Dreams Deferred?
2007
As I was doing some reflective work in Women Who Run With The Wolves relating to the reclamation and rediscovery of women’s souls, I discovered this image.
In my mind, this is what can happen when our dreams, goals, and aspirations are relegated to the dunghill, the trash heap, the landfill.
We were once lively dancers, brilliant artists, wonderful wordsmiths, prolific sculptors, versatile teachers, dynamic speakers, innovative mathematicians, eclectic designers, imaginative engineers, gifted medical workers, master chefs, gifted attorneys, quality builders, and (insert your dream here) – in our spirits, in our souls.
Then something happened…
© Copyright 2007 by Women Walking In Wisdom’s Footsteps™. All Rights Reserved.
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This is a Perfect Blog Post !!!
~ Alex
Alexander,
Thank you so much Alexander! I so appreciate your feedback!
Wow, wonderful photo! Says more than words could ever say. But your words are right on!
Camille NOW
Thanks so much Camille! I appreciate you coming by to see me! When I saw that image, I had the exact sentiments, that really, no words needed to be said. I just wanted to say a little something though.
Yes, that image and your words are so poignant.
Bittersweet, even.
I was just thinking of my mom, a talent seamstress who never saw that part of her gifting completely fulfilled.
At least we kids benefitted from it before her death, but I’m glad that the Lord is using my writing gift to the fullest capacity — I pray.
I don’t want to waste a second — or look back with regrets like my grandmother at the end of her life.
OK now I have to get that book. Your last post stabbed, and this one is definitely me. waaah lol. That is an awesome graphic.
One thing that happened to me is my parents gave me over to the govt. institutions to raise me. I never had any intelligent conversation with either/all parents about anything, really…nothing, because they expected the school to “teach everything”. My step-dad forbade me (by threatening to not help financially, plus aggressive anger) to take anything relating to art in college, which he said artists were lazy and a leach on society! I can’t remember the book, but somewhere I read that not allowing your child to become what they were meant to be is abuse. Somehow I felt bound and unable to disobey, I suppose some misapplied scripture about ‘honoring parents’, respect, lack of real-world training, etc. kept me stomped down and unable to give it a go on my own.
All said, God is still in control, and who knows that my pride in all my own works would have ruined me? lol. Now my kids are allowed to delve into html, computer graphics (love paint shop pro!) or whatever they want to try, because they are not in the govt. system.
Visit my post at curiouscat about my son flying a glider this weekend at age 13. The pilot who trains them tells me he and another commander think this boy is naturally gifted in flying. Sure it freaks ME out and is beyond my own preferences, but I sure don’t want him to be like that old man in that graphic above
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/curiouscat
have a great week!
It is very sad isn’t it?
You see the joy and optimism in young children…the sky isn’t even the limit. They think they can do anything.
Then as they get older the ‘truth’ starts slipping in.
You are too small to do that. You are too big to do that. Your grades are not good enough. You are not clever enough.
Each thing eroding away at the joy and optimism.
Eroding the confidence in ourselves.
Worry and self doubt set in
Real or perceived responsibilities hold us back.
Well NOW I am depressed.
Hi Paula,
While sad that your mom didn’t get an opportunity to live her dream, you have the opportunity to live yours. And God is definitely using your gift to reach the masses.
Hi Denise!
Thank you for sharing the struggles you endured growing up. Certainly they have formed how you raise your children. Your son appeared to be having a great time in that plane! It’s amazing how what our parents did or didn’t do affects how we want to see our own children grow and develop.
Crunchy Carpets,
Please don’t be depressed (I am unsure whether or not you’re sort of kidding or not). Nevertheless, sometimes we need a bit of “jarring.” Sometimes we don’t know of the ruts we’ve placed ourselves in. It’s a matter of attempting to reclaim that which is lost. And I don’t think it’s ever too late to do that.
Hi KWiz
This is such a great photo. It really makes you stop and think. Thanks for sharing it.
Your words with the photo are just enough and just right. A great post!
Can you tell me where the image comes from please?
All the best
Yvonne
Hi Yvonne,
Thank you for the compliment! I discovered the photo on another blog. I asked the author of that blog where he got it from, and although he didn’t respond to my inquiry himself, someone else asked him the question before I did. He indicated he saw found it on the StumbleUpon social networking site. I went to StumbleUpon and was not able to find it. I also tried googling it, and wasn’t able to find it. Of course, I wanted to ensure I wasn’t using it without permission. But again, I wasn’t able to find it copyrighted anywhere, so I took a “small” risk and used it in the post. I’m still searching for it, but so far, I’ve discovered nothing.
Hi KWiz
Thanks. If you ever track it down, I’d love to know the source. It is rather special, isn’t it? In the meantime, if I come across it, I’ll be sure to let you know.
All the best.
Yvonne
As one of millions diagnosed with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome each year, I found your words for this image not only apt but also heartbreaking in their truth.
To me, this image not only represents how we will appear as we age, but also how, when circumstances and genetics are combined in a specific way, we will feel on the inside if we don’t spend more time sowing and harvesting our hearts and souls by pursuing our innermost dreams and aspirations.
Before I became ill will these horrendous, indescribable conditions, one of which only “Seabiscuit” author Laura Hillenbrand seems able to capture in words, I was filled with dreams, goals and aspirations.
Like the majority of people in their 20s and 30s, I spent far too much time caught up in this great “universal competition” — to where, I don’t know. With all the research dollars spent, there is still no cure for either one of these conditions, which destroy the experience of living.
That I should have spent more time on nourishing my spirit was a difficult and bittersweet lesson to learn, and one I wish I had learned far earlier in life, because since my late 30s, I am fortunate if I am able to complete a few activities of daily living a few times a week. I am now 44.
Thank you, KWiz, for your words of wisdom.
Hi Katvil,
I’ve done a little research on fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. I can’t even try to imagine the pain you must be going through. I pray for healing for your body and mind, knowing that might not be the best comfort to you.
But know this – I’ll be 43 this year, and it’s never too late to nourish your spirit. Again, I don’t know what you’re going through physically,but I think it depends on how we go about doing it. Please forgive me if I’m being insensitive or just ignorant.