Find Your Way Back

What did you want to be when you grew up? What was your answer to that question?

I wonder why we even ask children such existential questions about the future before they can legally drive a car. Well it is because kids really know how to dream. We often hear the term “having a child-like curiosity” which refers to one’s openness to discover, imagine, and grow. This points to the idea that children have an uncanny ability to look well beyond the immediate reality they are exposed to.  I remember the days of no bills, taxes, or chores fondly.

Children draw in coloring books, often with no regard for the lines and borders. They have tea parties with stuffed animals, make imaginary friends, and play firefighters, chefs, or championship belt wielding wrestlers. They are allowed to dream and do so with excitement in their hearts and smiles on their faces.

However, as they get older, that which we call reality begins to set in. The need to “grow up” becomes more prevalent and the environment around them moves them towards the need to push aside childish hopes and dreams. “So you want to be a firefighter, eh? you could get burned, are you sure you want that?”

Even when children chase a dream and are good at them, they are often questioned. I think back to an interview of then 14 year old Venus Williams during her undefeated run of the USTA tennis junior tour. In this interview after showcasing her conviction in her ability to continue this winning streak, the journalist responds with immense doubt: “You say it so easily. Why?” (We know how Venus’ story panned out by the way). Why? Why not?  

At some point in our story, whether from external voices or our own, we are encouraged to give up on our desires. We are led to believe that the weight of reality is too heavy for us to carry with  our trivial dreams. Harmful mindsets such as Self-Doubt, Imposter Syndrome, and more become our new status quo. We move away from that child-like audacity and choose what is predictable, known, safe.

So I ask: When was the moment you lost your ability to dream?

When did life convince you that you had to conform to what is, and not seek what could be?

More of our experience and environment convinces us of what we cannot do. It is interesting to note that while experience is always valuable, it can often cause us to create mental borders around what is possible. It can riddle us with doubt, and make us fearful of our own potential.

Therefore, we must return to our origin. We cannot rely on these rigid self-made rules when we exist in an ever-changing world. We too, must re-learn to be adaptable and confident in achieving our unconventional dream. We find that innovation is born when we dare to draw outside the lines. We must therefore take time to return to our beginnings. When we find our way back to this child-like curiosity for what could be, we can now put in the work necessary to make our dream become our new reality. We give ourselves permission to realize our greatest self, which gives others permission to do the same.

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