Some days, when I have to remind myself that I actually voluntarily put myself into the job that I’m in, I let my mind wander to a place of dreams–dreams where I’m not having to constantly monitor and babysit what 150 teenagers are doing every second and where my job isn’t notoriously known for being underpaid and underappreciated.
It’s on days like this when I remind myself that I still have dreams—big dreams.
And even though there’s a possibility that I might not be able to accomplish all (or even any) of these dreams because many would require me being selfish and sacrificing greater blessings (such as having a family), a girl’s still gotta dream that maybe someday, some of this will become possible.
Here are a few of my dreams:
1. I want to become a yoga instructor. Ever since I really let myself try out yoga a couple years ago, I’ve been hooked. Even though I’m not nearly as flexible (yet!) as I would need to be as an instructor, I still would love to get certified. Unfortunately, the amount of money that would take is not in the cards right now. (P.S. The picture above was taken a few years ago, when I took my first yoga class.)
2. I’ve always had the dream of being a freelance writer for a national magazine, like Oprah or Country Living. Since I’ve always been obsessed with magazines, I guess it only makes sense that I’ve always wanted to work at one.
3. You know what would be a dream job for me? If people paid me to do their family history and genaeology for them. Since I’ve recently become obsessed with looking for my ancestors (and helping other people look for theirs), I would love to turn it into a paying thing.
4. Although most days I don’t mind teaching 12- and 13-year-olds, one of my dreams has always been to go back to school, get my master’s and PhD, and then teach a college creative writing course. I’ve dreamed about it for years. (I mean, just imagine–I wouldn’t have to deal with crazy parents, get fingers pointed at me when students don’t turn in their homework, or have to deal with people judging me based on my class’s standardized test scores. Amazing!)
5. Going along with #4 (kinda), I’ve always wanted to be a writer. Of course, for this to happen, I’ve first got to learn to get over my procrastination habit, which is something I’ve been putting off for years. (Get it?)
6. Even though actually doing this might kill my dream for it, I’ve always thought it would be awesome to renovate an old cottage–inside, exterior, garden, everything. In all reality, I’m not sure if I personally want to actually DO all the work to renovate it (except the garden)–I mostly just want a say in how it all comes out. And then sell it for a lot of money. Or use it as a summer house. I’m flexible like that.
7. Even though my age is quickly pushing this dream farther and farther away into the realm of “yeah right,” I’ve always wanted to really learn how to dance well. Being a part-time dance instructor at my school is fun and all (and partly fulfills this dream), but I feel sometimes like it’s the blind leading the blind. I would love to be good enough at dancing to be a part of a team or enter competitions or something. I always felt that dancing was one of those things that I gave up on way too young.
8. Since receiving my own violin when I was 12, I’ve had the dream of playing in an orchestra someday. Of course, this would require that I actually start taking lessons again and practicing, which I always seem to be too busy or too poor to do.
9. On my life’s bucket list, I’ve written down the goal to visit every country in the world. Granted, this is a really hefty goal that would require tons of money, but I definitely want to try to get as far on this goal as I possibly can since I’m obsessed with traveling.
10. In recent years, I’ve developed a hankering to take some fancy-pants cooking classes. I think a secret part of me was supposed to be a gourmet dessert chef or something.
11. Someday, I’d like to have a completely clutter-free, spotless house. Hey, I can dream, can’t I?
What are some of your dreams?
