limitations and decide to just live the life you have, hoping that the disappointment will fade?

[Srbo]

Very good thread, Susan.

This may sound corny, but it`s the truth - I had dreams, big dreams of being this and that in life.
`Till I hit 18 and the war in my country started.
Ever since then I have one dream, and one dream only - as John Lennon would say " Give peace a chance".
Everything else is secondary, at least for me.

I am satisfied with every little thing I have, with every second I`m alive and breathing, I can only try to do good to the best of my abilities, if I do it fine, if not, at least I tried. And I don`t get disappointed.
Not anymore, I don`t.

[Spideyman]

Guess my philosophy is never give up. As long as you are still on this side of the dirt, all things are possible. Had a dream for 35 years of my life. Realized it this past November. Life is so good. Now, next dream is to win the lottery big. Possible????

[Samantha_]

No. I guess I'm a dreamer, but I still believe anything is possible. Not to say reality hasn't intruded and changed life around. However, I think life and dreams can always change, again.

[catnoel]

I think it is human nature to have a "dream" or a goal to aspire too. Now your dream during the path of your life may change due to you changing. I do not want the same things I wanted at 20!!! Sometimes you acquire the "dream" and it ain't what you expected either. I have learned you don't always get what you want but you almost always get what you need. I also have learned to accept my reality and appreciate what I have now. If your dream is truly not possible (for now), accept it, mourn it, and then dust yourself off and find yourself a new dream!!! Keep it moving...Keep it moving....!!!!

[staropeace]

My dreams of being a writer...I know I can write when I set my mind to it but I do not find it much of a pleasure. Other friends who are published authors(and I know several) give me grief about not getting off my butt and finishing something. I do not have the confidence in myself to do it and never will...I do not think so.

[The Mangler]

'If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it.'

'It is good to dream, but it is better to dream and work. Faith is mighty, but action with faith is mightier.'

'It is unfulfilled dreams that keep you alive.'

Three quotes I love.

My advice - If you have a dream, you can make it happen. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication, but there is nothing in this world that is impossible to achieve if you have enough faith in yourself and your abilities.

[Doc Wilson]

Unfortunately, of late I have begun to think that letting go of dreams is an inevitable part of the aging process. Even for those who are successful.

[Sigmund]

Some things you just can't change-no matter how hard you try or how great your faith. Some things you don't "get over" you learn to get around them. Somethings you accept with resignation.
But dreams...by definition they are things that you can imagine and aspire to...you can't fail if you don't quit trying.
I'm older than dirt but my dream of getting PhD. in Forensics is still very much alive. Profiling as a consultant is still very possible dream. I keep studying, networking etc.
My son is 17 and although he's a great kid he's a TEENAGER and those creatures are mecurial, to say the least. But I do dream of him graduating with a PhD, getting married and having a couple of kids. In that order. It may occur the way I dream it but...It may happen the way he dreams it.
Yes Virginia, there are dreams. And dreams can come true.

[PatInTheHat]

Hmm, I don't know how I can explain this exactly, but one day I guess I just decided I didn't like to be all that ambitious anymore, or at least motivated by ambition..somethin' like that.
(I'm motivated by some the oddest things, but unfortunately (or fortunately as the case maybe), bein' a big time success story sure don't seem to be one of 'em)
To fulfill a dream, I think most times you need that motivation, but then it won't be a dream anymore, and I kinda like havin' the ones I got.
They're cozy old friends I'd much rather hold on to, than I would part with...somethin' like that.
I mean first off, they don't talk too much, and they have yet to eat me out of house & home in the middle of the night, plus they never re-arrange my stuff to suit themselves when they drop by unexpectedly for a little visit..perfect!

I'm especially holding on to the dream that my childhood hero, a certain Mister Hugh Hefner, will eventually call me to help him out with the light work (I'ma very handy man)...why yes, yes in fact I have sent a resume' (okay, so maybe I was like thirteen..I was ambitious back then, remember?).
Hey, a boy's gotta have hisself some dreams, but I'm not entirely all that positive, speaking for myself of course, having them all fulfilled is necessarily a good thing!

Get one more day, and if I get one more chuckle and give one more giggle in that day, then I like to think I'm already livin' a dream.
(now throw in some fried chicken, fresh buttermilk biscuits, and tasty but not too sweet cole slaw with them yucks, and see how quickly becomes a whole 'nother kinda dream...moist some might say)