Real Dreams aren't free. They cost a lot; dreams cost a whole lot.We are always taught to value security, comfort, and systems. Essentially, the properly trained American has been conditioned to fear "complete freedom" and embrace the "predictable future" - college, job, family, old age, death. We live in a culture where as early as kindergarten, kids are ready and itching to be "grown." They want grown relationships, grown money, grown jobs, and, surprisingly, grown drama. Me, I always have and always will maintain my mantra: "I don't want to grow up, I'm a TOYS 'R US kid!"...maybe drop the second clause.
The fact of the matter is, most of us are too cheap to ever go after them.
I've just always seen through the shallow sales pitch society offers. They told me to get a house, and I thought "why not travel or have 3?" They said get a license and buy a car, and I thought "I like walking. It gets me to where I want to go and keeps me healthy." They told me to get a job, and I thought "Why a have a 'job?' Why can't I just survive off of learning and expressing my gifts." To me, the American dream was simply depressing. I actually saw it as perhaps the best example of depression manifested. From my perspective, the "dream" they sell us is little more than confinement, unfulfilled potential, a distraction if you will, a dead end. It's a one-way street lined with regrets and poorly-traded desires. I want no part in it. Sure, maybe I'll end up there by happenstance but the route I seek allows me to explore life and the time I've been given in the most liberated way possible.
The Road Less-Traveled: You could say Americans promote this concept as well, but that's a lie. Promotion involves more than just lip service but actual follow-through and assistance. Our society provides us every opportunity and resource needed to achieve the "American Dream" - scholarships, commercial reminders, testimonials, loans, grants, organizations, government. Indeed the "American Dream IS promoted. Now compare that to the assistance provided those along the "Road Less-Traveled." ...Yep. Consequently, the high cost I mentioned earlier.
Real Dreams require personal investment, constant maintenance, and a good sense of direction because they will take you everywhere as they evolve.
You all know that I am actively chasing my music dream and have taken a few big first steps. Here's the reality: I have to shell out cash & large amounts of time, I'm really depleting my self-confidence reserves and can't seem to get any substantial "encouragement loans." It appears that the friend/family banks are uneasy about supporting unfamiliar ventures. But hey, my spirits are lifted every time I think about the path I'm on - the mystery, the excitement, the potential. When I think on these things, I am proud.
Actually, the more I think about the costs associated with the less-traveled road, the more I realize they pale in comparison to the price paid for the "dream" society promotes. After all, Money & Time are meant to be used up and spent wisely (the way we choose). Potential & Gifts/Talents on the other hand were meant to be reached and displayed, not discarded.
Again:
Money & Time are meant to be used up and spent wisely (however we choose). Potential & Gifts on the other hand were meant to be reached and displayed, not discarded.
Is it me or does society have this backwards?
Yes, I'm still the same questioning elementary school child with the warped life outlook... No, I won't trade it in. Read more...
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