Monday, May 9, 2011

On Art and the Pursuit of Dreams

I believe that everyone is an artist. Whether you write poetry, fiction, or non-fiction, business articles, journals or diary entries; whether you are a painter, sculptor, singer, actor, speaker or dancer, self-expression is part of your life. You may believe that you have no artistic talent, but consider the inspiration a mother or father gives a child when reading a favorite book aloud. Think about the inspiration a coach or mentor gives a business colleague when they have made a mistake or when they try to find the solution to a problem. It's all art, friends! And...it's all part of the pursuit of the dream.


Your dreams may be gargantuan ("I want to be the leader of the free world") or they may be small ("I want to learn to speak another language"). One dream may build on another. Much like a child must learn to balance before he or she can run, many of our dreams require long-term dedication and persistence. Perhaps others do not understand your dreams. They may think you are focusing on things that are unimportant. Don't let that discourage you! 


Every dream is  a work of art and sometimes you are the only one who sees the vision. Buy a journal and write about what you want to achieve the next day. Write about your struggles to accomplish your goals. Write about the joy you feel when you achieve an objective or overcome an obstacle. Sing a favorite song that describes how you are feeling on this day. Dance to your favorite music in the privacy of your own home or on the sidewalk. Express what you feel...good or bad...and go forward! 


Dreams may be elusive, but we can live in our dreams every day and by living the next step, we create art, envision reality and bring our dreams to fruition. It is in this execution that others see the beautiful expression of life. Imagine that your struggle to bring a dream to fruition can become the inspiration for others...and the ripples flow outward into the world! Isn't that the greatest form of artistic expression? 


Dream on!